Family-friendly improvised show utilizes technology to load up laughs

A new family-friendly TV show is coming to a theater near you. This one is performed live on stage and the subject matter is determined by the “studio audience.” The Imagination Nation Super Station is a live-action, Saturday morning TV show plucked from the 1970’s and dropped onto the stage at Santa Monica Playhouse. 

It features a couple of Rocket Science stalwarts; produced and directed by Jerry Witt and hosted by Jon Thompson. If you enjoyed Room 604 or Blockbuster, you’re going to love this show.

Human improvisors, puppets, and animated characters interact to create and perform a brand new episode of a TV series that never existed. The crew confronts the challenges kids face today in a playful, interactive, and meaningful way. The Imagination Nation Super Station harkens back to TV programs like H. R. Pufnstuf, The Banana Splits, and Pee-wee’s Playhouse. 

“These shows were fast-paced, vivid, psychedelic, and a little bit wild,” says show producer Jerry Witt. “As a kid I loved Saturday morning TV and now appreciate the way that silliness and humor can work for adults as well as kids.” 

Each show follows the same general format, but is completely unique based on the audiences’ suggestions and feedback. In rehearsal shows have been about the overuse of social media, the value of friendship, the environment, and honesty. The cast includes a diverse group of actors, improvisers, puppeteers, and voice artists. Performers include: Jon Thompson, Amelia Clover, Katrina Lofgren, Mychael Hawk, Grey Wears, Vickie Eisenstein, Nicholas Kaufman, and Sherry Layne. It is directed by Jerry Witt.

Shows are on the fourth Saturday of each summer month starting at 2:30 PM. That is Saturday, June 24, Saturday, July 22, and Saturday, August 26. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children and are available at:  https://www.showclix.com/event/imagination-nation-super-station

Santa Monica Playhouse is at 1211 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Parking is available in structure #1 across the street.