What is Gravid Water?

Created and directed by Stephen Ruddy, an actor and an improvisor are paired. The actor is given one side of a scene to memorize from a published play (or, on rare occasions, a musical). The improvisor knows nothing about the scene or the character the actor is playing, and must improvise their side of the play. The actor cannot stray from the script at all, and must tailor their line readings to have it all make sense. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it does not. But it’s always a fun ride for performers and audience alike.

The actors have varied backgrounds, but most of them have been seen on and off Broadway. And the improvisors are all stunningly brilliant UCB veterans, and some can even be found on your TV dial. 

There are usually 5 or 6 scenes performed in an evening, which lasts about an hour. And it’s only five bucks - best Monday night deal in town! Of course, a lot of other New Yorkers know this, and the place is pretty regularly packed. So if you want to go, you should make reservations:

http://newyork.ucbtheatre.com/shows/656

I have Jonathan Kaplan (a longtime GW regular) to thank for getting me involved with this.

Here’s a record of the fun I’ve had with Gravid Water thus far:

November 29, 2010

Scene and song (“Sue Me”) from GUYS AND DOLLS with Michael Delaney

June 28, 2010

Scene from THE GAME with Anthony King

March 29, 2010

Scene from THE NINA VARIATIONS with Anthony King

November 30, 2009: 

Scene from THREE CHANGES with Scott Adsit

September 28, 2009:

Scene from LIFE SCIENCE with Anthony King

August 31, 2009:

Scene from THE TRAVELING LADY with Michael Delaney, and Jenn Schatz was a second actor in this scene, playing my “daughter.”

July 27, 2009:

Scene from VILLAGE WOOING with Michael Delaney

June 29, 2009:

Scene from LEND ME A TENOR with Michael Delaney

May 25, 2009:

Scene from CARL THE SECOND with Jason Sudekis

April 27, 2009:

Scene from ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN with Scott Adsit

February 23, 2009:

Scene from FRANKIE GETTING MARRIED -- AND AFTERWARDS  with Peter Grosz

December 29, 2008:

Scene from GROTESQUE LOVESONGS with Anthony King

September 29, 2008:

Scene from THE ADDING MACHINE with Becky Drysdale

August 25, 2008:

Scene from BFF with Scott Adsit

So, what have we learned, kids?

That being the straight man is an important and wonderful thing.

Support your hilarious partner, and not just because they are brilliant.