View source for Unsolved:Hyprov

{{Short description|Stage comedy show in Las Vegas, Nevada}}
{{Infobox stage production    
| name           = Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis
| image          = Hyprov logo.jpg
| image_size     =
| alt            =
| caption        = Hyprov logo
| genre          = Hypnotism and [[Engineering:Improvisation|improvisation]]
| type           = Resident
| premiere       = {{start date|2023|06|10}}
| finalshow      =
| location       = Harrah's Las Vegas, Las Vegas Strip
| creatortitle1  = Hypnotist
| creatorname1   = Asad Mecci
| creatortitle2  = Improvisational comedian
| creatorname2   = Colin Mochrie
| creatortitle3  = Co-creator
| creatorname3   = Jeff Andrews
| website        = https://hyprov.com/
| otherdata1=Sarah Power<ref>{{Cite web |title=About the Show |url=https://hyprov.com/about |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=HYPROV |language=en-US}}</ref>
| otherlabel1=Producer}}

'''''Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis''''' (pronounced "hip-rawv"<ref name="Boll-See2023-03-15">{{cite news |last=Boll-See |first=Marianne |date=2023-03-15 |title=The Hilarious Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis Comes to The Center for the Arts |url=https://www.theunion.com/local-events/the-hilarious-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-comes-to-the-center-for-the-arts/article_c4092ffa-c1de-11ed-8e88-135b19b64b91.html |newspaper=The Union |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084540/https://www.theunion.com/local-events/the-hilarious-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-comes-to-the-center-for-the-arts/article_c4092ffa-c1de-11ed-8e88-135b19b64b91.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref><ref name="Radke2023-06-23">{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |date=2023-06-23 |title='Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis' in Las Vegas Taps Into Audiences' Hidden Talents |url=https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2023/jun/23/hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-harrahs-las-vegas/ |magazine=Las Vegas Magazine |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084546/https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2023/jun/23/hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-harrahs-las-vegas/ |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref>) is a comedy show that is a fusion of [[Unsolved:Stage hypnosis|stage hypnosis]] and improvisation. It was created by hypnotist Asad Mecci, improvisational comedian Colin Mochrie, and Mochrie's manager Jeff Andrews.

Mecci, who had performed a solo hypnosis comedy act on [[Engineering:Cruise ship|cruise ship]]s, took improvisation classes at The Second City Training Center since he wanted to improve his show. His instructors taught him that instead of purposefully trying to generate funny scenes, he should let the scenes happen. The experience inspired him to propose creating a show that blended hypnotism and improvisation in a [[Cold email|cold email]] to Mochrie suggesting a collaboration. Mecci and Mochrie workshopped the show, Hyprov, in 2015 at The Second City, where they did their first performance. After receiving enthusiastic reviews, they performed the show at the Just for Laughs Montreal festival and in 2016 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. After doing a 50-city tour in North America in 2019, they temporarily stopped owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mecci and Mochrie resumed doing shows in September 2021 and had their off-Broadway debut in August 2022 at the Daryl Roth Theatre, where they performed 70 shows. Hyprov started its residency at Harrah's Las Vegas in June 2023.

At the beginning of the show, Mecci asks for 20 volunteers to join him on stage. He attempts to hypnotize them and whittles the number down to four or five based on how receptive they are to hypnosis. The improvisational comedian—either Mochrie or another of a rotating group of celebrities—leads the scenes with the volunteers. Scenes include everyone having lost their belly buttons, proposing to the comedian, singing a duet, and attending a funeral after a pet's death. Another scene is a murder mystery radio broadcast where one volunteer is told to make incorrect sound effects while another acts out all characters in the story. The show received mostly positive reviews from critics. Of a 2016 performance, ''The Times'' theater critic Dominic Maxwell called it "a celebration of the human imagination" but said there was "a lot of admin for not enough laughs". ''{{wipe|The Wall Street Journal}}'' theater critic Charles Isherwood penned a positive review, writing, "It's catnip for those who relish the spontaneity and informality that this show and similar ones involve".

==History==
Asad Mecci was born in 1975 in Northern Ontario and has a wife.<ref name="Asad Mecci">{{cite news |title=Asad Mecci |url=https://hyprov.com/asad-mecci |website=Hyprov |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084559/https://hyprov.com/asad-mecci |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref><ref name="enRoute2023-11-01">{{cite magazine |date=2023-11-01 |title=Asad Mecci on Earning and Redeeming While on Tour as a Hypnotist |url=https://enroute.aircanada.com/en/aeroplan-insider/asad-mecci-aeroplan-point-tips/ |magazine=enRoute |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084608/https://enroute.aircanada.com/en/aeroplan-insider/asad-mecci-aeroplan-point-tips/ |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> His family came from Bangalore, India, which he last visited in his youth.<ref name="enRoute2023-11-01"/> After Mecci received a commerce degree from McMaster University, he began his hypnotist career in 1998.<ref name="Asad Mecci"/> Mecci was a [[Engineering:Cruise ship|cruise ship]] performer who did [[Unsolved:Hypnosis|hypnosis]] during his solo comedy act.<ref name="Zinoman2022-08-15">{{cite news |last=Zinoman |first=Jason |date=2022-08-15 |title=You Are Getting Sleepy. When You Wake Up, You Will Be an Improv Star. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/15/theater/hyprov-comedy.html |newspaper={{wipe|The New York Times}} |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084615/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/15/theater/hyprov-comedy.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref><ref name="Ritter2020-03-03">{{cite news |last=Ritter |first=Victoria |date=2020-03-03 |title=Comedy and hypnosis come together in Hyprov show |url=https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Comedy-and-hypnosis-come-togetherin-Hyprov-show-15100682.php |newspaper=Midland Daily News |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301024155/https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Comedy-and-hypnosis-come-togetherin-Hyprov-show-15100682.php |archivedate=2021-03-01 }}</ref> He performed on ships owned by Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.<ref name="Katzwer2022-03-17">{{cite news |last=Katzwer |first=Yael |date=2022-03-17 |title=Hypnotism and improv to meet on UCPAC stage |url=https://unionnewsdaily.com/arts/hypnotism-and-improv-to-meet-on-ucpac-stage |newspaper=Union News Daily |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084633/https://unionnewsdaily.com/arts/hypnotism-and-improv-to-meet-on-ucpac-stage |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref><ref name="Katsilometes2023-06-10">{{cite news |last=Katsilometes |first=John |author-link=John Katsilometes |date=2023-06-10 |title=New Harrah's comedy show takes a chance on trance |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/new-harrahs-comedy-show-takes-a-chance-on-trance-2792187/ |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084646/https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/new-harrahs-comedy-show-takes-a-chance-on-trance-2792187/ |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref>

Wanting to refine his show Hypnohype, he enrolled in an improv course at The Second City Training Center in Toronto in 2015 at the recommendation of a friend.<ref name="Zinoman2022-08-15"/><ref name="Awde2016-09-08">{{cite news |last=Awde |first=Nick |date=2016-09-08 |title=International: How the Second City is producing the future stars of improv |url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/international-how-the-second-city-is-producing-the-future-stars-of-improv |newspaper=The Stage |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/2023.10.20-081817/https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/international-how-the-second-city-is-producing-the-future-stars-of-improv |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> A class for beginner students contained activities that made their minds drawn in and disoriented. Mecci said that the activities prevented improvisers from contemplating what to do, leading to "automatic and unconscious" actions.<ref name="Zinoman2022-08-15"/> The Second City teachers told him he should allow scenes to take place rather than deliberately attempt to create funny situations.<ref name="Krewen2023-02-09">{{cite news |last=Krewen |first=Nick |date=2023-02-09 |title='Hyprov' takes Colin Mochrie back to his early days as an improviser. The show involves Asad Mecci hypnotizing people, who then perform with Mochrie. They "make extremely bold choices," the comedian says. |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/hyprov-takes-colin-mochrie-back-to-his-early-days-as-an-improviser/article_17ae7b78-47d8-577a-a92e-180b36a954f7.html |newspaper=Toronto Star |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084704/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/hyprov-takes-colin-mochrie-back-to-his-early-days-as-an-improviser/article_17ae7b78-47d8-577a-a92e-180b36a954f7.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> The class inspired Mecci to believe he could use hypnosis to give people an equivalent experience.<ref name="Katzwer2022-03-17"/> Through Colin Mochrie's website, Mecci in 2016 sent a [[Cold email|cold email]] proposing that they collaborate on a live stage performance that was a fusion of hypnosis and improv.<ref name="Ritter2020-03-03"/><ref name="Bianchini2023-02-07">{{cite news |last=Bianchini |first=Elisabetta |date=2023-02-07 |title='HYPROV': Colin Mochrie's new improv partners are hypnotized audience members |url=https://news.yahoo.com/hyprov-colin-mochrie-asad-mecci-improv-comedy-hypnosis-214713807.html |publisher=[[Software:Yahoo! News|Yahoo! News]] |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084711/https://news.yahoo.com/hyprov-colin-mochrie-asad-mecci-improv-comedy-hypnosis-214713807.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref><ref name="Alleman2022-04-04">{{cite news |last=Alleman |first=Annie |date=2022-04-04 |title=Hyprov combines improv, hypnotism, and audience participation |url=https://chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-ent-hyprov-batavia-st-0415-20220404-ctxpim23a5apjinbd7wjpsvq3y-story.html |newspaper=Aurora Beacon-News |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084724/https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/ct-abn-ent-hyprov-batavia-st-0415-20220404-ctxpim23a5apjinbd7wjpsvq3y-story.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Mochrie's manager, Jeff Andrews, who received the message, was captivated by the suggested collaboration.<ref name="Katzwer2022-03-17"/><ref name="Bianchini2023-02-07"/> Mochrie, who had been an improviser for roughly 40 years, liked when there were new ways to do the activity, and said, "I thought, I really can't get farther out of my comfort zone than this, working with people I’ve just met who are in a hypnotic state."<ref name="Hofmann2022-04-28">{{cite news |last=Hofmann |first=Mark |date=2022-04-28 |title=Hypnosis and improv comedy come together in "HYPROV" at the State Theatre |url=https://www.heraldstandard.com/entertainment/local/hypnosis-and-improv-comedy-come-together-in-hyprov-at-the-state-theatre/article_1aa4412e-c253-11ec-8faa-0bb30a7523cb.html |newspaper=The Herald-Standard |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084727/https://www.heraldstandard.com/entertainment/local/hypnosis-and-improv-comedy-come-together-in-hyprov-at-the-state-theatre/article_1aa4412e-c253-11ec-8faa-0bb30a7523cb.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> In under 24 hours, Andrews responded, and Mecci and Mochrie had a get-together.<ref name="Ritter2020-03-03"/><ref name="Vitello2021-11-12">{{cite news |last=Vitello |first=Barbara |date=2021-11-12 |title=Hypnosis + Improv = Comedy: Colin Mochrie, hypnotist Asad Mecci join forces for 'HYPROV' show at the Raue |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/entlife/20211112/hypnosis--improv--comedy-colin-mochrie-hypnotist-asad-mecci-join-forces-for-hyprov-show-at-the-raue |newspaper=Daily Herald |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084743/https://www.dailyherald.com/entlife/20211112/hypnosis--improv--comedy-colin-mochrie-hypnotist-asad-mecci-join-forces-for-hyprov-show-at-the-raue |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Mochrie was an ensemble member of the Toronto chapter of The Second City. A few weeks after Mecci and Mochrie's meeting, they and Andrews developed the show ''Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis'' at The Second City in 2016.<ref name="Vitello2021-11-12"/><ref name="Brunner2022-05-19">{{cite magazine |last=Brunner |first=Raven |date=2022-05-19 |title=Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci's HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis Sets NYC Premiere |url=https://playbill.com/article/colin-mochrie-and-asad-meccis-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-sets-nyc-premiere |magazine=Playbill |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084745/https://playbill.com/article/colin-mochrie-and-asad-meccis-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-sets-nyc-premiere |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> They leased The Second City Toronto venue John Candy Box Theatre to do testing during daytime hours.<ref name="Awde2016-09-08"/>

Mecci is the hypnotist; Mochrie, who performs on ''Whose Line Is It Anyway?'' is the improvisational comedian; and Andrews is Mochrie's producer and marketer.<ref name="Isherwood2022-08-25">{{cite news |last=Isherwood |first=Charles |date=2022-08-25 |title='Hyprov' Review: Improv and Hypnotism, With an Audience |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/hyprov-review-improv-under-hypnosis-asad-mecci-colin-mochrie-jeff-andrews-jo-winiarski-rufus-wainwright-stan-zimmerman-11661463122 |newspaper={{wipe|The Wall Street Journal}} |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/2022.09.02-201811/https://www.wsj.com/articles/hyprov-review-improv-under-hypnosis-asad-mecci-colin-mochrie-jeff-andrews-jo-winiarski-rufus-wainwright-stan-zimmerman-11661463122 |archivedate=2022-09-02 }}</ref> Without doing any rehearsals, beginning in November 2015, they performed Hyprov at the end of The Second City's main show, leading people to give positive feedback and to fill the seats.<ref name="Awde2016-09-08"/><ref name="Krewen2023-02-09"/><ref name="Bianchini2023-02-07"/><ref name="Reily2019-10-09">{{cite news |last=Reily |first=Emily |date=2019-10-09 |title=Improv master Colin Mochrie finds comfort in 'panic mode' in Hyprov show with hypnotist Asad Mecci |url=https://www.unionleader.com/nh/arts_and_ent/improv-master-colin-mochrie-finds-comfort-in-panic-mode-in-hyprov-show-with-hypnotist-asad/article_93e5d30a-d00c-5bfb-80d4-41bfd1060756.html |newspaper=New Hampshire Union Leader |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084802/https://www.unionleader.com/nh/arts_and_ent/improv-master-colin-mochrie-finds-comfort-in-panic-mode-in-hyprov-show-with-hypnotist-asad/article_93e5d30a-d00c-5bfb-80d4-41bfd1060756.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Andrew recruited the actress and director Linda Kash to be Hyprov's director. Kash said, "There were two shows colliding – a meticulous performer used to working to a fixed format and the freedom of Colin’s improv. My objective was to create a unified show out of the two parts and to allow Colin ... to have a good time and to be challenged as well."<ref name="Awde2016-09-08"/>

The group next put on the show at the {{wipe|Montreal}} comedy festival Just for Laughs where all seats were filled.<ref name="Krewen2023-02-09"/> Mochrie discussed the show in July 2016 at Just for Laughs London, where there was insufficient time for Mecci to do a hypnosis performance.<ref name="Bennett2016-07-15">{{cite news |last=Bennett |first=Steve |date=2016-07-15 |title=Just For Laughs London opening gala |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/review/2016/07/15/25290/just_for_laughs_london_opening_gala |website=Chortle |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084815/https://www.chortle.co.uk/review/2016/07/15/25290/just_for_laughs_london_opening_gala |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> They performed Hyprov at the [[Place:Edinburgh|Edinburgh]] performing arts festival Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2016.<ref name="Maxwell2022-11-01">{{cite news |last=Maxwell |first=Dominic |date=2022-11-01 |title=Comedy: Hyprov at Spiegeltent, WC1. Hypnosis meets improv in a comedy show that requires a lot of admin for not enough laughs |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hyprov-at-spiegeltent-wc1-dqlxfskg6 |newspaper=The Times |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/2022.11.01-144626/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/hyprov-at-spiegeltent-wc1-dqlxfskg6 |archivedate=2022-11-01 }}</ref> After they visited 50 North American cities to perform Hyprov in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on further performances.<ref name="Zinoman2022-08-15"/><ref name="Krewen2023-02-09"/><ref name="Bambury2020-01-03">{{cite news |last=Bambury |first=Brent |date=2020-01-03 |title=Comedian Colin Mochrie is teaming up with a hypnotist to take improv to a new level |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/rescuing-koalas-transgender-activist-aimee-stephens-colin-mochrie-new-eden-spoofs-70s-cults-and-more-1.5412963/comedian-colin-mochrie-is-teaming-up-with-a-hypnotist-to-take-improv-to-a-new-level-1.5412973 |publisher=CBC Radio |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084822/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/rescuing-koalas-transgender-activist-aimee-stephens-colin-mochrie-new-eden-spoofs-70s-cults-and-more-1.5412963/comedian-colin-mochrie-is-teaming-up-with-a-hypnotist-to-take-improv-to-a-new-level-1.5412973 |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> They returned to their tour in September 2021.<ref name="Cronick2022-06-07">{{cite news |last=Cronick |first=Scott |date=2022-06-07 |title=New comedy concept combines hypnosis and improv into one sidesplitting good time |url=https://pressofatlanticcity.com/community/article_fcf8b16b-0083-52d1-be74-d0416e698180.html |newspaper=The Press of Atlantic City |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084829/https://pressofatlanticcity.com/community/article_fcf8b16b-0083-52d1-be74-d0416e698180.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref><ref name="DeVore2021-09-21">{{cite news |last=DeVore |first=Sheryl |date=2021-09-22 |title=Colin Mochrie, Asad Mecci combine improvisation, hypnosis into one show |url=https://chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-ent-colin-mochrie-clc-st-1001-20210921-j7ckqjetdbajzg55goerxhfama-story.html |newspaper=Lake County News-Sun |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084840/https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/ct-lns-ent-colin-mochrie-clc-st-1001-20210921-j7ckqjetdbajzg55goerxhfama-story.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref>

Hyprov made its off-Broadway debut on August 12, 2022, at the Daryl Roth Theatre.<ref name="Zinoman2022-08-15"/><ref name="Brunner2022-08-22">{{cite magazine |last=Brunner |first=Raven |date=2022-08-22 |title=Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci's HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis Opens Off-Broadway August 22 |url=https://playbill.com/article/colin-mochrie-and-asad-meccis-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-opens-off-broadway-august-22 |magazine=Playbill |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106094552/https://playbill.com/article/colin-mochrie-and-asad-meccis-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-opens-off-broadway-august-22 |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Cody Lassen was the show's executive [[Social:Theatrical producer|producer]], Stan Zimmerman directed it, and Bob Martin provided creative input. The [[Social:Music director|music director]] was John Hilsen and the [[Engineering:Lighting design|lighting design]]er was Jeff Croiter.<ref name="Brunner2022-05-19"/> ''The New Yorker''{{'}}s Dan Stahl said the lighting and music assist in "ground[ing] the shifting settings" and said Hilsen's [[Engineering:Musical keyboard|keyboard]] accompaniment is "itself a feat of improvisation".<ref name="Stahl2022-09-05">{{cite magazine |last=Stahl |first=Dan |date=2022-09-05 |title=Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis |url=https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/theatre/hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-09-05-22 |magazine=The New Yorker |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084845/https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/theatre/hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-09-05-22 |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> ''{{wipe|The Wall Street Journal}}'' theater critic Charles Isherwood praised set designer Jo Winiarski for "creat[ing] a sleek environment that could easily be transposed to a television studio".<ref name="Isherwood2022-08-25"/> Zachary Stewart of TheaterMania said the set was "part TED Talk, part cocktail lounge".<ref name="Stewart2022-08-22">{{cite news |last=Stewart |first=Zachary |date=2022-08-22 |title=Review: Is Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis Funnier Than Your Co-Worker's Improv Troupe? |url=https://www.theatermania.com/news/review-is-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-funnier-than-your-co-workers-improv-troupe_94196/ |website=TheaterMania |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084853/https://www.theatermania.com/news/review-is-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis-funnier-than-your-co-workers-improv-troupe_94196/ |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Jeff Hiller took over Mochrie's role on October 19, 2022, and performed the remaining shows.<ref name="Gans2022-10-19">{{cite magazine |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=2022-10-19 |title=Jeff Hiller Will Join Asad Mecci in Off-Broadway's Hyprov |url=https://playbill.com/article/jeff-hiller-will-join-asad-mecci-in-off-broadways-hyprov |magazine=Playbill |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084903/https://playbill.com/article/jeff-hiller-will-join-asad-mecci-in-off-broadways-hyprov |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Putting on 10 preview and 60 official shows, the show ran for 12 weeks until October 30, 2022.<ref name="Gans2022-10-19"/><ref name="Wiltbank2022-08-25">{{cite magazine |last1=Wiltbank |first1=Michael |last2=Brunner |first2=Raven |date=2022-08-25 |title=See Inside Opening Night of Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci's Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis |url=https://playbill.com/article/see-inside-opening-night-of-colin-mochrie-and-asad-meccis-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis |magazine=Playbill |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084911/https://playbill.com/article/see-inside-opening-night-of-colin-mochrie-and-asad-meccis-hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Hyprov was nominated for Best Unique Theatrical Experience at the 12th Off Broadway Alliance Awards held in 2023.<ref name="Culwell-Block2023-05-31">{{cite magazine |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |date=2023-05-31 |title=Fat Ham Is Off Broadway Alliance Awards' Best New Play; See the Full List of 2023 Winners |url=https://playbill.com/article/fat-ham-is-off-broadway-alliance-awards-best-new-play-see-the-full-list-of-2023-winners |magazine=Playbill |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084919/https://playbill.com/article/fat-ham-is-off-broadway-alliance-awards-best-new-play-see-the-full-list-of-2023-winners |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> By February 2023, Hyprov had completed over 190 performances.<ref name="Bianchini2023-02-07"/>

Hyprov performed its first preview show on June 10, 2023, at Harrah's Showroom in Harrah's Las Vegas, where it is in residency.<ref name="Katsilometes2023-06-10"/><ref name="Radke2023-06-12">{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |date=2023-06-12 |title=Hypnosis and improvisational comedy combine in new show at Harrah's Las Vegas |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2023/jun/12/hyprov-harrahs-colin-mochrie-asad-mecci-comedy/ |newspaper=Las Vegas Sun |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084926/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2023/jun/12/hyprov-harrahs-colin-mochrie-asad-mecci-comedy/ |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> It rotates performances with Donny Osmond, who performs his own show at Harrah's.<ref name="Katsilometes2023-06-10"/> When Hyprov opened, ''Las Vegas Review-Journal'' entertainment columnist John Katsilometes said that shows focused on improv previously had not done well on the Las Vegas Strip. He cited Lin-Manuel Miranda's ''Freestyle Love Supreme'', which when Miranda was not present failed to attract ticket purchasers.<ref name="Katsilometes2023-06-10"/> The show has an alternating cast: Mochrie, actress Stephanie Courtney, comedian Jonathan Mangum, and improvisational comedian Amber Nash.{{efn|{{Bulleted list|For the show having an alternating cast<ref name="Boll-See2023-03-15"/><ref name="Radke2023-05-10">{{cite news |last=Radke |first=Brock |date=2023-05-10 |title=Night Ranger, 'Late Night Magic' and more Las Vegas showbiz news |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2023/may/10/night-ranger-late-night-magic-and-more-las-vegas-/ |newspaper=Las Vegas Sun |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106084936/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2023/may/10/night-ranger-late-night-magic-and-more-las-vegas-/ |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref>|For Mochrie<ref name="Boll-See2023-03-15"/>|For Stephanie Courtney<ref name="Radke2023-06-23"/>|For Jonathan Mangum<ref name="Radke2023-06-23"/>|For Amber Nash<ref name="Katsilometes2023-06-10"/>|}}}}

==Show==
The premise of Hyprov is that since [[Philosophy:Self-consciousness|self-consciousness]] is fatal to improv, self-consciousness should be extinguished through hypnosis.<ref name="Stahl2022-09-05"/> Hyprov's volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and the show does not use plants from the audience.<ref name="Bianchini2023-02-07"/><ref name="DeVore2021-09-21"/> Hyprov is a family-friendly show and does not discuss politics.<ref name="Anguiano2019-09-06">{{cite news |last=Anguiano |first=Richard |date=2019-09-06 |title=Hypnosis + comedy = lots of fun |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/175CF84C866596A8&f=basic |newspaper=Ocala StarBanner |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/2023.11.06-085037/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/175CF84C866596A8&f=basic |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Asad Mecci asks 20 volunteers to make their way to the stage to participate in the performance.<ref name="Isherwood2022-08-25"/><ref name="Hayse2020-01-20">{{cite news |last=Hayse |first=Bobbie |date=2020-01-20 |title=Hyprov coming to Owensboro Feb. 7 |url=https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/hyprov-coming-to-owensboro-feb-7/article_730897d8-8b44-5b0f-b602-e611bbbf1178.html |newspaper=Messenger-Inquirer |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106085005/https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/hyprov-coming-to-owensboro-feb-7/article_730897d8-8b44-5b0f-b602-e611bbbf1178.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> To make the volunteers comfortable, hypnotist Mecci employs "a voice in a smooth dark register". Through "an auctioneer's rapid delivery", he makes everyone enter stupor.<ref name="Isherwood2022-08-25"/> Employing numerous chanting, he tells the volunteers that they are thoroughly at peace.<ref name="Maxwell2022-11-01"/> He says sentences like "Great eye contact, people on the stage" and "The deeper you go, the better you feel".<ref name="Stewart2022-08-22"/> As Mecci speaks, the show plays music composed by Rufus Wainwright. ''{{wipe|The Wall Street Journal}}'' theater critic Charles Isherwood described the music as "trance-inducing" and containing "Philip Glass-like piano arpeggios, tinkling chimes, humming". Based on the volunteers' amenability to hypnosis, Mecci eliminates the volunteers until only a few remain.<ref name="Isherwood2022-08-25"/> Some of the volunteers are pretending to be hypnotized, while others would like to be hypnotized but fail to be affected.<ref name="Alleman2020-01-02">{{cite news |last=Alleman |first=Annie |date=2020-01-02 |title=Improvisor Colin Mochrie teams up hypnotist Asad Mecci for 'Hyprov' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-ent-colin-mochrie-mcaninch-0110-20200102-hxp27cegsrde7koufsdadn5enm-story.html |newspaper=Naperville Sun |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106085013/https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/ct-nvs-ent-colin-mochrie-mcaninch-0110-20200102-hxp27cegsrde7koufsdadn5enm-story.html |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Looking at how they transform physiologically, Mecci said he relies on participants' revealing indicators that demonstrate their suitability to hypnosis. He cited examples such as alterations in their skin tone, skin color, and rate of breathing. Mecci said hypnosis-receptive volunteers direct a blank stare to him.<ref name="Krewen2023-02-09"/>

After Mecci has culled the number of volunteers, improvisational comedian Colin Mochrie largely leads the show. From roughly 12 improvisational scenes, he selects four or five to act out with remaining volunteers, who are called "hyprovisers".<ref name="Isherwood2022-08-25"/> The audience offers recommendations and Mecci contributes plot surprises.<ref name="Stahl2022-09-05"/> Mecci tells the volunteers, "You will take this experiment very seriously."<ref name="Stewart2022-08-22"/> The scenes include a solo dance and a scene about a hybrid animal.<ref name="Isherwood2022-08-25"/> In one skit, Mochrie is the detective in a murder mystery radio broadcast where one volunteer is told to use incorrect [[Sound effect|sound effect]]s, while a second volunteer acts out the various characters including a mob hitman and an attractive secretary.<ref name="Bambury2020-01-03"/> In another skit, a volunteer is told to make a marriage proposal to Mochrie with the requirement that it must be done while he is sitting. Mochrie delays the proposal by standing up and doing other things. He accepts the proposal once it is made, explaining, "It's such an emotional, lovely moment. They're truly in love with me."<ref name="DeVore2021-09-21"/> In a show, a volunteer told to propose starts interrogating Mochrie after noticing Mochrie is wearing a wedding ring.<ref name="Ritter2020-03-03"/> With the volunteer asking whether Mochrie was deceiving him, Mochrie concocted an explanation for the ring that did not hurt the volunteer.<ref name="Cronick2022-06-07"/> In another scene, Mecci tells the volunteers they have lost their belly buttons, prompting a volunteer during a New York show to shout out, "I know I had my belly button when I got here!"<ref name="Katsilometes2023-06-10"/> One scenario features Mochrie and a volunteer singing a duet.<ref name="Alleman2020-01-02"/>

Mochrie praised the hypnotized volunteers for being completely unreserved, making their performances frequently unexpected and exhilarating. He contrasted this with his ''Whose Line Is It Anyway?'' co-stars, whose responses he could predict despite their doing improvisation.<ref name="Krewen2023-02-09"/> He said the volunteers were like "[[Medicine:Substance intoxication|stoned]] people" since they have substantially delayed responses.<ref name="Reily2019-10-09"/> Improvisers follow the [[Yes, and...|yes, and...]] concept where they agree to and build on their collaborators' ideas. Confident that volunteers would follow the "yes", Mochrie initially was apprehensive that they would follow the "and" but found the hypnotized volunteers followed the established premises.<ref name="Vitello2021-11-12"/> Whereas people new to improvising frequently [[Social:Filler (linguistics)|fillers]] like "um" and "uh", the hypnotized volunteers do not.<ref name="Tallman2023-04-12">{{cite magazine |last=Tallman |first=Kerri |date=2023-04-12 |title=Hyprov Coming to Woonsocket, Turning Everyone Into Improvisers |url=https://www.rimonthly.com/hyprov-coming-to-woonsocket-turning-everyone-into-improvisers/ |magazine=Rhode Island Monthly |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106085021/https://www.rimonthly.com/hyprov-coming-to-woonsocket-turning-everyone-into-improvisers/ |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Mochrie said that after performing the show numerous times, they learned that the scene premises had to be unambiguous and uncomplicated. Easily understood scenes include a volunteer having to attend a funeral after a pet's death and needing to make a marriage proposal to Mochrie.<ref name="Krewen2023-02-09"/> When volunteers are doing an outstanding job in their role, Mochrie allows them space to showcase their talents. When volunteers struggle to be communicative, Mochrie takes a more active role.<ref name="Ritter2020-03-03"/>

==Reception==
Reviewing a 2016 Just for Laughs London performance, ''The Times'' theater critic Dominic Maxwell gave the show two stars out of five, criticizing it for having "a lot of admin for not enough laughs". Noting that "there were too many moments in which participants appeared groggy rather than freewheeling", he said that the audience frequently seemed to be experiencing mirth at the expense of the volunteers rather than alongside them. Maxwell praised a scene in the show where Mochrie eulogized [[Biography:Henry VIII|Henry VIII]] as a volunteer did a [[Social:Sign language|sign language]] interpretation of the speech that was delightfully literal. He said of the moment, "It felt like a celebration of the human imagination."<ref name="Maxwell2022-11-01"/> Calling the show "great fun", ''The Scotsman'' comedy critic Kate Copstick rated it three stars, writing, "a regular (but very good) hypnotism show with a clever, funny bloke doing the suggestions for what the subjects should get up to and interacting with them, rather than the hypnotist".<ref name="Copstick">{{cite news |last=Copstick |first=Katie |date=2016-08-09 |title=Comedy review: Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/15EA7DD5F57889A0&f=basic |newspaper=The Scotsman |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/2023.11.06-085116/https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&docref=news/15EA7DD5F57889A0&f=basic |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref>

In a positive review of the 2022 off Broadway run, ''{{wipe|The Wall Street Journal}}'' theater critic Charles Isherwood said, "It's catnip for those who relish the spontaneity and informality that this show and similar ones involve" and praised improvisational comedian Colin Mochrie for being "a slightly sinister but still audience-engaging presence". Deeply impressed was he by the volunteers' performance, he initially speculated that they were "plants" who had been chosen before the show, but concluded it was probable for audience members in New York to be adept in improv.<ref name="Isherwood2022-08-25"/> Rating the off Broadway show four out of five stars, Adam Feldman of ''Time Out'' called the show a "hilarious and fascinating fusion of unpredictable art forms".<ref name="Feldman2022-10-20">{{cite news |last=Feldman |first=Adam |date=2022-10-20 |title=Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis |magazine=Time Out |accessdate=2023-11-06 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106085043/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/hyprov-improv-under-hypnosis |archivedate=2023-11-06 }}</ref> Zachary Stewart of TheaterMania wrote, "they weren't significantly funnier than what you might encounter at the Peoples Improv Theater after finally agreeing to see your co-worker's amateur troupe — at least not on the night I attended. ... Hyprov feels like a 100-minute episode of Whose Line, with tried-and-true games, family-friendly subjects, and nary a word uttered that the FCC might find objectionable."<ref name="Stewart2022-08-22"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Footnotes==
{{notelist}}

==External links==
* [https://hyprov.com/ Official website]

[[Category:Hypnosis]]

{{Sourceattribution|Hyprov}}