'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' Star To Host Hypnotic Show In Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Colin Mochrie, the star of the long-running show "Whose Line Is Anyway?" will team up with a master hypnotist, Asad Mecci, to host a live show at the Union County Performing Arts Center.

The show, "HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis," combines hypnosis and improv for a "unique comedy experience." Mochrie's show performed for 43 cities throughout North America prior to being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now HYPROV is back and tickets for the March 17 show at the Union County Performing Arts Center are now on sale.

“When we tried this for the first time onstage, I was absolutely petrified. Then I thought, ‘let’s just see where this takes us,’” Mochrie said. “Adding in the element of hypnosis to improv really allows people to let their guard down and have fun in a scene. They’re certainly the most interesting stage partners I’ve ever had!”

The show was first created in 2016 at Toronto's Second City. After working it out on stage, the duo took the show on the road to Just for Laughs London, Just for Laughs Montreal and the Edinburgh Fringe.

They set out on a 50-city tour in 2019 and performed across the U.S. and Canada before the pandemic caused them to postpone seven dates.

Mecci said he's been hypnotizing people for 20 years, but when he studied improv he realized that hypnosis could unlock the "comedy genius" in everyday people and turn them into pros.

“You never know which participants will go under hypnosis and for how long. But that’s part of the show and what adds to the laughs.”

The show begins with Mecci welcoming twenty volunteers on stage to be hypnotized. He then whittles them down to four or five and brings Mochrie out to improvise with them — all while they are under hypnosis.

The two entertainers create entirely original shows each night, based solely off the audience members' uninhibited, unconscious minds.

30 volunteers are needed to fill 20 stage seats. Those interested in participating in the interactive show must sign up in advance through the venue by filling out an online form after they purchase their tickets.

Volunteers must present proof of full vaccination to participate on stage and preference will be given to those with a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the show.

Tickets for the show in Rahway March 17 can be purchased here.

For more information, visit hyprov.com.