Video: Surprise Party From Strangers

The Improv Everywhere troupe was at it again recently, throwing a birthday party for a random stranger in a bar—a mission they didn't quite accomplish in 2003. Back then they didn't film the prank, but this time around they rigged the Gaslight Bar in Manhattan with wireless microphones and hidden cameras (it was filmed for television). Here's what happened:

They point out that there were more than just technical issues with the first one 7 years ago. The prank was reported on by This American Life back then "in a very negative way" when "Ted" told them "the experience had upset him greatly."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on March 1, 2010 10:48 AM

Comments [rss]

PorkJuiceMilkshake

Can I hire these guys?

theboneranger

lotta piss 'n vinegar on gothamist today

NannyState

Resorting to old pranks? Stay classy, IE.

Guest

I like how "Ted" takes it in stride and even starts going along with the bit. It's a shame everyone seems to hate on this group. If this kind of thing happened to any of you and you had no idea about IA, you'd tell everyone you knew and laugh and laugh. Hell, even those that know and hate IA would tell people they know, laughing the whole time (even if it's a sarcastic, evil laugh showcasing your superiority over those numbskulls at IA). Either way, you're laughing and they succeeded.

kafkask

IA? You mean IE.

I would find it amusing, I think, if it wasn't already done. Why they don't come up with new material is beyond me.

nycviabos

A-noy-ying

Jamie McDonald

Improv Nowhere. These people are complete twats.

kafkask

ants = pants.

Sorry.

kafkask

Listen, Improv Everywhere, it's time to do new things. I almost did the no-ants subway ride this year... but then I remembered: EVERYBODY IS IN ON THE JOKE

citizenerased

Beyond lame

Stevennnn

Their bits used to be funny, but after a while it starts to get old. It's much like listening to Z100 in the mornings during high school only to stop in college and wondering why you listen to the silly stuff to begin with.

longacre

I wonder what Mr. Leonard is doing right now.

whirlybird

why was this reported about negatively on "this american life" the first time around? since when do geeks not like other geeks?

korper

This American Life re-visited the issue in this December '09 broadcast, & it's pretty interesting:

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?sched=1329

Turns out not only did I.E. pick the wrong psychological profile of someone to spring this on, they also got the guy's # & started harassing him the next year when "his birthday" was coming up again. He had to get a bartender friend to intervene & convince them to back off. Sounds like they were being real jerks. I'm amazed they would try it again after such a negative reaction to the first one....

TommyRaiko

I vaguely recall the "This American Life" radio story about this previous prank. I don't know that I'd call it "negative," but I do think it rightly pointed out how the prank made the mark feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable--it didn't just make him feel like the center-of-attention-at-an-awesome-party-in-his-honor--which is fair. I think that Improv Everywhere was also featured on the TAL TV show, but I don't remember if it was for this prank.

I suspect that TAL's coverage being negative had nothing to do with their scheduling of this redo, but I do suspect they waited until they felt enough time had passed since the TAL coverage for them to redo it.

ChampionOfTheSun

Occasionally, but usually not, Improve Everywhere does something interesting. This one wasn't interesting. Plus, it's annoying that they would do something that upset someone the first time around. They should stick to stufff that doesn't involve singling out individuals they don't know.