Press
CHICAGO IMPROV FESTIVAL
“One of my improv teachers once said ‘Silence creates tension’ and ‘Comedy comes from the release of tension’. Both nuggets are true and form the basis for ‘Silent Treatment’, a unique show improvised completely in silence by improv veterans The R&D Project. Their style of play is more like ‘Mr. Bean’, or an awful moment that goes beyond words, than a silent movie. Originally from Portland, this duo has performed in tons of shows at every improv theatre in Chicago, as well as Second City’s BoatCo. Only improv artists this experienced could pull off something so delicate with such strength.”
- Chicago Improv Festival Executive Director, Jonathan Pitts
Chicago Improv Festival
CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/16/10 by Nina Metz
R&D Project (10 p.m. at iO Theater, 3541 N. Clark St.; $5): An all-silent improv show that Pitts and Eveleth highly recommend. “There’s so much energy that builds up with that silence,” according to Pitts. “I almost compare it to Mr. Bean because little things become huge when there’s silence. … They do speak to get the audience suggestion, and a story does come out. They don’t aim for it, but one does evolve.” Also plays Thursday at 7:30 p.m., $15 at the Playground.
“Last night at the CIF show at iO, Rance Rizzutto and Deanna Moffitt opened for the Reckoning. They did a silent show, accompanied by music they had not heard before (disclaimer: I created the 30 minute mix) and it was simply amazing. They did astounding work and I was so happy I was there to see it…It’s called the R&D Project: Silent Treatment. One of the best things I’ve seen in a long, long time.”
-Jason Chin
author of An Improvised Blog