We are Babushka
We're Babushka
We're Babushka
We're Babushka
Babushka! is a two-man, long-form improv show that has been a summertime favorite at Buffalo Infringement Festival since 2010, with regular performances at Alleyway Theatre since 2019.
With over 50 years of improv comedy experience combined, Todd Benzin & Don Gervasi create an entirely improvised play based on a single audience suggestion, playing all the characters themselves, on-the-spot.
PRESS
“WNY’s Improv Kings.” -Buffalo Rising
“Always Good For A Minimum Of Three Guaranteed, Genuine Belly-laughs.”
-Buffalo News
“The Best Improv This City Has To Offer.”
-BuffaloComedy.net
“These Guys Are Good.”
-BuffaloTheatreGuide.com
“Genuine Theatre Magic.”- NY Theatre Guide
“They’re Hilarious!”- WGRZ- Ch. 2
I'm Todd
We're Babushka
We're Babushka
TODD BENZIN is a Buffalo born and bred actor and improviser. Todd got his start in improv with ComedySportz Buffalo, and moved on to a long run with the Eclectic Improv Co. before joining with Don to form Babushka! He is a Conservatory graduate from the prestigious Second City in Toronto and currently is also a member of the Buffalo Improv House faculty team, and Unscripted improv ensemble at Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP). Todd has had the opportunity to teach several improv workshops at local high schools and through the Alleyway Theatre Education program. He has appeared as an actor at Kleinhan's, the Kavinoky Theatre, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Shea's 710 Main Street, the Irish Classical Theatre, RLTP, the New Phoenix, the Ujima Theatre, Subversive Theatre, Theatre of Youth, and MusicalFare, where he was nominated for two Arties for Supporting Actor in a Musical. Todd was the first (and only) recipient of the Outstanding Character Performance award at the 28th Annual Artie Awards: 2017-2018. He has also appeared on film in THE AMERICAN SIDE and as a voiceover artist in several video games including the Magicka series.
I'm Don
We're Babushka
I'm Don
DON GERVASI is a graduate of Toronto’s Second City Conservatory Program, Don has been acting and improvising for 30 years. He can be seen in the film QUEEN CITY starring Vivica A. Fox and Peter Jason; and the courtroom thriller MARSHALL, starring Chadwick Boseman and Josh Gad. He has performed on many Buffalo stages including Kavinoky Theatre, MusicalFare Theatre, Road Less Traveled Productions, and Jewish Repertory Theatre of WNY. He is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and AEA where he has served as Equity Liaison for the Buffalo-Rochester Area since 2010. As an improviser, he has trained under Mick Napier, Susan Messing, Moira Dunphy, Jerry Schaefer, and the late Frank McAnulty; improvised with the likes of Jason Alexander, Phil Lamarr, Dan Castellaneta and Catherine O'Hara; and is a founding member of Buffalo’s own Eclectic Improv Company, UnScripted at RLTP, and long-form duo Babushka. You may also recognize Don from recent AAA and Seneca Allegany Casino commercials. He also co-hosts the comedy podcast The Discount Deejays. www.DonGervasi.com