“Off the Top” is a comedy improv show that models itself after the popular television series, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. Coming from an acting background, it sounds like a lot of fun to participate in the improv games they do on TV. And, honestly, it seemed that the actors at the 40th Street Stage were having a ball. They were loud, they were confident, they were laughing and carrying on. They had a great time. I did not.

Jordan Noble was the only cast member I enjoyed watching. He has a good sense for improv and the mechanics behind it. He never stifled the scenes by "saying no” and progressed each scene in a new direction. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a program with bios, but I would be interested to see what kind of training he has.

Another actor that showed talent in the improv arena was Meaghen McLeod. When the scenes in which she performed started to take a dive without direction from her fellow performers, Meaghen took charge and salvaged what she could.

Overall, the experience seemed like a gathering of friends sitting and passing the time at a party. It was laid back, carefree, and without solid structure. It seemed that one of the cast was injured prior to the show date and had to sit out. Unfortunately, this cast member was the emcee and had she been there, there may have been more method to the madness. Each cast member took turns “running” the scenes in a hodge-podge fashion. Perhaps other performances will be more cohesive in the return of their leader.

This show has a great deal of potential. With the hook of the television series embracing the imaginations of the audience before they even walk through the 40th Street Stage door, the cast could take that hook and spring to the next level with comedy uncensored and full of fun. Perhaps practice and a refresher course in the techniques of improv will send this show into the hearts of the audience.

Until that time, I recommend watching a couple episodes of the TV show, stay home and cozy, and save ten bucks. But, if you insist on checking it out, they perform on the second Sunday of each month.