There’s nothing better than taking a break to kick back, relax, and have a few laughs, and there’s no better way to do that than unscripted comedy. On Thursday, February 23, the Valparaiso High School (VHS) Drama Club held its opening night of the 21st annual Mocha Madness, VHS’s "Whose Line is it Anyway?" style improv show. The students danced, sang, and acted their hearts out as they put on a spectacular show that had the audience rolling with laughter the entire night.
Mocha Madness is a winter show that allows VHS students to put their improv skills to the test. Over 40 students are divided into teams, and the students have to work with their teammates to play all kinds of different games on stage. Each game has some rules, but the content, characters, and dialogue are completely made up on the spot and incredibly hilarious.
The kids spent two months preparing and learning everything there is to know about improv. Director Matt McCann spoke about how great it’s been working with the kids and helping them improve.
“It’s cool to see them grow. There are kids who come out who have never done anything like this before, and then at the end of six or eight weeks, they’re able to perform with kids who have been doing this for four years. It’s just really cool to see kids develop from being a person who is really shy to a person who owns the stage,” said McCann.
Connor O’Dell, a senior in the show, believes that he wouldn’t be nearly as confident as he is today without improv.
“McCann has always said to us that improv is the most important thing you’ll learn in high school, and every day since I started taking my first improv workshop here, I feel like that becomes more and more true. I feel like I’ve gained so much confidence. We’re all COVID kids, so it’s definitely helped us break out of our shells,” said O’Dell.
Onstage, the kids definitely had no issues coming out of their shells. As the kids worked together to put on humorous skits, it was clear they loved every second of being a team.
“It’s like a safe place. It’s a type of environment that anyone and everyone can fit into and it’s been a home to me for four years,” said Senior Evyenia Lawley.
Throughout the show, the students did their best to make the audience feel just as much a part of the show as they were. They asked people questions and encouraged everyone to interact. It made the show an even more immersive experience.
“It gives people a nice break from reality for a bit. We like to use audience suggestions and try to get the audience involved as much as possible, so it sort of forces them to put away their phones and take a moment. It’s just a good escape,” said Lawley.
Overall, Mocha Madness is the perfect show for anyone looking for a great time and even greater laughs. The show is not only funny but incredibly heartwarming as the audience gets to see firsthand how passionate these students are. It’s definitely a show community members won’t want to miss.
For the people who missed tonight’s show, don’t fret! There will be additional shows on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25 at 7 p.m. There will also be a final show on Sunday, February, 26 at 2 p.m. that will have a special twist. So head on out to VHS for an unforgettable performance of spontaneous fun.
“We want people to come to the first night, love it, and then come again, again, and again!” said Senior Katherine Stalmah.
To learn more about Valparaiso High School, visit https://valparaisohigh.valpo.k12.in.us/.