Lots of shows attract repeat audiences. But “Naked in a Fishbowl” gives its fans what no other production can: a new episode each week.
This weekly, hourlong sitcom about four New York City women — think “Sex and the City,” minus the gross materialism — is improvised. Miss a show? No problem. An edited, 30-minute version soon becomes available on the show’s Web site, nakedinafishbowl.com.
It was conceived five years ago by director Hugh Sinclair and Wayne Parillo, who collaborated on the film “What Men Talk About.” But the actresses in it stole the show, which led to a theatrical offshoot, “What Women Talk About.”
A two-season run and a Fringe Festival appearance later, the show’s back, but with a different name.
“Most people were kind of turned off by the original title,” says Lauren Seikaly, who plays Bonnie, a married mother of two. “Even my agent wouldn’t come. He’s not my agent anymore.”
Sinclair says the “Naked” refers to the fact that the show draws upon its actors’ own lives — though Seikaly has a more prosaic explanation: “We thought that we had to have the word ‘naked’ in it to attract men.”
She and Brenna Palughi, Katharine Heller and Lynne Rosenberg play 20- and 30-something best friends, although supporting characters have been added.
“The whole reason the show worked is because we had an instant rapport,” says Seikaly about her co-stars.
Sinclair agrees. “They’ve become really great friends,” he says. “I think that comes across onstage.”
The premise of each show is devised in advance; from there, the performers wing it. Recent episodes have revolved around the appearance of sex toys at a child’s birthday party and a gay-rights rally gone awry.
More than 80 episodes have been filmed, although only clips from the older ones can be seen online. Negotiations are under way for selling DVDs of the full-length versions.
The show will clear out in August when the Fringe Festival takes over its theater, then return in September. Sinclair hopes TV beckons, though Seikaly isn’t so sure.
“We targeted Comedy Central and other places,” she says. “But they basically said, ‘You guys are great, but we just don’t know what to do with you.’ ”
Judging by the loyal fan base that’s kept the show going on and off for half a decade, it would seem audiences disagree.
“Naked in a Fishbowl” plays Monday nights at the Soho Playhouse, 15 Vandam St., through Aug. 9. Tickets are $35; 212-691-1555.