Positive Reviews of our CIF Coverage

Greetings!

Thanks for the great write up about this year's CIF. I very much appreciate the over-all review for CIF 5, as well as the additional 40 reviews for the different ensembles. Great job on the whole issue. I can tell a hell of a lot of hard work and loving care went into the entire issue by yourself and all the reviewers. My congrats to everyone!

I'm glad you felt we gave value to the 7 Lifetime awards winners in honorable ways. I also agree with you that it was touching to see the five flags in front of the CIF Mainstage. In the middle of literal wars (i.e. Israel) it was great to see many parts of the whole world playing together in joy and laughter.

Because improv is art, dammit.
All the best!

Jonathan [Pitts]
Executive Producer
Chicago Improv Festival

(Editor's note: Thank you too, Jonathan! You and the CIF crew do such professional work and always make Improv Review feel welcome.)

Lost the Battle, huh?

While I would have loved to put on a show at CIF that reaped glowing accolades, it just didn't happen this year. I thought Jonathan Bender's review was fair and gracious. It would have been extraordinarily easy to snipe and pick at a show that just didn't come off, and he took the high road.

Well done.

With respect,

Rob Reese
Director
Amnesia Wars Improvisation

Disney Controversy Continues

Dear Improv Review editors-

I just read the review of Disney's Comedy Warehouse and while I sometimes agree with the reviewer, I feel the guy may have been too influenced by the lady sitting next to him. I could launch into a treatise of how the folks at the Warehouse put on 4-5 shows nightly and defend their tendency to become too lax in performing and trying to make the audience laugh. As with any improv, scripted performance, or article, the success of the show falls into the hands of the audience. If the audience isn't willing to go along for the ride (I suspect lady next to the reviewer is a prime example), the show is going to feel flat.

I don't think the reviewer gave the Warehouse a fair chance. The cast rotates throughout the night (four shows a night, remember), providing opportunities for fresh material and fun pairings, and had your reviewer stuck around a few minutes, he would've a) heard the "sterile voice" spouting off puns and making the exit somewhat more enjoyable than described, and b) seen some of the cast members come out to greet guests, receive praise, and answer questions. They no doubt would have provided him with names and some helpful information for his review.

I suggest sending someone back to the Comedy Warehouse for a proper and more informative critique of the club. Twenty bucks, four shows. That's not too shabby, especially for price-gouging Disney.

Sincerely,

Katharine Miller

And Once More on CIF

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to let you know that you've done an excellent job covering the Chicago shindig. As an Improv-guy (is that what it's called? Improvisor sounds very serious) I know how important it is to be on top of what's going on outside of your own group. Anywhoo - Keep up the great reviews.

Thanks,
Jesse Teeters
Jersey City, NJ