You don’t know the half of it

On Sunday (Jan. 17) at 7:30 p.m., Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré (616 St. Peter St., New Orleans) will host the fourth-anniversary edition of “You Don’t Know the Half of It” — a one-of-a-kind, half-scripted, half-improvised comedic spectacle. Punctuated by live music, the hilarious hybrid show consistently yields unexpected, side-splitting results.

“Last year, I cried because I was laughing so hard,” says Cecile Monteyne, the show’s producer, who is a Tulane University alumna.
 
A graduate of comedy conservatory The New Movement, Monteyne originally conceptualized the show in 2012 while participating in an improv comedy festival. Monteyne sought to raise the stakes of an improv game called “Actor’s Worst Nightmare” by incorporating brand new scripts and an exclusively local, creative cast.

“Last year, I cried because I was laughing so hard.”

Cecile Monteyne, producer of “You Don’t Know the Half of It”

 
“Improv makes you a better listener. You have to be open to anything and be more present than in other art forms. I like the danger of it. It has the best performer camaraderie, and I wanted to create a collaboration between local artists from different backgrounds,” says Monteyne.
 
As every show includes the talent of 16 local artists, the production has featured over 160 performers over the years. This edition’s cast includes Jessica Podewell, a professor of practice in the Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance.

The production works by first commissioning local writers to create four new original scripts. The scripts are then split in half, and each portion is assigned to a local actor. During the show, each actor is paired with an improv comic completely unaware of what scene they will be performing. No matter where the improviser steers the scene, the actor must remain loyal to the script, creating outrageous results.

The show will feature live musical interludes and surprises from You Don’t Know the Band, made up of members from local acts Sweet Crude, Alexis & the Samurai and The Plus One Show.

“It’s a showcase of talents, and it’s just a fun night. People go a little crazy for it,” says Monteyne.