llustrious Theatre Company hosts third year of improvisational comedy

WARWICK-The Illustrious Theatre Company, in residence at the Warwick Valley Winery, will kick off its third season on Halloween weekend with two nights of improvisational comedy, followed by a production of the comedy "Fuddy Meers" in February, another comedy, "1959 Pink Thunderbird," in April, and for three weekends in July, the outdoor series Shakespeare in the Orchard. The season opens on Oct. 29-30 with Improv at the Winery: Whose Wine Is It Anyway?, an evening of improvisational comedy very loosely based on the popular TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway".  The true genesis of the concept for the evening lies in the improv troupes which emerged in the 70's, such as Second City in Chicago and The Improvisation in Boston.  The evening presents performers from within the ITC whose forte is both improvisation and comedy.  Even though the actors will incorporate some of the "theater games" used on the TV show, they will also perform many other improvs, especially those that will encourage the audience to participate with suggestions and ideas. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Shakespeare in the Orchard series.  Tickets are $15 and are on sale now at the Warwick Valley Winery, 114 Little York Road in Warwick, The Bookstore, 20 Main Street in Warwick, or by phone at 845-258-4858.  Advance purchase is recommended.  Showtime is 8 p.m. with seating beginning an hour earlier for those who wish to purchase something to eat from the winery's bistro style menu or to drink from its assortment of wines and ciders. On Feb. 11-27, the theater will present "Fuddy Meers," an outrageous comedy by David Lindsey-Abaire.  Originally produced by The Manhattan Theatre Club, the play was such a success that it was moved to the Minetta Lane Theatre.  Critically acclaimed as a brilliant comedy, it is a daring piece that is laced with dark humor and zany characters. The "1959 Pink Thunderbird" by James McLure, scheduled for April 22-May 7, is an evening of two one-act plays: "Laundry and Bourbon" and "Lone Star."  Both comedies work together as companion pieces, one telling the story of three women from a small town in Texas and the other the story of three of the men.  "Laundry and Bourbon" combines humor with a bittersweet, poignant undertone, while Lone Star is pure comedy, bawdy and farcical. Shows under consideration for next summer's Shakespeare in the Orchard series are "Romeo and Juliet," "As You Like It" and "Twelfth Night."  The outdoor production is scheduled for July 8-24.  For more information, call 973-764-4936.