Tragedy = Comedy?!?

Jamil's Live Comedy Beat: HARSH
One of the few bright spots in an otherwise boring Oscars on Sunday was a fun musical number with Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and John C. Reilly about the perennial problem of comedic actors getting nominated for Oscars. Why is comedy so less respected than drama? Monday night I checked out the show "HARSH: Improvised Tragedy" at the Peoples Improv Theater. The long-format improvised show exemplifies just how close comedy and tragedy really are. The cast (Betsy Stover, John Montague, Kauren Hunte, Mike Marinoff, Kassi Dougherty, Mikal Reich) directed by Ari Voukydis takes you on an emotional roller coaster that has you laughing one moment and then mesmerized by a dramatic moment the next.

more review after the jump!

Using a random musical selection as inspiration to begin their angst filled long-form, the show grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. Lauren Hunte provided some particular heart wrenching dramatic moments along this twisted comedic journey.

The truth is there have been many great comedian and comedic actors that have done some amazing dramatic work (Hugh Laurie, Tom Hanks, Robin Williams)
*Challenge: who do you think is the greatest comedian-turned-dramatic actor?*

I find it interesting that the same cannot be said about dramatic actors.   What makes it so easy to make this transition from comedy to tragedy?  I recommend checking out "HARSH: Improvised Tragedy" when it returns to the PIT in April. Keep an eye on the PIT website for details.  As to my own take on the connection, I'll say just this – haven't we all laughed so hard we cried and had crying dissolve into laughter at some point.  Are you listening Academy!?