Thanks to Hannah Wydeven for taking the time to share this behind-the-scenes information. Enjoy Hannah's interview, get your tickets to the show, and since social media is a bit...complicated right now, please consider signing-up for the Shrieking Harpies email list so you can get notified for upcoming shows.
Artfully,
Artist Interview with Hannah Wydeven
Hannah: Leave Room for Jesus is a parody show really playing on evangelical ideals of chastity and purity, as well as the fame-mongering of both men and women in mega-churches. More than anything it’s super goofy and fun, and doesn’t take itself seriously in any way. The show is also musical and uses a lot of audience interaction, so it will feel very much like a sermon (gone awry).
How did this show come to be?
Hannah: Every year I do a one off musical show around Valentine’s Day weekend that explores some facet of love and lust. It’s an opportunity for me to bring in some really talented friends and play a character I want to explore. It’s also a chance for me to just let it rip and do somewhat offensive and intensely stupid improv for a night. There are so many really thoughtful and poignant and emotionally driven improv shows being done in the twin cities (that are incredible), and this just isn’t one of them. Every piece of it was designed to just make people laugh their asses off.
Make your own question (what do you want to share about this process? Or something fun?)
Hannah: This show started with my idea for the main character Marla Hope, and every additional character has been someone else being like “what if this character showed up.” I’m really excited to share what everyone else is bringing to the table.
Hannah: Oh man this question is so spot on. Behind the scenes I try to always be inclusive when I teach and when I direct, or produce or even when I invite people to play with me. I’ve been particularly enmeshed in bringing more queer voices and women’s voices to the front in comedy and that’s really important to me. When I teach I always offer sliding scale or free spots in classes/ workshops so people can come without issue. I try to keep ticket prices low and pay the people that perform with me as much as I can.
Shows like this can really help people vent and get some shit off their chest, including me. I hope the audience walks away from this feeling like they got a chance to punch up in a really cathartic way.
What’s next for you after this production? Any upcoming projects or performances we should know about? (Also how to find out about future work)
Hannah: This will for sure be a one night only thing which is what makes it special for me, but I continue to produce solo work under Sad Songs for Happy People (see @funnyladypants on Instagram for more). I’m also doing shows with Mayhem (feat. Butch Roy) and Shrieking Harpies (feat. Taj Ruler, Lizzie Gardner and Justin Nellis). Follow @shriekingharpies for more there.
Ticket Info for Leave Room for Jesus
With original songs like “Hands Off (and on the Bible)” and “No Touching Til Eternity”, Marla is here to remind us all: where there’s temptation, there’s always room for Jesus. Joined by The Altar Boys, Blue-turned-green comic Mickey Rust, Country piano Legend Willis Hayes, and a special guest... Jesus himself!
Featuring performances by: Nora Neisen, Lizzie Gardner, Carolyn Blomberg, Will Schroeder, Marty Wessels and Piano by Justin Nellis.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
7:30 - 8:30pm CST
Ticket Price:
$15.08 (with fees)
Venue:
Strike Theater
824 NE 18th Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55418