You know and love him from “Kim’s Convenience” and “Run the Burbs” and this past week, Andrew Phung got together some of his most funny friends for the Comedy is Art Festival. Performing a side-splitting set of improv comedy, Andrew Phung and Friends: A Night of Improv left the audience in stitches.

The vibes for the Comedy is Art Festival were very correct; music bumping, funky lighting, and drinks flowing makes each show a real event. They even had QR codes which allowed you to order drinks and Comedy is Art merch straight to your table! Like The Theatre Centre itself, the ambiance immediately makes you feel at ease and ready to have a great time.

Photo by Jae Yang

Andrew Phung brought together some absolutely hysterical comedians to join him in this evening of laughs: Gavin Williams, Alexa MacKell, Nelu Handa, and Jillian Welsh. The dynamic between these comedians was perfection: you could feel the trust and sense of play they were able to have shine through every scene they performed. Getting to also bring Andrew and Gavin’s partners on stage, as well as Michael Musi who played Terence on “Kim’s” was so much fun and added a whole other level to the comedy.

The audience wasn’t without a task at this comedy show though! Each scene had a director, and after each scene, we could either reward the director with Pocky, or they had to Forfeit and do a random punishment. This interactive element was so much fun, and the punishments were beyond funny; major shout out Jillian who not only did her cartwheel but then fell into a split! 10’s 10’s 10’s across the board!

Andrew Phung and Jillian Welsh
Photo by Jae Yang

But with every scene, there was a little nugget of wisdom. So I now impart to you “What I learned from Andrew Phung and Friends” :

  • Don’t leave your window open; raccoons will steal your popcorn and get way too comfortable on your couch
  • Sensitive bros love Nickelback
  • Farts are not romantic…or are they?
  • Hopefully Father/Daughter foot pics are NOT a thing
  • Fighting during a tennis match should not occur on the same team
  • We experienced a truly Freaky Friday when Andrew and Gavin switched personalities; their wives seemed amused though!
  • Chat GPT could be both way more funny, and way more creepy, than originally anticipated
  • “The explosion is within”
  • Even out of character, it’s all Terence’s fault
  • Love can blossom at Dave and Busters, especially if “Wonderwall” is playing
  • Hallmark Movies and Game of Thrones family ‘dynamics’ don’t mix

Seriously, there was nothing serious about this show and that was precisely what the doctor ordered! I can’t remember laughing this hard for a very long time. I was so happy to get to take part in the Comedy is Art Festival and I can’t wait for next year’s instalment!

Make sure you keep up with The Theatre Centre is the Comedy is Art Festival at: https://theatrecentre.org/event/comedy-is-art-2024/

Cover Art by The Theatre Centre

Thank you to my Patrons:

N. Bushnik, B. Kinnon, D. Moyes

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Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, and Caitlin

Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

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