Special Performance: Jill Bernard’s DRUM MACHINE
Drum Machine is Jill Bernard’s one-person unscripted musical featuring multiple characters in scenes, monologues and songs accompanied by the mad beats of the Zoom-Rhythmtrak 123 which Bernard calls, “Nature’s finest drum machine.” Typically the show opens by interviewing a member of the audience, and weaving details of their life into a historical period suggested by the audience.
Jill will be presenting a special performance of Drum Machine in Philadelphia one night only (hosted by ComedySportz Philadelphia): Friday October 16th – 10:00pm at The Playground at The Adrienne Theater 2030 Sansom Street. Opening for her will be the newest darlings of the Philadelphia improv scene: The Real Housewives of Philadelphia featuring ComedySportz Philadelphia members Alexis Simpson and Alli Soowal. This is a show not to be missed. Tickets are $12 adult/$10 student and can be purchased online.
Here’s what people around the world are saying about Jill Bernard and Drum Machine:
“Bernard’s show is anything but mechanical, incorporating details of a single audience member’s life into an organic tapestry that combines rich characters, warm humor, historical elements and music, with the titular contraption providing the beats. The results are as quirky as Bernard herself.”
- Bret Love
Stage Directions Magazine
“Drum Machine is an improv event unlike any other. Miss Bernard redefines herstory with guile, giddiness and grace. Educational and inspirational. Let the rhythm move you!”
-Eric Hart
The As Is Syndicate Theatre Company
Toronto, ON
“It’s hard to tell what is more wonderful, Jill Bernard’s entertaining and innovative one-woman show “Drum Machine” or the fantastic and hilarious performance abilities of the internationally renowned improv artist Ms. Bernard herself. This original show begins with an audience participation segment that gets even the most hard to please audience clapping and singing along with both Jill Bernard and her electronic drum machine. Then, Jill gets from the audience a historical time period to create the rest of the show from. Having seen her one-woman show several times, in different cities and countries, part of what makes Jill’s show so amazing is that I’ve never seen her stumped by any time period that an audience can throw at her. From her vast knowledge of history, Jill creates several indelible characters, a multi-threaded storyline, original songs, all the while throwing in great period details that the audience forgot it knew until Jill performs it. By the end of the show, the audience has been happily taken on a phantasmagorical journey that always ends joyfully. Over the course of 45 minutes, Jill entertains, informs, and moves the audience all in her delightful way that comes from her unique sensibilities of the very talented and experienced Minneapolis based improv artist. Over the last two years, I’ve been proud to present Jill’s Drum Machine as part of CIF’s Solo category and watched as both times she stole the show. Jill is professional and easy to work with and I heartily recommend both her and her show.”
-Jonathan Pitts,
Executive Director, Chicago Improv Festival
“Jill Bernard is one of those rare performers that ignites everyone in the room. She is magnetic with endless talent and humor. I took her workshop last year and can’t remember when I’ve had so much fun. Jill is a brilliant artist that will take you beyond your preconcieved boundaries.”
Madi Distefano
Barrymore Award Nominated Actress and Playwright
Philadelphia, PA
