Improvisers should never predetermine their show too much: plotting can confine comedians’ freewheeling creativity. Still, improv shows thrive on structure. The best ones use some kind of device (like a theme, game, or storyline) to frame a night of comedy for both the audience and performers.
Out of My Wheelhouse, a 45-minute improv show now playing at DC’s District Fringe Festival, thrives on its framing device: a surprise theme for each night. The show is written, directed, hosted, and even co-presented (alongside OOMW Productions) by Nora Dell — and Dell has crafted a dramaturgically extravagant show that still allows plenty of room for play.
At the night I attended, the theme was nautical — replete with bubbles, ocean streamers, and Dell in a sailor hat. Holding a microphone, Dell provides a humorous (but surreally poetic) monologue before revealing a game show wheel, which she uses to cycle through improv games for an eight-person ensemble.
The games are classic improv fare (from a Mad Libs-like game to “freeze” scenarios), and sometimes performers lean on very conventional comedy tropes. But when the nautical theme was woven into the improv scenes, performers could embrace their silliness and slowly encourage audiences to do the same. Improvisers Eva Lewis and Gaby Corcoran were highlights, developing a warm rapport onstage. I was also impressed with improviser Peter Bird, who added some low-key, funny details to his scenes that added verisimilitude to the proceedings.
As host for the night, Dell had a great sense of when to let scenes keep expanding and when to move on. On my night, the climax of the show seemed more frenetic than madcap. But the finale ended on a strong note as Dell guided the entire cast to act out increasingly dramatic situations. Out of My Wheelhouse also embraces an element of camp: the game show wheel just does not spin properly, leading Dell to joke, “I think this thing is rigged!”
There’s part of me that wishes the wheel did spin, that the randomness and chance played a larger role in this improv show. But most of me appreciates being led on a wild journey by Dell. When the captain of a ship is this funny, you’re happy with her leading you on an adventure.
Out of My Wheelhouse
Theatrical improv in drag by OOMW Productions/Nora Dell
Running Time: 60 minutes
Dates and Times:
- Saturday, July 12, 1:30p
- Wednesday, July 23, 7:00p
- Thursday, July 24, 6:00p
- Saturday, July 26, 7:30p
Venue: Phoenix – UDC Lecture Hall (44A03)
Tickets: $15
More Info and Tickets: Out of My Wheelhouse
Genre: Drag, comedy
Directed by: Nora Dell
Playwright: Nora Dell
Performed by: Nora Dell, Erick Acuña, Daniel Barrera Ortega, Peter Bird, Gaby Corcoran, Lauren Gabel, Carly Kraybill, Eva Lewis, Catherine Mullins
The complete 2025 District Fringe Festival schedule is online here.
The 2025 District Fringe Festival program is online here.
