Baker’s Dozen Improvisational Comedy Troupe Show

On Friday June 18th, Ridge High School's Baker's Dozen Improvisational Comedy Troupe will be holding a show from 7pm to approximately 8:30pm in the Ridge Auditorium. There is no price for admission, but donations are welcomed. This show will not just be like any other of their improv comedy shows. It will mark the tenth anniversary of the group's formation and therefore will be a celebration of Baker's members both past and present. Furthermore, it will involve a variety of alumni appearances as well as special surprises.

At the end of the last year, the group lost maybe the best senior class of improvisers in Baker's Dozen history. The loss of the combined talents of Phil Derrick, Perry Hooker, Dave Lincoln, Jamie McAleney, Jeff Rosenblum, and Lauren Wason meant that a major void was left after their departure. Although certainly this has been a rebuilding year with five new members, this year's incarnation has produced three very strong shows. The six current seniors of Stephen Bennett, Jeff Cucinell, Greg Malanga, Kenny Savage, Stevie Saunders, and Jonathan Wilkins therefore enter into their last ever Baker's show with a lot of strong momentum. There have been a lot of good times and hilarious jokes among this tight group, who cannot wait to finish off their run with one last strong performance. They will be joined on stage by juniors Chris Anderson, Veronica Ingal, and Patrick Vermillion as well as sophomores Johnny Graves and Mike Sommer.

Baker's Dozen would not have succeeded without the tireless work of longtime advisor Jaye Barre. No story of the group's history would be complete without a mention of her devotion and help in making the group transform from its humble beginnings to where it is today. Also, the help of the many Baker's parents over the years as well as the tech team and the current advisor Mr. Baldwin has been crucial in allowing the group's growth over the years.

Baker's dozen was founded ten years ago to perform improvisational comedy in the style of Whose Line Is It Anyway? Dave Saxon was the inaugural President and founder, who organized the group as an Excel project. In the decade since, the group has become interwoven into the Ridge Drama Club. Although many members of the troupe have been part of the general drama scene at Ridge, the group has also spread out to encompass much of the student body from lacrosse and football players to members of Model U.N. and Latin club. Past presidents of the troupe have been: Bobby Kenner, Dave Burdett, Molly Whyte, Rich Schmidt, Mike DePrima, Alasdair Wilkins, Mike Malanga, Amy Gianforcaro, David Pieper, Jamie McAleney, and currently Jonathan Wilkins. With each and every year the group has grown in terms of both shows and audience size. In the last few years, audiences have grown from a hundred to five hundred people.

If you or a family member is an alumnus of Baker's Dozen or would simply like to get in contact with the Baker's Dozen, please e-mail Jonathan Wilkins at jonathan_wilkins@att.net

Also, please checkout the Baker's Dozen website for pictures from past shows, various information on the group, and funny videos at http://bakersimprov.wordpress.com/

If you are looking for an evening of hilarious improvisational comedy, come on June 18th to the final Baker's Dozen show of the year.