If you were to search the Johns Hopkins Web site for "buttered nibblets" you would probably pull up www.jhu.edu/~nibs, a site last updated sometime in 1997. But, don't worry -- the group is actually alive and well, despite what you might infer from the Web site (or lack thereof).
The Buttered Niblets are credited as Hopkins' only improv comedy troupe, and they hold monthly shows in the Arellano Theater. I had the pleasure of attending their October show last Friday and was truly impressed by the talent and skill I saw among the
members.
There aren't many rules in improv. As far as this audience member can tell, they are limited to two: never ask questions, and never say no. To clarify, this means never ask questions of other actors on stage: asking questions of the audience is strongly encouraged. In fact, the format of the show is based on audience participation -- so make sure you come prepared to shout out something funny if you attend one of their shows.
The show included ten short-form improv games. Each began with some sort of scenario that the audience then fills in specifically -- that is to say one of the members will come up to the stage and say, "This sketch features Zach and Anna, we need a relationship and three historical time periods," and it goes from there.
At the end of the show there was also a long-form game, lasting about 20 minutes, which really showed the group at the top of their energy and creativity. Earlier on in the show it really felt spotty; there were moments of hilarity and moments when the audience sat waiting for an opportunity to laugh. That being said, there are some members of the group that really do shine. Jerome Fox was an audience favorite and scored the first laugh of the show. Jackie Jennings' energy and charm captivated everyone in attendance, navigating the show through its quieter moments with a determined skill and talent. Adar Eisenbruch also shined, especially in the games that really asked for cleverness and a certain amount of wit, and Ryan Mannix never failed to give the audience the absurdity or vulgarity they were looking for.
Two new freshmen members, Scott Morse and Winston Powell, appeared at the show but didn't get a real chance to participate. Beginning with "Legends of the Hidden Niblets," the show included short sketches based on old Nickelodeon shows, interspersed between games where the audience got acquainted with the new members, but received little chance to actually see them in action. Culminating with a climb on their own Agrocrag, the set-up was very funny, but I felt let down -- what's the point of showcasing new members if we aren't afforded the opportunity to see them in a game?
The next Buttered Niblets performance will be held on Friday, Dec. 9, at the Arellano Theater.
