We Might Be Experimenting On You featuring Kym Bernazky and Melanie Jones

I could say SO MUCH about We Might Be Experimenting On You - but I’ve been sworn to secrecy. Seriously. I have been. Doctors (and writers) Kym Bernazky and Melanie Jones are very clear about this. But I can tell you this much – We Might Be Experimenting On You was a delightful surprise and I’ll try to explain why while still being as cryptic as possible.

For those familiar with The Red Room you already know this is a relatively small space, but it makes the perfect setting for the experimenting.  Your theatre experience begins immediately as you enter from the dressing room rather than the usual entrance.   I remarked that it was akin to getting on a ride at Disney World – full of that thrill of not quite knowing what’s waiting for you around the corner.

Rather than give anything away – that would only spoil the fun – I will tell you that all the experiments are completely harmless.  You won’t be hurt in any way.  In fact, you’ll have a great deal of fun if you completely give yourself over to the process which (luckily) my entire co-audience members did.  Kym Bernazky and Melanie Jones seem to truly enjoy their work, and they are kind, gentle, engaging leaders throughout this experiment.  You’ll find yourself surprised several times over at how perfectly the experiments come together.  Frankly, it’s a bit astonishing.

The most ringing endorsement I can relate to you is that when it was over there were cries of “encore” from participants who were willing to keep the experiment going.   Honestly, while I had no idea what to expect beforehand I was so engaged throughout, and so happy afterwards that I would recommend this show to anyone who’s got a little spirit of adventure, who doesn’t mind the unexpected, and who could use an uplifting half hour of connecting with your fellow FRIGID theatre goers.  Definitely a positive experience that will reconnect you with your inner sense of fun.

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FRIGID New York Festival 2011 will run February 23-March 6 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1sr Ave and Ave A). Tickets ($10-$16) may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444. All shows will run 60 minutes long or less.

Related Posts:

• FRIGID New York Festival 2011 – Five Questions For: We Might Be Experimenting On You
• FRIGID Hangovers – I’ll Have Another Round! (FRIGID New York 2011)
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On Heidi Grumelot
• There is No Good News – Laughing Until Your Sides Hurt (FRIGID New York 2011)
• The Shorebound Swim With A One Click Kick – It’s A Tough Swim, But Worth It (FRIGID New York 2011)

Welcome back to another installment of FRIGID New York Festival 2011 Q&A!  We’ll be running these throughout February until the Festival starts, so be sure to check back to read all about the great shows that will be taking part in the festival.  Also – don’t miss the winner-take-all game of Rock Paper Scissors! Today’s Q&A is with Melanie Jones (aka Dr. Jones, BFA, PhD, WTF, Research Technician) who is the Producer of We Might Be Experimenting On You.

Dr’s. Bernazky and Jones (PhD, BFA, WTF) are seeking participants in a theatrical research study. Lab rats will be asked to perform various convention-blasting, audience-related tasks. Hijinks and non-slip shoes are required.

We Might Be Experimenting On You featuring Kym Bernazky and Melanie Jones

answers by Melanie Jones - Producer

Antonio Asks: What makes FRIGID such a warm and welcoming experience for your production?

We are just super excited to have the chance to be a part of this amazing festival and to re-mount this show in its original space. The fact that its structured like a good ‘ol Canadian Fringe (I’m Canadian) makes me think that FRIGID audiences are going to be open, down-to-earth and ready to rock with something new and different.

Diánna Asks: What about this play do you feel most drawn to personally, and because of that, what message do you hope the audience walks away with?

The part of We Might Be Experimenting On You that always, always gets me is that we’re not showing the audience an emotional journey, we’re taking them on one. I honestly, truly, probably naively believe that we are making a miracle and that makes me feel like what we’re doing is making the world a better place. I mean this sincerely. It’s not a beauty pageant answer. I really think this show and the impact it has on audiences brings more joy, more delight and more soul-lifting surprise into the world which, energetically speaking, the world needs right now. And also, as a grown-up, it’s so rare to receive moments of pure surprise. That part of life seems to get left for kids, but NO LONGER!

Karen Asks: That’s some title.  How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?

It means exactly what you think it means. We might be experimenting on you. But on the other hand, you might be experimenting on us. We created this show in such a way that we are not in control of it. We set up the experiment, but what unfolds is out of our hands. Every single show has that crazy, giddy feeling of uncertainty because we are with an entirely different group of ‘study participants’ who may respond in utterly different ways. What’s going to happen? How will people react? We. Don’t. Freaking. Know.

Stephen Asks: You must have a favorite part of your show.  What makes it your favorite?

The ending. The ending (assuming no one spoils it) is a surprise of mythic, epic, heart-leaping proportions and it makes my soul sing like Pavarotti.

Lina Asks: How much of your show was inspired by true events?

The show itself is a true event! The narrative is created in the moment by the fortuitous and fateful mix of people who end up in the same room at the same time for the performance. Much like life, ne c’est pas?

THM Bonus Question: If you could play a virtual game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with another FRIGID Show which show would you take on?  And what would you throw?

I would take on TIRED WAVE STOP! for the sole reason that they are from my home province on Alberta, Canada. I would throw rock because I always throw rock and it WAS my secret weapon until my boyfriend figured it out and it lost all its magical power. Balls.

Thanks We Might Be Experimenting On You – for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2011 Q&A.  And for playing our game!  You’re officially ROCK.  So you may win TWICE.  Or, not at all.  This is how it works in the crazy world of the VIRTUAL ROCK PAPER SCISSORS TOURNAMENT!

Meanwhile, for the rest of you – don’t forget to check out We Might Be Experimenting On You!

Related Posts:

• We Might Be Experimenting On You – Get Ready (FRIGID New York 2011)
• FRIGID Hangovers – I’ll Have Another Round! (FRIGID New York 2011)
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On Heidi Grumelot
• There is No Good News – Laughing Until Your Sides Hurt (FRIGID New York 2011)
• The Shorebound Swim With A One Click Kick – It’s A Tough Swim, But Worth It (FRIGID New York 2011)