Zoinks! is the word that is used online to announce this show. If you immediately know what that means, then you, like me, might feel a need to check out What’s New, Groovy Gang?! A small company called Improvisational Repertory Theatre Ensemble (IRTE) decided to tackle the legend of Scooby Doo. If you are like me, you’re no longer in touch with the groovy gang and need an update on their comings and goings.
First aired in 1969, Scooby Doo, Where Are You! was a huge cartoon success. Nielsen ratings reported that at least 65% of Saturday morning audiences tuned into this gang of mystery solvers. Another surprising fact: the characters are still running in new shows. Be Cool, Scooby Doo! just aired its final episode this month. The gang is living it up the summer after their senior year in high school. Along the way, they run into monsters and mayhem.
All aboard for an improvisational hour of comedy! Let’s jump into the Mystery Van (with a cocktail) and go for a nostalgic ride. When we take our seats in the teensy tiny performance space, we are greeted with a soundtrack that includes the ever classic theme song from Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space. “Mars, stars, the milky way, when they’re groovin’ who can say.” Ready, set, house lights down, let’s do this!
I am very sad to report that this improv group is terrible. The effort is amateurish, unprepared and unfunny. So many targets to hit and they barely took aim at any of them. Fred as a drunken frat boy was a funny idea. Put a scarf on him and make a joke already. The company’s Artistic Director Nannette Deasy was Velma, the only performer who came close to being reasonably in character throughout this short exercise. As an unwelcome bonus, there’s a visiting guitarist who sings four original songs while selling his hot sauce and CD (not as a joke and I’m not kidding). Zoinks indeed.