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New Jersey's Top-Rated Improv Comedy Team Flips the Script

originally published: 03/16/2025

Ryan Huban and Chris Fitzgerald perform 'Spelling Bee' in 'Scripted' on April 20, 2024, at HACPAC. Photo courtesy of Howdy Stranger 

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Hackensack's professional improv team, Howdy Stranger, performs their annual sketch comedy show, Scripted, on Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 5th at the Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC). Showtime is 8:00pm both nights.

Winners of several improv tournaments and adjudicators for New Jersey state improv competitions, Howdy Stranger is well-known for their interactive and wildly entertaining off-the-cut performances. However, once a year, they take their comedy to the next level—and it’s a must-see event.

Scripted is more than a sketch comedy show. It’s a high-energy rollercoaster of original material packed with all-new sketches, standup, and a splash of their signature interactive improv. Expect outrageous characters, unexpected twists, and the kind of laugh-out-loud moments you’ll be quoting for weeks.

Chris Fitzgerald, Dreena Moran and Ryan Huban perform 'Stomach Witches' in 'Scripted' on April 20, 2024, at HACPAC. Photo courtesy of Howdy Stranger

The show features four comedians from Howdy Stranger, Ryan Huban, Dreena Moran, Chris Fitzgerald, and JJ Lynn, who collaborated to co-write, direct and produce ‘Scripted.’

Tickets are $25 and available for purchase online or at the box office. Note: Howdy Stranger shows are family-friendly, but parents are cautioned there may be adult themes unsuitable for young children. Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) is located at 102 State Street in Hackensack, New Jersey.




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Howdy Stranger is a team of professional improvisers and trainers with over 15 years of experience. They perform monthly interactive comedy shows and have appeared at festivals throughout the Northeast, winning competitions like the NYC Tournament of Improvisers, The Improv Arena, and Improv Bowl XI. Thousands have taken their workshops and classes to improve self-confidence, communication skills, and creative thinking. They also collaborate with educational organizations to promote improv in schools and serve as adjudicators at state improv competitions.

The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) is a vibrant venue that brings together local, national, and international artists across various disciplines, including music, theater, dance, and visual arts. With intimate spaces designed to foster a direct connection between performers and audiences, HACPAC is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Hackensack and beyond. Committed to community engagement, HACPAC hosts performances and events that reflect the diversity of Bergen County, encouraging conversation and connections through the arts.

Chris Fitzgerald and Ryan Huban perform 'Psychic Date' in 'Scripted' on April 20, 2024, at HACPAC. Photo courtesy of Howdy Stranger. 




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