Graceland Upsets Doppelganger at Cagematch
Newsflash: IN the off chance that you live under a rock, you’ve since heard Doppelganger was defeated at Cagematch last night by Lloyd team, Graceland. It was a magical thing. It was a great thing. It was a landmark thing. Graceland becoming the first Lloyd team in the history of lloyd night to ever win. Made all the more impressive by the fact that despite winning the coin toss, Graceland ELECTED to go first to enable Sasheer to get to the theatre to perform in the second half. That in itself deserves credit.
Cagematch can be a scary place. I’ve (we’ve all) seen teams absolutely BOMB. I’d like to point out how well the Lloyd system is working and give credit to Nate Dern for creating an arena for young(er) players to continue refining their harold and improv chops before taking the big stage. However, based on what I saw last night, and what I continue seeing over at Lloyd night, some of these guys are ripe for the picking.
While we ultimately must credit this as a team victory, performing improv is after all, a group activity, i’ve got to give credit to Ryan Haney and Brennan Mulligan for coming out and setting the tone. Their choices at the top provided so much detail, so much opportunity and so much grit for the rest of the performance, and all within a matter of moments. Ryan Haney’s game moves — to enter at the right moment as a Mayor, to become a bear, to drag race in DRAG, all equally priceless. Buy him a beer next time you see him. Ultimately, i give everyone who performed last night credit. Everyone played their part and did what they needed to do.
Did I mention that both Joey Price and Cathryn Mudon were absent? That’s right, Graceland performed with only six members and beat arguably one of the most successful indie teams on the circuit right now. That’s impressive. It’s working. Pat Noth gets a shoutout as well. As Graceland’s coach (perhaps from the onset?), it’s clear he’s a great fit for the team.
A huge challenge lies ahead as Graceland goes up against Tourco. vets - Good Dad (Neil Casey, Fran G., Jon Gabrus, among others) but I will say, if they, and their two absent members can harness the energy and precision they managed last night, anything’s possible. I strongly suggest you find yourself at Cagematch next week Thursday at 11pm. You’ve been warned, something big is happening, don’t hear about it from me the day after and hate yourself for it!
