Bourque's kind words convince even the shyest of couples in the audience to share their love stories with dozens of strangers filling the intimate cabaret setting at The Purple Onion. The audience then selects a favorite duo's tale by applause, and the fun really begins. On Friday night, Minnesota newlyweds Kaitlyn and Ken added a wonderfully unique memory to their San Francisco honeymoon by becoming the star couple of the night. After answering a few questions posed by Bourque in her soft-spoken, caring and attentive style, the honeymooners chose which improvisors would portray them in reenacting the tale that led from billiards in the bar to walking down the aisle.

Katie Rubin, a guest improvisor, is chosen to perform as Kaitlyn the "doer," while Paul Erskine embodies the admittedly "lazy" but clearly smitten Ken. Whether playing the bride or a sex therapist hailing from the Valley, Rubin is a versatile dynamo with boundless energy and a flawless sense of comic timing. Another page from the same book is Erskine, whose facial expressions range from tender to side-splitting. Chiming in as additional characters are fellow improvisors Ken Robertson and Sarah Delaney. Robertson is delightfully over-the-top, and Delaney is both lovely and loony.

Lord Scott Myers is no less a part of the impromptu romance and hilarity as the show's musical improvisor. From the keyboard, he adds underscoring, sound effects, and every audio enhancement you and he can imagine. Just like the acting artists, Myers never hits a sour note. At the helm, Bourque guides the whole troupe with more than just a nurturing nature. She subtly and seamlessly orchestrates each stage of the show with a keen awareness of the performers, the lovebirds and the audience

The structure of HOW WE FIRST MET brilliantly uses a variety of improv games including film dubbing, quick change, film noir, musical and more to tell a new story each night. No more details here, because the surprises are part of the fun. For all of the laughs, though, it's the romantic spirit that makes the evening so special. Everyone involved exudes a belief not only in the foibles of love but the perfection and poetry of it as well.

HOW WE FIRST MET is a riotous and rare treat for anyone who is or has ever been in love. The production is currently enjoying an open-ended run at The Purple Onion in San Francisco's marvelous North Beach district. Visit http://www.howwefirstmet.com for more information or to order tickets.