Over the past six decades, \u201cThe Match Game,\u201d a fill-in-the-blank game show featuring a panel of six celebrities, has undergone multiple revivals, including its current iteration hosted by comedian Martin Short.<\/p>\n
The game show\u2019s latest resurrection \u2014 and an unexpected hole in the monthly schedule at the Millibo Art Theatre \u2014 gave Bob Morsch an idea.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018The Match Game\u2019 was one of my favorite shows growing up,\u201d said Morsch, the art theater\u2019s sound engineer. \u201cSo when an improv show disbanded and left an opening in the schedule, I thought a live game show might be a fun format to try. I pitched a version of \u2018The Match Game\u2019 to our artistic directors, and they liked the idea.\u201d<\/p>\n
That was the genesis of \u201cThe MAT!CH Game,\u201d a live version of the show that will feature a panel of local entertainers, including actors, comedians, writers, radio personalities and improv performers. The show is set to debut Friday at the Millibo Art Theatre.<\/p>\n
Contestants, selected from the audience pool, will try to match the panelists\u2019 answers to fill-in-the-blank questions read by Morsch, who will host the show.<\/p>\n
\u201cI get to play Gene Rayburn,\u201d Morsch said, referencing the original host of the television game show.<\/p>\n
Audience members who volunteer to participate will receive a free beverage, and winners will receive one of a number of gift certificates donated by local businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a lot of businesses that have donated prizes,\u201d Morsch said.<\/p>\n
Panelists will include radio host Kendra Carr, stand-up comedian Derek Knight, writer Jenny Maloney, theater artist and teacher Katie Medved, actor Christian O\u2019Shaughnessy and more, theater officials said.<\/p>\n
The Millibo Art Theatre will host an initial run of three live shows: Friday, on Oct. 10 and a third show in either January or February, Morsch said. After the initial run, more shows will be scheduled if there is sufficient interest.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it turns out to be popular, we\u2019ll do it once a month,\u201d Morsch said. \u201cWe\u2019re pretty excited about it. It should be a fun time.\u201d<\/p>\n