Off Book: The Improvised Musical

We're back and we're trying to figure out how many songs we can actually fit into this thing, and what those songs should be. Also, we get way into the sci-fi weeds. That's writing baby. Sorry about the birds. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recored live at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall in Saint Paul MN on March 1st 2024, and was accompanied by the incredible Sam Scheidler on keys. It's got tennis, it's got robots, it's made by humans and not AI!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Woah, an off schedule release! In this one In this one the team iterates on/creates part of the teenage portal musical want song, and unravels the mysteries of the word "wont." Looking for an improvised musical? Try one of the episodes that doesn't start with "On Book," these are different!Thank you to everyone who came to see us in Vienna, London, and Dublin! Videos from City Winery (Atlanta) and the Den Theater (Chicago) are now available on OffBookClubhouse.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recorded live at The Den Theater in Chicago on February 29th 2024. It is accompanied by Sam Scheidler on Keys, and Chris Ditton on drums, both of whom are absolute kings and wizards. This one features a bunch of fish, a dance craze, and throwing a party for your dad. Thank you Chicago, you're OUR KIND OF TOWN!Note: Unfortunately the drums were not clearly recored to do technical difficulties. Also as you may have guessed by our release order, the live shows in Boston and Detroit were both entirely lost to technical glitches as well (so if you took a secret high quality recoding of either of those shows, let us know.) Apologies, but we had a wonderful time in both those cities, and we hope those who saw them live enjoyed our tales of a bunch of animals in a hot air balloon and Richard Nixon's ghost. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recorded live at City Winery in Atlanta on February 27th 2024. It is accompanied once again by the ever brilliant Eric Gersen. This musical answers the question: "What's the full story behind that jump rope rhyme about cinderella and the snake and the doctors?" Put this one on the list of things Disney can sue us for. Thank you Atlanta for your warm welcome and your incredible rhythm. If we could do it again, we'd keep it all the same. Once upon a time...TECH NOTE: The recording had some technical difficulties during the first song, but they resolve as the episode continues. Thank you for your understanding.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was the second show of the night live at Sea Tea Improv in Hartford CT on February 24th, 2024! It was accompanied AGAIN AGAIN by the incredible Eric Gersen. Architects, engineers, exes, the Seattle Kraken, the president. What could possibly bring these people together together? Listen and find out.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recorded live at Sea Tea Improv in Hartford CT on February 24th, 2024! It was accompanied AGAIN by the incredible Eric Gersen. A girl goes to school. A city government crumbles. Some cats do cat stuff. Also, it is the official position of Off Book: The Improvised Musical Podcast that the books of Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series are for ADULTS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recorded live at The Bell House Theater in Brooklyn NY on February 23rd 2024. Join Zach, Jess, the incredible Eric Gersen on keys and Josh Bailey on drums, as they journey to a premier honeymoon destination where the lava is definitely moving so so slow. Invite your uncle, we've saved him a spot at the table. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach and Jess are back with a tour recap, life updates, an INTERNATIONAL TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT (London/Dublin/Vienna), a wandering story about a play Zach saw, and of course more development of their new musical. Follow @offbookpod on instagram to get the most up to date touring/ticket info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recorded LIVE at the Miracle Theater in Washington DC on February 22nd 2024 with accompaniment by the incredible Eric Gersen! Thanks for coming out DC, we would slow turn for you all day long!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was performed LIVE at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia on Feb21st 2024, and was accompanied by the incredible Eric Gersen! Thank you Philly for coming out to see our faces with your faces!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recorded LIVE at SF Sketchfest in February of 2024 at the Great Star Theater! ALSO Tickets for our tour are on sale at linktr.ee/offbook See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's here it's here! Paul F. Tompkins and Nicole Parker give us the greatest gift of all, by joining us once again to create a good ol' holiday musical! After that they stick around for our annual decent into madness, as we reinvent the 12 Days of Christmas. WE'RE GOING ON TOUR! Dates/tickets at linktr.ee/offbook See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In which Zach and Jess begin crafting the opening of their brand new written musical! Thank you so much to everyone still supporting OffBookClubhouse.com. Next week is the holiday episode, but this week is about discussing how the openings of musicals work, the rules about portals, how to spell "soliloquy", and ice water.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recorded live on 9-20-2023 at the Bourbon Room in Los Angeles. This one is a totally accurate version of how doctors become doctors, and the summer camp they all go to as part of their training. We've got the whole fam band on this one and it is NOT to be missed. Thanks for coming out LA!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recored live 9-19-2023 at Mississippi Studios in Portland Oregon. This was the 2nd of two shows played last night (we're still hunting down the first.) Join a bunch of teens and they teen their way through Disneyland Grad night in the year....2005.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The following was recorded LIVE on September 18th, 2023 at the Crocodile in Seattle Washington. Join us for a classic tale of a boy band with too many boys. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The votes are in for what you thought should be our written musical, and now it's time for us to decide if you got it right or not! For real though, this is the one where we try to narrow down the path ahead, and while we we DO do that, we also spend a not inconsiderable amount of time talking about Star Wars, and singing a particularly catchy hook. Thanks Brett, it's always wonderful to spend time having a one sided conversation with you.Thank you to those of you who came out and saw us on tour! The next few episodes will be those live shows. GET. PUMPED. (They were a blast.)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some ideas are good, some ideas are less good, but all ideas find their place in the churning tempest that is THE BRAINSTORM. Zach and Jess continue their writing process for a new musical by pitching each other new musicals musicals, all of which will inevitably change one billion times (but you gotta start somewhere). Check out our socials to vote for your fav, AND, check out our west coast tour dates!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We were slightly delayed by moving, Chekhov, and the novel corona virus, but we have arrived at the end of our recap! We are joined again by the incredible Jackie Reilly who finally reveals her dark work (many many pages of notes and a word cloud that exposes our innermost truths. ALSO: LIVE SHOW ANNOUNCEMENTS (https://linktr.ee/Offbook) Thank you Brett-iting for the editing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The recap crew is back (Zach, Jess and shining star Jackie Reilly) to tackle Off Book Episodes 101-200, AND take a break to eat dinner and discover how many of their musical titles contain the word "Destiny." Obviously they are drinking again, and Zach tries a new summer drink hack that frankly does not work. Brett Morris, Edits More-This.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well well well, look who's back with a brand new very very long journey of introspection? As they prepare to write a whole new SCRIPTED musical before your very ears, Zach and Jess are joined by writer, comedian, and all around rockstar Jackie Reilly as they comb through their first 100 episodes trying to figure out WHAT IT ALL MEANS. These next three are going to be very different and kinda meander-y so if that's your jam, get comfy 'cause this took us almost three hours and we're only 1/3 of the way through. Also, we did make Brett edit it because he's the best and it turns out his job is actually very hard. Okay love you byeeeee!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The hilarious Taran Killam (Single Parents, Night School, SNL) joins Jess and Zach for "Poetry: 1959" the live new musical packed with paddle boats, Counting Crows, British accents and guitar (!!!). With songs like "I Don't Get It", "Just Float", and "Beans, Kippers and Mash" you won't get these bangers out of your head. Plus, stay til the end for a very special talk-back with the audience!This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: OFFBOOK), Leesa (www.leesa.com/offbook code: OFFBOOK), and Amazon Prime Channels (www.tryprimechannels.com/offbook).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Briga Heelan (Great News) stars in a monstrous new musical filled with blood, bikes, belting vocals and more. With songs like "Sunnybrooke Side of Life", "You Need Us Kids", "It's Midnight...", don't wait to Upside-download this sure-to-be-classic episode!This episode is brought to you by Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK) and Spice Islands (www.spiceislands.com/offbook).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The amazing David Wain (A Futile and Stupid Gesture [netflix.com], Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later) joins Zach and Jess on the OFF BOOK stage for a paternal school-yard musical filled with pudding cups, dodgeball, Marines and dads! With songs like "Bring Your Dad to Work Day", "Dreams in the Stars", and "Gotta Stay Caffeinated, When You're Getting Educated", you'll be trading juice boxes for more of these tunes.This episode is brought to you by Spice Islands (www.spiceislands.com/offbook), Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: OFFBOOK), and Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/OFFBOOK).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musical improviser and rap champion Ross Bryant joins Zach and Jess this week for a trippy musical with David Bowie raps, cavemen, dinosaurs, aliens, and somehow SO much more. With songs like "Relic of Music", "David Bowie: An Alien For Real" and "Crack Team", your ears won't believe what planet you're on. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: OFFBOOK), Better Help (www.betterhelp.com/OFFBOOK), and Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Griffin Newman (The Tick, Blank Check) returns to the OFF BOOK stage, this time in-studio!, for a new musical about cheese, cheese and more cheese! With songs like "Meet the Captain", "River of Brie" and "We Swissed You", you won't "roux" the day you heard this episode!This episode is brought to you by Better Help (www.betterhelp.com/OFFBOOK) and Audible (www.audible.com/OFFBOOK).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Doughboys themselves, Mike Mitchell & Nick Wiger, take the Off Book stage with Jess and Zach this week for a brand new musical filled with grocery store rivals, strikes, Pixar vs Dreamworks debates and more! With songs like "At The Local Ralph's", "We've Got To Strike, For Your Right, To Strike", and "Is E.T. CG?", you definitely won't quit on this show!This episode is brought to you by Better Help (www.betterhelp.com code: OFFBOOK), Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: OFFBOOK), and Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from SF Sketchfest, it's a brand new romantic Russian musical complete with Borat impressions and special guests John Michael Higgins (Pitch Perfect, Best in Show, Great News) and Arden Myrin (Shameless, MadTV). With songs like "Look Sweet and Walk Low", "Ti-tah from Utah", and "It's Hard Being Michael Kors" you won't be low listening to these sweet tunes!This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: OFFBOOK) and Third Love (www.thirdlove.com code: OFFBOOK).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Musical improv veteran Eliza Skinner joins Zach and Jess this week for a new meet-cute musical with all the ups and downs of true love, plus a girl named Melissabeth. With songs like "Let's Be Sister Wives", "(Gotta Have) An App That's Passed", and "A House & A Man", you won't feel complicated about loving these tunes. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: OFFBOOK) and Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Podcast king Matt Gourley (I Was There Too) joins Zach and Jess this week for a new musical filled with pickled eggs, libations of the cocktail sort, and crime jobs. With songs like "Tingle Jingle", "Vodka & Whiskey" and "Good Times Are Forever", you'll be tipsy from hearing all these off-the-cuff hits. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: OFFBOOK) and Modcloth (www.modcloth.com code: OFFBOOK15).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The incredible Tawny Newsome joins Jess and Zach this week for a new musical that is legitimately out of this world. With songs like "It's Gossip In Space", "That Is Dragon Ball Z", and "You're Not A Robot", you'll be moonwalking and singing along to more Pokemon facts than you ever dreamed you would. This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: OFFBOOK), Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK), Third Love (www.thirdlove.com/OFFBOOK), and Modcloth (www.modcloth.com code: OFFBOOK15).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zeke Nicholson (White Women) joins Zach and Jess this week for a new maternally mutant musical! With songs like "Captain James Pilot", "This Fight Is A Mother", and "What A Stink We Made", you'll be sure to gain all the powers after listening to these completely improvised tunes. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace (www.squarespace.com code: OFFBOOK) and Modcloth (www.modcloth.com code: OFFBOOK15).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jon Gabrus (Raised by TV) starts the 2018 OFF BOOK musical season off right with an insane new show filled with cops, mozzarella sticks, and even the birds & the bees. With songs like "Pump the Brakes", "Janette Woman" and "Just Say Yes", you won't need to put salt on these songs to add any flavor! This episode is brought to you by Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK) and Modcloth (www.modcloth.com code: OFFBOOK15).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary Elizabeth Ellis (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Santa Clarita Diet) speeds into the OFF BOOK studio to star in the hottest new vehicular musical. With songs like "Ride or Die", "We Are the Ghosters" and "I Like It When You Call Me Papa", you won't be dragging your feet to any of these tunes! This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon, Spice Islands, Leesa, and Improv Nation by Sam Wasson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gather around the table as Colton Dunn (LAZER TEAM 2, Superstore) joins Jess and Zach for the first ever (?) Thanksgiving musical! With songs like "Take A Mallow, Make It Micro", "Green Beans", and "Chillsgiving", you'll be stuffed with so many favorite songs. Plus, stay tuned 'til the end for some tiny hot dog rhymes.ᐧThis episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: OFFBOOK).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Ashley Ward (Baby Wants Candy) stars in this heavenly new musical filled with old and new testament fun, (plus peach AND mango margaritas!). With songs like "A Happy Day In Heaven", "I Miss The Old God" and "Purgatory Wishes", you won't go to hell for listening to these tunes too many times!This episode is brought to you by Tripping.com (www.tripping.com/OFFBOOK) and Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Lennon Parham (Playing House, Womp It Up!) joins Zach and Jess for this spoooooky vampire musical that's sure to rival Phantom of The Opera, Jekyll & Hyde, and all other scary stage productions! With songs like "The Best Time Is The Night Time", "17 Year Old Colonial Ghost Boy" and "Mole People Are My People", you'll definitely want to listen to these tunes with the house lights on! This episode is brought to you by Audible (www.audible.com/offbook) and Leesa (www.leesa.com/OFFBOOK).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mo Collins (Mad TV, Parks & Rec) joins Jess & Zach this week in a race to musical glory! With bikes, sentient coats and limbs, Irish nuclear grenades, and more, this show has it all. "Helping Me Stand", "9 Kicks" and "You Never Really Know What You're Blowing" are just some of tour de force numbers in this incredible production. This episode is brought to you by Spice Islands (www.spiceislands.com/offbook).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tony Award nominee for Book of Mormon and current King George III in Hamilton, Rory O'Malley, takes the stage this week in the new hit musical, STRAIGHT TO BRADWAY. This truly is a theatrical production about a theatrical production! With songs like "3 True Facts About Sally Struthers", "Underpass Lovers" and "10,000 Hours (With You)", you will be very (Malcolm) Glad(well) you tuned in...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Literal babbling brooks, navigational-related drama, too many siblings, talking woodland creatures and SO much more are all in this very special live edition of OFF BOOK from the Now Hear This: Podcast Festival. Starring Griffin Newman (The Tick, Blank Check Podcast) and Michael Cruz Kayne (ASSSSCAT, Baby Wants Candy) with Dan Reitz on piano!This episode is brought to you by Mack Weldon (www.mackweldon.com code: OFFBOOK), Spice Islands (www.spiceislands.com/offbook), Audible (www.audible.com/OFFBOOK), Leesa (www.leesa.com/offbook), and Hello Fresh (www.hellofresh.com code: OFFBOOK30).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dang dang dang.... if it isn't a guest and a title that brings us right back to where it all began. We could think of no better way to ring in episode 300 than with Off Book legend/podcast hero/hilarious wonderful man Paul F. Tompkins! Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who has listened to and supported this show over the last 300 episodes. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or found us recently, you've been the most wonderful community anyone could hope for. We can't wait to get started on what comes next, but for now, please enjoy... Shrugging Jeopardy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The one and only Scott Aukerman (Comedy Bang! Bang!) joins Jess and Zach for a locomotive musical murder mystery! Featuring such gruesome, grim, grizzly and great songs like "I'm A Man Of Purpose", "One Free Club A Month", and "Did I Do It?", you'll be wanting your own pair of maracas to play along!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I aaaaaaaaammmmmmmmm thrilled to announce the return of the incredible Scott Aukerman AND the legendary Paints McSpectrum in his second Off Book caper, Clueless! This rare Off Book sequel has murder, thumbs, a bunch of Jeffs, and of course a long discussion about how big canapés should be. 299 never felt so fine!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mary Holland? She's Amazing! One of our first ever guests, the hilarious and wonderful Mary Holland is back for a family reunion tale like none other (unless some other family reunion has a legend about an old woman who turned into a dog). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paint your wagon (blue) and load it up (with pianos) for a wild ride out west! This week we are joined by the absolutely blinding talents of TWO of our all time favs, Mary Sohn and Zeke Nicholson. We had to ford the river to bring you this one folks, and you know how that usually ends.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The last time we had each of today's guests on the pod, the harmonies stopped us in our tracks. We assumed bringing them back together would result in a talent explosion that would destroy the world, and we were right! RIP the world. This week are joined once again by TWO Off Book legends, Mary Lou and Philip Labes, for a tale of solidarity, people of all intelligences, and of course... Philadelphia. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Romance, dystopian survival, horror, sports, historical drama... this one isn't about any of those things, despite elements that make it SEEM like it is, or should be. It does however have the hilarious and brilliant Rachel Bloom, who joins us for a tale of family, test results, science, and above all, hot rat milk. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Give the man his jacket! We are joined once again by cultural legend and hilarious friend Matt Rogers for an episode of Off Book that Mike White (Whike Mite) described as "Totally Accurate". The theme for this season is "party drugs."See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.