Laughter will erupt from the audience and maybe from the stage when the Nuremberg Community Players present their annual sketch-comedy show this weekend.
The third edition of "Laughing It Up With The Players" is scheduled for a two-night run today and Saturday at The Towers Bar and Restaurant, 1478 Tomhicken Road, Fern Glen. A buffet-style dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., with the show scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and reservations are required.
Unlike a typical stage performance, the show is entirely improvised and structured in the style of "Saturday Night Live" or "Laugh-In." Don Murray, show writer, warned that the unpredictable nature of improv could even make some of the performers laugh on stage.
"This is not like a normal show," said Murray, who co-wrote the show with Ed Samler and Bobby Maso.
Another unique aspect of the show is the setup. Instead of standing in front of the audience on a stage, the performers will be situated in different areas around the room.
This year's show is a spoof of the popular television newsmagazine "20/20." Called "0/0," the skits will focus on interesting situations at the North Pole with famous holiday characters. Murray said one example is an intervention for an elf addicted to candy canes.
While the first two years of "Laughing It Up" were a compilation of unrelated skits, Murray said having one general theme for the show will create a different viewing experience for the audience.
"The first two shows were just a bunch of shows. This time it is like watching TV," he said.
This weekend's event is also part of a bigger project for the Nuremberg Community Players.
The organization recently purchased the former St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church on Hazle Street in Nuremberg to convert into a new theater. Murray said they are hoping to use some of the funds from the event to help with the renovation costs.
Murray said the Players are currently performing at locations around the area while the work is ongoing. So far, the new stage and seating area are complete.
Most importantly, this weekend's shows are to provide entertainment and a fun-filled night.
"We have had a good time writing it and just encourage everyone to come out and have a good time," Murray said.
For more information or to reserve tickets, call 570-384-4407. To learn more about the Nuremberg Community Players or for information on how to donate to the theater renovation, visit www.nurembergplayers.org.