When a mother and daughter share an improv stage, it's a hoot
By KAREN SHADE World Scene Writer
06/22/2007
Tulsa World (Final Home Edition)

Miriam Mills (left) and her daughter Julia are players in The Laughing Matter Improv showcase at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
On a recent Saturday afternoon, Miriam Mills drove her daughter from camp to a theater where they played games together.

Not that the camp didn't offer Julia Mills plenty of good times, but where else could they converse in gibberish before a group of mostly mature adults and teens without repercussion?

Julia has performed with the Clark Theatre Laughing Matter Improv youth group since it began in 2005, but has practiced the impulse-driven comedy style for three years.

Friday, however, will mark the first time this seasoned 15-year-old has shared the stage with her mom.

"It can be really awkward, especially with her, because she's really different on stage," Julia said, shortly after doing her best impression of a salmon.

Miriam, seated beside her on the Clark Theatre stage after a recent rehearsal, laughed. Apparently, even Miriam's voice sounds different in improv-player mode.

"We've never done it before together, we've never even practiced at home or anything," Julia said.

When the Clark bunch joins Heller Theatre's version of Laughing Matter Improv on stage Friday night at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, mother and daughter will reunite as players for an outlandish evening of mental derring-do in front of an audience.

Both gangs will play together for the first time as the teens and the "grown-ups" act up in trademark zaniness.

Miriam, who has been working with Heller's troupe for about a year, said she was inspired by her daughter to try it herself. Because they know each other so well, mother and daughter are both curious about what will happen.

Miriam said their deep bond, which has had its share of both comedy and drama, should provide them with some good details to use in the show.

"A lot of improv is pulling details out of your head, because the more specific it is, the more funny it can be," she said.
Karen Shade 581-8334
karen.shade@tulsaworld.com

Laughing Matter Comedy Night
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Charles E. Norman Theatre of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Second Street and Cincinnati Avenue
Tickets: $7, available at the PAC box office, by phone at 596-7111 and online at www.MyTicketOffice.com.