The Science of Musical Comedy 101: “Professor” Kimberly Jenna Simon
April 1, 2017
This April Fool’s Day, come experience The Science of Musical Comedy 101, a comprehensive, one hour course that provides an in-depth look at the science behind musical theater comedy, presented in song by “Professor” Kimberly Jenna Simon (Berenstain Bears Live!, 90th Macy’s Day Parade).
What happens when you strip away the funny costumes, funny dances, and funny sets of a Broadway musical? What makes an audience giggle when all you have is a microphone and a piano? Recent graduate of CAP21 — and self-proclaimed “professor” of comedy — Kimberly Jenna Simon takes to Feinstein’s/54 Below to find out.
The Science of Musical Comedy 101‘s “syllabus” explores the fundamental formulas that come together to make comedy songs work. The class will spend one hour examining examples of comedy from the golden oldies such as Annie Get Your Gun, to classics like Funny Girl and Into the Woods, to newer shows like Cry Baby. This course stems from a scientific approach to musical comedy, breaking musical theater humor down to uncover all of it’s working parts — thanks to Kimberly Jenna Simon.
Music Directed by Martin Landry (Murder for Two)
Produced by Amy Sapp
Special Guests:
Giuseppe Bausilio (Hello, Dolly!, CATS, Newsies)
Connor Deane (Les Miserables at the MUNY, Broadway Method Academy, Executive Director)
Julian Decker (Sunset Boulevard, Les Miserables, The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
Kim McClay (I’ll Be Home For Christmas)
