Imagine an evening with zero political ads, plenty of campaign distractions and “Whose Line is it Anyway?” That’s the best way to describe what Ed Reggi and his Paper Slip Theatre will present 8:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, at Jacoby Arts Center. It’s an improv anti-political show like no other.

“And the Winner Is” is part anti-political humor and part improv comedy. The award-winning Paper Slip cast includes Jamie Pitt, Cooper Shaw, Dustin Massie, DeAnna Massie and Darrell Barber. The evening’s host, Ed Reggi, caucuses the audience through the entire ballot comedy experience. Audience members provide all the suggestions as the evening unfolds into election hilarity. 

“Imagine an evening where we turn politics on its head. Instead of Republican and Democrats, we conjure up new party names before the show even begins,” says Paper Slip artistic director Reggi. “And the Winner Is” combines funny improv games and invites an audience to mix things up.

The 75-minute show is the fourth installment of Reggi’s brand of improv comedy at Jacoby. Previously, Paper Slip Theater brought “When We First Met” and “Mum’s the Word” to the arts center.

“I personally love performing at Jacoby because it doesn’t feel pretentious in any way. There is such great positive energy that comes from this building and this community. We can feel it every time we perform there,” says Reggi.

Reggi’s been thinking about the show’s concept ever since the candidates started making their run for the presidency two years ago. But just when you thought you couldn’t take any more negative ads and mud-slinging, the cast of comics brings some levity to the scene.

 “This is something everyone needs to laugh about,” Reggi says. “It seems everything has become political these days. I remember thinking, ‘People are going to be tired of politics come November. Let’s turn it upside for sure.”

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or follow the link at https://jacobyartscenter.org Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open 30 minutes in advance. Cash bar available.

About the Jacoby Arts Center

The mission of the Jacoby Arts Center is to nurture and promote the practice and appreciation of the arts through education, exhibits, cultural programs and community outreach initiatives. Jacoby Arts Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Jacoby Arts Center is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Jacoby Arts Center, 627 E. Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 / 618-462-5222 / jacobyartscenter@gmail.com