The Screaming Mee-Mee's current show is dubbed, by the troupe, "The Triad." It is done in a rock opera format. A suggestion is obtained from the audience as the keyboard plays the opening notes of the show. Immediately three members of the troupe step forward and, in the first song of the show, introduce themselves as the main characters. The rest of the troupe joinsthem for the final chorus of the song, and the rock opera has begun.

Using traditional theater story structure, supporting characters, bit parts, chorus numbers, improvised choreography, and the recitative/song techniques of Broadway rock operas, the story builds. Typically one of the three initial players becomes the star of the show, and the other two are the leading supporting players. Musical themes and sometimes entire songs are reprised later in the show, usually with new lyrics reflecting the advancement of the story.

Screaming Mee-Mees players are known for their ability to create harmonies and mimic different theatrical choral or solo styles. The pounding rhythms of rock opera never fail to engage the Screaming Mee-Mees' audience members and finally the story is drawn to a satisfying and often hilarious close, complete with a grand finale that occasionally has the audience standing up and singing along.

Accompanied by professional musicians, the Screaming Mee-Mees have woven harmonies and lyrics into comic dramas about subjects as diverse as: a bar mitzvah boy who is considering Islam but doesn't know how to break it to his mom, an estranged husband who is paddling across swamp dressed as a tiny, defenseless lamb, and a stewardess determined to seduce her pilot or die trying.

Performers include Merrily Antony, Andrew Berkowitz, Mary Pat Booth, Margie Boulé, Bill Cernansky, Jenny Criglar, Betse Green, Nate Parkes, Patrick Short, and Jennette Zarko. Knute Snortum provides improvised musical accompaniment on keyboards.

In the last 6 months, the troupe has performed to standing ovations at festivals across America:

World Comedy Festival in Milwaukie, Wisconsin (August 2004)

Southern Improv Festival in New Orleans, LA (October 2004- voted "Best of the Festival")

Seattle Festival of Improv Theatre in Seattle, WA (February 2005)
Magie Boulé voted outstanding female improviser by the Northwest Improv Start Page
See SFIT Wrap up

For more information on the Screaming MeeMees, visit our site at http://www.portlandcomedy.com/shows/screaming_meemees.html

Photo available at: http://www.portlandcomedy.com/media/meemee.jpeg

Higher res versions available!