Two Guys and A Swan, Exploding

Is the Cody Rivers Show experimental, absurdist theater, or is it sketch comedy? The reviewers in NYC, home of experimental, absurdist theater, think that's what the duo is doing; Chicago's press falls on the sketch comedy side, and with Second City looming over everything there, that judgment is understandable. Mike Mathieu and Andrew Connor, the writers and stars of the Cody Rivers Show, are not doing improv and they're not building sets, but they are wearing costumes. And they are creating characters and vignettes that draw on the ridiculous and sublime idea that everything is potentially funny — especially if you apply the proper combination of music, puppets, dance and intelligence. Currently touring the country with their new experience, Meanwhile, Everywhere, the Cody Rivers Show blows through St. Louis for a one-night performance at the Swan's Nest (6110 Pershing Avenue, #1W; www.codyrivers.com) as guests of the poetry and fiction reading series, Exploding Swan. Show time is 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.) and admission is $8.
Mon., March 30, 2009