⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Returning to Fringe World while celebrating its tenth year of performances, Improv RPG Presents: Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) remains sharp as ever.
The show immediately fires on all cylinders as Dungeon Master Scott McArdle welcomes an audience of returning fans and curious newcomers, providing a simple explanation of DnD and its rules so everyone can follow along with the ensuing hijinks.
At the heart of the operation, McArdle is magnetic, drawing out excited mad-libs style participation from the crowd which are seamlessly woven through the story, effortlessly accomplished by the performers.
The merry band of adventurers on opening night includes Stephen B. Platt, Harper Nguyen, and Georgia McGivern as the delightfully dysfunctional Stonehart family. They are forced by the audience to navigate a family betrayal which is set to bubble over, while exploring the secrets behind their newly inherited tavern.
Kate Sophia Willoughby rounds out the cast as the non-player character, taking on a variety of monstrous roles, completely committed in her physicality to the farcical combat.
The cast is extremely quick witted all round, handling the outcome of every dice roll thrown at them with bold choices, which had the audience erupting with laughter one minute, while waiting with bated breath the next.
These moments are underscored throughout by a pair of wildly impressive musicians, John McPherson and Emily Gelineau, who match the moment with a perfectly ambient score.
When tensions rise too much the only acceptable option is for the party to sing their feelings in a series of musical numbers, which are also completely improvised. McGivern in particular stuns with her power-house vocals in these moments.
All of this culminates in an ending which wraps up the seemingly disparate plot threads in a satisfying bow.
With a different story every night, the rotating cast will guide you through a tale with plenty of twists and turns, laugh a minute comedy, nail biting dice rolls, and catchy songs to boot. Improv RPG is not to be missed.