So I'll get right to it: Improv Everywhere is a group best known for doing performance art in the middle of public places. They are probably best known for their Frozen Grand Central and No-Pants Subway Ride. However, their goal isn't to evoke stress or discomfort, like other hidden camera operations. Their mission statement is to cause "chaos and joy." They show up at a location, they do something strange/funny/interesting and then they disperse. Simple enough, yes, but Improv Everywhere goes above and beyond the normal flash mob scene. These missions include a lot of planning, a lot of people and sometimes some props and costumes.
Well, they have gotten popular enough that they were contacted
by the New York Public Library to "perform" at the library. Apparently the library is having some budget issues and wanted some publicity to help raise awareness. Improv Everywhere wanted to do something specific to the NYPL, so they delved into the background of that historical building and decided to reenact one of the most significant events that occurred within the walls of that edifice:That's right. In case you didn't know, the opening scenes of Ghostbusters (the classic 1984 comedy), takes place in the very same library - in the very same room. And extra props to Improv Everywhere for finding actors who (kind of) fit the roles of Peter, Ray, Egon and Winston. Although, in fairness, I have to mention that Winston was never in the library with the original three. Winston didn't join the team until after they became celebrities. Also, those ghost costumes were spectacular!
Yes, the music is a bit cheesy, but you can't help but smile about this "mission." It makes me hope I can be caught in the middle of one some day.
Also, as a semi-related side note, I believe Ghostbusters will go down in history as one of the most influential films in history in regards to the way we interact with one another. I mean, will there ever again be a time when someone asks "Who you gonna call?" and someone else in the room WON'T reply by saying "Ghostbusters!"? I think not.
4 comments:
That is pretty awesome. That scene in the basement when they see the old lady ghost used to scare the pants off me!
And that, Sara Ann, is why I don't wear pants during horror movies. . .and why the local Cinemark won't allow me in anymore. :(
That was awesome. Reminds me of when I went to New York and we tried to do a Ghostbusters tour. Pretty much all we found was the library, and about half a dozen churches that could have been the church the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man stepped on.
I kind of wish the library hadn't asked these dudes to do something though; it would have been better had they just done it on their own. But still pretty sweet.
The budget was HUGE for this Improv Everywhere! Those ghost costumes, are off the hook! And the inflatable proton packs, whew!
My favorite is still the Food Court Musical and of course Frozen.
But I am a big fan of Look Up More and No Shirts.
I think I could watch Improv Everywhere all day...that is why I am not going to their site right now. I have things to do.
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