Sunday, June 20, 2010

FrISC Finalist Spotlight Series: Code Duello


Improv time travelers, Neil Reynolds and Matt Tucker, offer FrISC a rare look into their own personal history.

Neil Reynolds and Matt Tucker were performing together in the improv troupe Dayjob before both left to go “duo.”

A pair of self-described history nerds, they played around with the idea of a comedic re-enactment of the infamous duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.

“The more we joked about re-enacting the duel with improv, the more we got serious about making this a real show, the group said. “A week later we were ordering costumes from a re-enactors’ store.”

Now known as Code Duello, their show has received acclaim from the Best New York Comedy blog, The A.V. Club, and Time Out New York.

FrISC: Give us the inside scoop: if Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr were to portray the two of you having a spat, based on real life events, what would it be about and how would it end?

If this show were about Matt and Neil, it’d be a story about two awesome guys who get along just awesomely. But if Hamilton and Burr were producing this show together, it would still end with Hamilton getting shot. Creative differences, you know.

FrISC: Neil, what’s the best thing about working with Matt? Matt, what’s the best thing about working with Neil?

Neil: Matt is super agile—physically and mentally. He pushes me to take risks without ever intending to. I’m constantly inspired by his commitment, playfulness, and imagination and I just try to keep up.

Matt: Neil is a perfect storm of qualities that are rare and essential in an improviser. As an actor, he has an amazing emotional range. As a comedian, he is alternately playful and devious. As a storyteller, he is ferociously intelligent. He always surprises me. He always touches me (in a good way). He is never content to play the superficial; he strives for depth and meaning in every scene. Working with Neil has been the highlight of my improv adventure so far.

FrISC: What videos do you find yourself watching over and over on the Internet?

Neil: Cats pouncing on babies.

Matt: Teens covering emo songs in their bathrooms.

FrISC: What’s your most memorable show moment together so far?

Every one of our shows at the UCB’s Del Close Marathon has been a trip. I’m not sure there are any other improv audiences so simultaneously smart, loud, ravenous, and supportive—to say nothing of the other talented acts with whom we share the stage. We always leave that festival inspired and humbled.

FrISC: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned while pursuing your career

Neil: Seek like-minded artists who will support and challenge you.

Matt: Do what you love and the universe will reward you for it. Ask Oprah.

FrISC: Matt and Neil, what’s next for you and Code Duello?

Matt is moving to NYC to pursue performing, writing, and filmmaking. Neil is moving to LA to pursue the same, concurrent with a two-year jaunt through film school. After a brief hiatus this summer, Code Duello will return as a bicoastal touring show.

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