One-third improvisation, one-third sketch comedy and one-third rock ‘n’ roll: It is Mee-Ow’s everlasting formula for success. Starting with their inauguration of McCormick Auditorium, Mee-Ow’s productions have become a hallmark of comedic theater at Northwestern, and their formula has not really changed – until now.

“Internally, we tweaked a lot with this show,” says Weinberg senior and co-director Russ Armstrong. “With Mee-Ow there is a lot of sacredness in tradition because we’ve been so successful. It’s hard to turn away from what you know and do something new, but we really wanted to challenge ourselves.”

With co-directors Armstrong and John Dixon leading the charge, this year’s Mee-Ow mainstage production – aptly titled Mee-Ow Pulls Out: Of Iraq – will surprise, especially those familiar with Mee-Ow. Armstrong and Dixon deviated from the traditional allocation of songs, sketches and improv games in order to stage a more topical show. Inspired by contemporary events, the co-directors tried to find comedy in today’s news.

The resulting mix of hot topics and a new format creates a more fast-paced show, without sacrificing cohesion, and has more thorough lines than ever before. And while Armstrong and Dixon did stray from Mee-Ow’s traditional formula, Armstrong insists the show is better for it.

“The production value of this show – from its seamlessness to its glitz and glamour – is the best I’ve seen from Mee-Ow,” Armstrong says. “And I believe that while this is not the last Mee-Ow production, there will never be another one like it.”

Mee-Ow Pulls Out: Of Iraq is playing at the McCormick Auditorium, 1999 Campus Dr., Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 24 and 25 at 8 and 11 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults.