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The food court musical

March 26, 2009

in fun stuff, videos

This is one of the most entertaining videos I’ve seen in a long time. Like many, when I watch a musical I sometimes snicker and try to imagine people in real life just breaking out into song. Here, they do, at a Los Angeles mall food court.

The New York-based improv troupe, Improv Everywhere, planted 16 of its members (”agents”) at the food court in various roles, from employees to patrons. As explained on the group’’s blog, the song was rehearsed and two-way mirrors helped the hidden cameras to catch the action. Only the managers of the mall and the concession stand where it all begins were in on it and the reactions of some of the real customers are as much fun as the song itself.

Napkin, anyone?

<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=dkYZ6rbPU2M">http://youtube.com/watch?v=dkYZ6rbPU2M</a>

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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Word Bandit March 27, 2009 at 7:55 am

This is very cool. I love the whole thing . . . the performance, the reactions . . . I thought it especially interesting that by the end, most everyone knew to applaud.

Says a lot about the imagination’s workings, our sense of shared values (appreciation), and the relationship between actor and audience.

Very interesting on a lot of levels; plus just FUN.

:-) Thanks!

Word Bandit’s last blog post..Quadrillions!

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2 ellaella March 27, 2009 at 8:59 am

I had a feeling you’d like it too. Most of their work is done in NY and they pulled off a fabulous one in Grand Central with 200 “agents” who just froze in place. The reactions from some of the bystanders were wonderful as they tried to figure out what was happening.

Yep, fun stuff! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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3 Word Bandit March 27, 2009 at 9:03 am

Ohhhhhhhh, I didn’t realize it was that group.

Thanks for the clue; that Grand Central thang was a hoot also.

Word Bandit’s last blog post..Quadrillions!

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4 ellaella March 27, 2009 at 1:33 pm

Yep, that’s who. Their latest was in a subway station. They’re good!

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5 shoreacres March 27, 2009 at 9:44 pm

Loved watching the “audience” watch the show, and each other. Such fun! It pulled me right in, even knowing ahead of time it was coming. This one’s worth sharing – thanks!

shoreacres’s last blog post..An Almost Silent Spring

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6 ellaella March 28, 2009 at 7:32 am

And the song is stuck in my brain now and I just know the next time I see someone spill something I’m going to giggle. Glad you liked it!

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7 Eisoj5 March 29, 2009 at 4:10 pm

I spent ALL DAY yesterday browsing all their past missions because of this post!! :D

(Also, thanks for the two-ingredient truffles recipe. My workplace loved them!)

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8 ellaella March 29, 2009 at 7:32 pm

Welcome Eisoj5! There are worse ways to spend a Saturday, aren’t there? :D They are so very clever.

I’m glad you and your colleagues enjoyed the truffles. I love them too, especially their ease. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and I hope you’ll be back.

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