AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
Back to Blog
Ben schwartz and middleditch11/16/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() Improvisation requires spontaneity and a touch of absurdity, which is exactly what he provides during his two-person long-form improv set with Ben Schwartz ( Parks and Recreation), dubbed “ Middleditch and Schwartz.” With a history of improv dating back to the eighth grade, Middleditch says what he loves most is its off-the-cuff nature. Though he has scored roles in hit television shows like The Office, You’re the Worst, and, most notably, HBO’s Silicon Valley, as Richard Hendricks, Middleditch celebrates improvisation as his comedic nucleus. Since moving from Chicago to New York City to Los Angeles, Middleditch has worked on all forms of comedy, including commercials, web series like Jake and Amir, and the online outlet CollegeHumor. I’m tangential at best,” he decides with a laugh. “There are a lot of stars in it and also a huge monster. Middleditch recently nabbed a role in Godzilla: King of the Monsters but, in true form, admits that he is assuming he’s been cut out of the movie until he sees it. His sarcasm shines throughout our conversation in varying shades, offering moments of self-deprecation along with genuine modesty. “Trying to look handsome is funny for anyone like me who is constantly taking the piss out of things,” he adds. Middleditch and Schwartz is available to watch on Netflix now.Following DuJour’s photo shoot with Thomas Middleditch, the actor and comedian jokingly reveals that he’s heard rumblings about it being one of the best shoots of the year. I really hope that more episodes are developed in the future and/or they tour near my location after this lockdown is over as they are insanely talented performers! ***½ 3.5/5 I do wish that there were more episodes to this series as it gained my interest enough to make me want to see them live, but not enough to make this a fantastic series to follow. Overall Middleditch and Schwartz was a great show that shone a light on improvised theatre, which is something that is never really showcased on mainstream television. The biggest issue I had with the show was that it was only three episodes long… which I was personally outraged by as I was really enjoying the performances!. The name itself, Middleditch and Schwartz, is also a little awkward any people who find this show scrolling through Netflix will know nothing about the show and have no idea what it’s about and while I understand this is simply the actor’s last names it is a little awkward. ![]() The series was a demonstration of how well these two performers work together as they switched roles and characters throughout Middleditch and Schwartz to help craft the overall show which was not only hilarious at times but also a sign of the connection between the two.Įach episode of Middleditch and Schwartz runs 45 minutes and due to the improvised nature of the show, at times, this did make the show feel slow and at certain times it did make it drag – though this is only a minor issue in certain scenes in this series. On top of their talent, it is clear that these two performers are great friends as they possess incredible on-stage chemistry as they work together flawlessly. This adds to the idea is the audience watching the show grow in front of their eyes and offers a realistic representation of what improvised theatre is really – like instead of an idealised version that is often shown!īoth Thomas Middleditch and Ben Schwartz are clearly insanely talented actors and performers as well as amazing comedians as they demonstrated all their skills in Middleditch and Schwartz. Even when things in the show goes wrong – such as the actors forget names or ideas – these scenes are included in the Netflix show. Seeing the process come from nothing to a complete performance is fantastic and is great to watch as a viewer. It really helps everyone to feel included in the show, yet in a controlled way. Seeing the audience not only have such an important role in the show process but also the audience chatting with the performers on stage is something I have never seen on a mainstream television show. The comedians ask for suggestions about things that scare or excites them and also ask for any important people that should be included in the scene. Middleditch and Schwartz follows the traditional format of any classic improvised show, opening with a short chat between the two comedians, and then the performance development process would begin. The adverts billed this new Netflix comedy series starring Thomas Middleditch and Ben Schwartz as a new improvised show where everything you see on the screen has been made up on the spot and in the moment – which really excited the theatre nerd In me! The new show Middleditch and Schwartz was extremely entertaining but sadly ran out of steam before it could really gain momentum! ![]()
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |