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The Midtown Players

by Colleen Belcher, published on January 14, 2009 at 8:43AM

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A stroll past the corner of 22nd and L Streets on Mondays from 7- 9 p.m. might cause concern for those unfamiliar with the location. It's typical to hear people screaming out as they're being chased, fits of anger, uncontrollable laughter, heated arguments and even opera singing.

The unassuming Geery Theatre is home to the Midtown Players on Monday nights for Carrie Bray's improv class.

This weekend will kick off The Midtown Players' very first performance.

Carrie Bray, who has taken classes from Viola Spolin, performed simultaneously at comedy clubs with Robin Williams as well as at Budd Friedman's Improv, only just recently moved to Sacramento.

In the 50's, Bray actually spent one year at McClatchy High School, but has spent the better part of her life in Southern California and San Francisco.

Bray came back to Sacramento to "relax and retire," but that isn't exactly what ended up happening.

"After like 30 years of doing [comedy] and loving every moment of it, I decided that I wanted to retire and relax. I love Sacramento, [but] then I realized that I was extremely bored. I would drive down J Street, and I’d drive down to Midtown, and I’d see all these young, really cool people, and I thought 'Oh, god! I want to do it!' I want to do it again," Bray said.

She started her improv classes at the Geery Theater in September of 2007. The Midtown Players started out with only four actors and has grown to seven.

The name The Midtown Players came from her love of Midtown.

"I fell in love with Midtown, and so I decided to incorporate that into the name," Bray said.

The Midtown Players improv group currently consists of Kenyon Page, Sarah Payne, Jim Quales, Michael Rowe, Crystal Rua and David Hanson.

Bray's classes cost $10 per week, and she explains that the fees just cover the costs of renting the theater and her gas to drive to and from practices.

The Midtown Players will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m., and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis, so patrons are encouraged to get there early to reserve one of the 49 seats in the theater.

There is a minimum cost of $10 for each ticket, but donations are accepted. All profits will benefit Loaves and Fishes.

The Konnektion will be playing live music for the show.

The Geery Theatre is located a 2130 L Street.

For more information on the performance this weekend or to learn more about Carrie Bray's improv classes, you can e-mail Carrie at starcb1@wavecable.com

 


 

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January 14, 2009 | 01:22 PM
Woohoo! Go Sarah! Geez, another great venue for comedy in Sacramento? Now I'll need to get out more that a couple times a week to get out a few chuckles.
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January 14, 2009 | 02:21 PM
I always wondered what went on at that theatre. Now I see that its nothing but good things. Midtown is the best.
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January 14, 2009 | 05:14 PM
Ashley Sinkey is also part of the Midtown Players.
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January 15, 2009 | 01:34 PM
So interesting! I pass that theatre often and wondered what took place. I know the Pease Conservatory of Music occupies the space above the theatre. Do they do performances in the theatre as well?
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