Off Book: The Improvised Musical Jessica McKenna and Zach Reino

Anyone who has a negative word against this podcast I have 7 words for you: “Don’t talk about my friend that way”.

I only discovered Off Book late 2022 and I managed to listen to all eps before its 300th and sadly “last” episode in mid 2023. But what a fun-filled few months it was.

Each episode features the hosts Zach Reino and Jessica McKenna, plus a special guest (usually an actor and/or comedian), as they delve into a totally improvised musical comedy that’s never been performed before and never will be again, even if they tried. The premise couldn’t be simpler, but the result is side- splitting comedy gold.

With the comedic/musical/storytelling talents of Zach and Jess on full display, aided by the various stylings of their guests, we as an audience are gleefully dragged through fully realised worlds in the wackiest stories. Boasting an array of ridiculous characters from precocious kids and outlandish villains to talking animals and fictionalised versions of real people. Sometimes even fictionalised versions of characters from other media will pop up but Disney has totally agreed not to sue.

But Zach, Jess and their guests couldn’t do this all on their own, they are joined by the Fam Band: Pianist/Director Scott Passarella, King of Pianists, Pianist of Kings and power couple: Drummer/Producer Dana Wickens-on-the-stickens the boom from the other room, on the throne that is her cajón and Guitarist/Engineer Brett Morris, Choo Choo, that feeling when the chords hit.

Many later eps even feature the Fam Band on mic, as some eps abandon the Narrative musical and guest; giving Zach, Jess, Scott, Dana and Brett a chance to have a jam sesh. These eps also give way to hilarious chats about everything from pop culture and their musical/theatre/improv backgrounds; to growing up in the 90s and their life in SoCal. As their brains turn to Goo, these eps become a true stream of consciousness and yet produce some of the greatest songs of the show and conversations that somehow nearly always end up being about food, drinks and snacks.

Then there are the times they take the show on the road to perform live on stage and see the audience’s faces with their faces; which only enhances the usual chaotic hilarity.

Plus there are the times when the podcast gets completely taken over by EPIC emo band “Everyplace I Cry”, whose members sound suspiciously like Zach, Jess and members of the Fam Band.

So grab some Taco Bell or if you’re feeling fancy, a Charcuterie board (or crudités for the vegetarians) and wash it down with some Liquid Death, maybe even invite a friend along, if they really trust you; and say Hi, Hi Hello to:

Off Book: The Improvised Musical Podcast.

Better than the Beatles

Have been listening to this show religiously every week for years now and never going to stop! So freaking funny and intelligent it still amazes me every time.