Les McGehee Plays Well with Others: A "Grown-Up" Handbook of Improvisation and Play

Les McGehee
Dalton Publishing (2006)
ISBN 9780974070322
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (6/07)


In a fun-filled entertaining way, Les McGehee shares biographical insights into the world of improvisation comedy in “Les McGehee Plays Well with Others.”  The comment, “Needs improvement in playing with others,” on his first report card, changed Les’ life. An outgrowth of that change is this book – “A ‘Grown Up’ Handbook of Improvisation and Play.”

The book is made up of three main sections: Part I: Memoirs and road stories. Part II: Information and research data on play and improvisation. Part III: Handbook of games and exercises.  Les also includes an “enlarged appendix” made up of tools, rules, and testimonials.

A complete table of contents makes this a user-friendly handbook for future reference.  Clever “Les Icons” accompany the numerous sidebars featured throughout the book highlighting important improvisational life principles.

Improved positive attitudes resulting from the synergy and power of a group mind through incorporating improvisational living into personal ethics, core values, and business practice will help make your world a better place.

I appreciated the insights I gained personally from the chapter “Communion, Community, Communication.” The concept of embracing the moment became especially meaningful.

This is a book for business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, trainers, professional and amateur comedians, and anyone wanting to lighten up. It is Les’ sincere desire that the reader incorporate the games and suggestions in this book to “go play,” to follow their own instincts, and enjoy the benefits, of fun, productivity, improved health, better relationships, and business success. 

In “Les McGehee Plays Well with Others,” Les challenges the reader with: “Playing Well With Others. It’s the highest skill on your grown-up report card.”

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