New Year’s Eve Bash promises to surprise

The celebration begins at 6 pm at the Wimberley Playhouse. Good-bye, 2018. Hello, 2019! Revelers will enjoy tasty food and drink, and the hats, horns and favors that typify any fun New Year’s Eve party.

But the Players’ New Year’s Eve Bash also takes a detour to the not-sousual. And the Players are confident the surprise element of the event will be a hit once again.

Back by popular demand, Hideout Theatre members are traveling from Austin to the Playhouse to put on a two-act show that begins at 7:00 with an intermission featuring a delectable spread of appetizers and prosecco.

“The performers had so much fun last year,” said Roy Janik, manager of the Hideout Theatre. “In particular they were super happy with how welcoming and enthusiastic the audience was. Everyone who performed last year will be returning. In addition, we’ll be adding one more performer for the show.”

Even the performers are preparing to be surprised because the improv troupe creates each show as an original performance. They will call on the audience to suggest elements of a plot— location, characters and situation. That’s what makes improvisation unique, as each show stands alone.

“The Hideout folks are truly masters of the craft,” said Bob Smith, vp/ development for the Players. Improvised shows can differ depending on the goals of the group, their background and style. A show may be purely comedic or a mix of comedy and drama, even sad or purposeful. There’s no question of the goal for Wimberley. “The Hideout’s show for the Bash last January was 100 percent hilarious,” Smith said. “The actors made up one line after another at lightning speed, to our cheers and laughter.”

“Often the best moments are the ones where we surprise even ourselves,” Janik said. “Since it’s a New Year’s Eve show, we do know that we’ll be taking a look back over the past year, with the help of suggestions from the audience.”

Karen Rudy, Players board member and coordinator of the event, added, “What’s amazing is that these people are also directing themselves as they invent a story.”

For the Bash, the Playhouse lobby will be converted to a glamorous party venue. From start to finish, the Players want everyone—couples, friends and solo guests— to enjoy themselves. “In addition to the meet and greet that starts at 6:00, followed by the main attraction at 7:00, we’ll have an after party beginning at 9:00 with music, a drawing for a very special prize, and more celebration via video streaming,” said David Bisett, Players president. “So our guests may choose to head home early, or linger for an extra hour, or move on to a late night New Year’s Eve celebration.”

General admission tickets are $75 per person, available now at wimberleyplayers.org or call the box office at 512-847-0575. The Wimberley Playhouse is located at 450 Old Kyle Rd. Wimberley Players is a 501c3 nonprofit.