Groundlings River Adventure

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Groundlings River Adventure at the Groundlings Reviewed by Brad Schreiber July 28, 2010 The latest sketch-comedy show at the Groundlings is proof that the more things change, they more they stay the same. On the positive side, the Groundlings' sense of comedic adventure is still diverse and fun, including several great performances in written sketches. Scott Beehner, David Hoffman, and Ryan Gaul are wonderfully goofy in a piece where two men compete for the same corporate job by scat singing and dancing. Beehner and Gaul also make the most of two first-time fathers who mix up their babies in a hospital and try to figure it out. The writer-performers—including Stephanie Courtney, David Hoffman, Taran Killam, Jim Rash, Lisa Schurga, and Annie Sertich—have mad skills, as the kids say, and throw themselves into the work with commendable commitment. What has not changed for the better since this reviewer's last visit to the Groundlings is a weakness in improv. One understands director Damon Jones and the Groundlings institution provide a training ground for improv, as well as sketch. But on the night reviewed, the improvised pieces often felt forced, too controlled; for example, the first audience suggestion is often not taken. The sad fact is, these particularly talented sketch comedians are not up to the difficult task of impressively creating Shakespearean speech or rhymed lyrics in a song. Those are two of the hardest things to accomplish in improv, and Jones unwisely has them attempt both. Also, the Groundlings still has two acts to a show that should be one and would serve better if it clocked in 15 minutes shorter. The troupe could easily trim overly familiar sketch ideas, like a jerky kid running for high school president or unattractive men being auctioned by a ladies' group. Less is more in a comedy show. The company is well-advised to stay with its strength as a comedic-sketch idea factory, so that future adventures will not run aground. Presented by and at the Groundlings, 7307 Melrose Ave., L.A. July 23–Oct. 2. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 8 and 10 p.m. (323) 934-4747. www.groundlings.com.

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