Improv Nation

In "Improv Nation," Sam Wasson chronicles the rise of improvisational theater during the McCarthy era, starting from a bar near the University of Chicago where an experimental troupe captivated audiences with unscripted performances. The narrative captures the connections and collaborations among comedy legends like Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and John Belushi, while exploring the evolution of influential institutions like Second City and its impact on modern comedy through iconic films and shows. With an engaging, detailed approach, Wasson argues for improv's significance as a pivotal American art form over the past fifty years.