The Compass: The Improvisational Theatre That Revolutionized American Comedy

Janet Coleman. University of Chicago Press, $24 (362pp) ISBN 978-0-226-11345-6

Standards for improvisational comedy were set by the Compass Players, a troupe in bohemian 1950s Chicago whose skits satirized American culture and influenced the Second City theatrical revue. ``Although disjointed and episodic, this history of stet cap.pk The Compass and its progeny is ultimately a moving, inspirational, anecdote-studded feast for comedy and show-biz buffs,'' said PW. Photos. (Oct.)

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