Beverly Winwood

Beverly Winwood
presents
The Actors Showcase
a kate west review


(above: Tim Bagley as The Captain)

created and directed by Tony Sepulveda
produced by Allison Kingsley
at the Groundlings Theatre
7307 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
contact (323) 934-4747 or www.groundlings.com
EXTENDED - running Monday evenings, April - July 2008

"The Actors Showcase" is a hilarious spoof on the common tedious practice of showcasing long-suffering actors to long-suffering potential agents and other industry helpers in "the biz". Directed by industry veteran Tony Sepulveda, the talented cast (current and former Groundling company members) joyfully give their worst performances from such favorite student theatrical scenes as Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Paul Rudnick's "Jeffrey". Beverly Winwood (the endearing Cathy Shambley) is the "host" of the evening, addressing us (the "industry") as the darling rescuers who can make all her students dreams come true. Judging from the wacky headshot and resume packets handed out before the show (Thad Ripple, Danger, Taylor Elizabeth, Pu-Ping Chow, to name a few), there is no help for the absurd crew.

Bad acting, bad blocking (stage movement), line flubbing, terrible dancing and singing have never looked so good. Tim Bagley reprises his role as The Captain (as seen on late night television), monologuing and maneuvering himself into trouble in a wheelchair. Lynne Marie Stewart, complete with Latina sauciness, wrestles with an evil dummy in "The Bad Seed" and Melissa McCarthy ("The Gilmore Girls") and Rachael Harris ("Notes from the Underbelly") do a ridiculous start-and-stop "original" piece, heavy on the slapstick. There is even an overdone death scene from "Million Dollar Baby", a surprisingly dramatic scene from "The Facts of Life" and a show-stopping final number from a popular Broadway show. To say any more would be criminal (but just so you know, there might even be a surprise visit from a well-dressed "Project Runway" host). Trust that you will definitely get your money's worth from this constantly sold out show.

While some sensitive souls might feel offended that professionals are poking fun at the lesser talent, at heart "Showcase" is an acknowledgement of the absurdity that is Hollywood and the hoops everyone jumps through. In other words, we're all in this together. And who among us hasn't had that I-can-do-it-better moment anyway? Because this troop is comprised of some of the best comedians in Los Angeles, it is an entertaining evening indeed. Plus you'll get to see actors from all of your favorite t.v. shows reveling in their roots (go to www.IMDB.com to look up all the famous names below).


The Cast
(subject to change)
Carrie Aizley
Tim Bagley
Jordan Black
Patrick Bristow
Nat Faxon
Melanie Graham
Rachael Harris
Michael Hitchcock
Phil LaMarr
Antoinette Spolar Levine
Karen Maruyama
Melissa McCarthy
Michael McDonald
Wendi McLendon-Covey
Brian Palermo
Jim Rash
Mary Jo Smith
Mindy Sterling
Lynne Marie Stewart
Cathy Shambley
Christen Sussin

In past productions, previously popular cast members also included Jennifer Coolidge ("Legally Blonde", "American Pie") and Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman). Read more!

FRIES ON THE SIDE

OPENING NIGHT

FRIES NATION - SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2008
www.friesontheside.com

Season 6: Opening Night (Thursday, April 24)

"It's the biggest Fries on the Side show ever and all proceeds go to a wonderful cause. That's right, every penny we make goes to charity:water. The best part is that the venue matches our ambitions. We're at the 700 seat Music Box at the Henry Fonda. Tickets went on sale only yesterday and we've already sold an enormous number of them, so be sure to get yours today. As always, for all of your Fries on the Side information, visit our web site.

WHO
Hosted by Garrett Morris, Musical Guest The Kin, and a rooftop after party with DJ Brett.

WHERE
The Music Box @ Henry Fonda - 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angles, CA 90028

WHEN
Thursday, April 24th @ 8pm - Doors open at 7pm

TICKETS
If you want to see a seating chart and buy tickets there's only one place to go ( LINK TO TICKETS )
Take a closer look at the venue and the show - ( Fries Opener One Sheet PDF )
Have a look at our Season 5 recap video too - ( Season 5 Recap Video ) - a big thank you to Thomas Everman (our video guru) for assembling this.

Host: Garrett Morris

Garrett Morris is an original Saturday Night Live cast member. He trained at Julliard School of Music and appeared in several Broadway musicals before joining the SNL family. Since then he's appeared in many films and television shows including Different Strokes, The Jeffersons, and most recently, Family Guy. Garrett is the host and founder of the Downtown Comedy Club, declared the official comedy club of LA in 2007 by the mayor of Los Angeles.

The Downtown Comedy Club
www.downtowncomedyclub.com

Musical Guest: The Kin

We're incredibly happy to announce that The Kin will be our musical guest at the opening night show. To learn more about this amazing band, we've included some information for those of you who are old and out of the loop...

Brothers Thorry and Isaac Koren are a long way from singing harmonies in the backseat of the car on family trips in their hometown of Adelaide, Australia. The brothers, known simply as The Kin, were following different musical paths until they united to create a song as a wedding present for their father in 2003. Instantly, the brothers knew they'd stumbled upon something amazing. As Isaac said, "After we played together we realized that we couldn't not do this."

The Kin's music has been featured on radio including Q104.3 NY, 104.7 MA, WZBC Boston, WMMR and XM Radio. They've made several notable TV appearances, including FOX's Good Day New York and Fearless Music TV, Backstage with Barry Nolan on Comcast and CBS Saturday Morning's Second Cup Cafe. Their print credits include Billboard, New York Times, BMI, Time Out New York, YRB, Foam and more. Recently, the duo had three of Rise and Fall's songs featured on Lifetime TV's critically acclaimed series, Army Wives.

Besides creating music that spans the globe, the brothers Koren are devoted to creating a better world. They recently began working with, and promoting the efforts of, charity:water (www.charitywater.org), a non-profit initiative bringing clean water and basic sanitation into impoverished communities throughout Africa and the world. They band raises money through awareness and outreach via their website as well as by performing at organization sponsored events. As of March '08, they have raised over $35,000. The band also works closely with Save Darfur (www.savedarfur.org), an organization aimed at fighting for human rights in the Sudan region."

Presented by Snow Queen Vodka

Regular Season Cast Members:
Shane Elliott, Kenny Stevenson, Dorien Davies, Jeff Huit, Rachel FordPritchett, Sean Pritchett, Chris Pauley, Wes Robertson, Avi Rothman, Barbara Sanders, AJ Schuermann, Anthony Tedesco

Previous review here: http://www.katewestreviews.com/2007/08/fries-on-side.html

Read more!

Support Our Writers

a kate west recommendation


www.unitedhollywood.com
www.wga.org

Read more!

Local Heroes

A Sneak Preview Of The All New
The Return of Local Heroes
This Thursday October 18th
9:30pm
McCadden Theatre in Hollywood
lacomedyfest.com

Directed by Karen Maruyama

Come See...
The glory of Avi in a different pair of tights
Travis with monk-hair
Sami the rapist
Kenny makin' shit up
Alex as a big ole pussy
& Dorien with her bum in your face

This Time It's Brillianter

myspace.com/localheroes6

Read more!

SNL

a kate west reflection



















Kristen Wiig in ELLE's September Issue

Saturday Night Live ain't what it used to be. I suppose it's always appealed to adolescents and since early SNL happened when I was pretty young, that's probably why it appealed to me. Or maybe it's pure nostalgia. (Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Joe Piscopo, Garret Morris, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtain, Steve Martin and the late greats Phil Hartman and Jim Belushi!) But lately, it just seems that every year sends the SNL train wreck careening more downhill. But that's just me.

The highlight of the past couple of seasons though, is the relative newcomer Groundling Kristen Wiig (www.groundlings.com) whose original characters like her distracted Target Lady, spacey Aunt Linda, or her brilliant impressions of Judy Garland and Megan Mullaly are real stand outs. Even her half of the A-Holes (”You look like a rabbit”) is initially less tedious, though Saturday Night Live's insistence on placing recurring obnoxious characters in the same scenes, but with different backgrounds, may drive you mad (remember "It's Pat?).

Gratned, SNL has an impressive alumni list like Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, Chris Rock, Molly Shannon, Chris Kattan, Tracy Morgan, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Lovitz, Julia Sweeney, David Spade, Cheri Oteri, Will Ferrell, to name but a few. Such is it's allure that two recent televion shows tried to depict it's inner workings: the sadly failed "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and the more successful "30 Rock" (with recent SNL graduate Tina Fey). And the man upstairs, the odd man in charge, Lorne Michaels, a character himself, continues to reap the benefits of his monolithic hit.

It's wonderful that so many went on to have great careers, and that SNL has not only a cult following, but a fairly hefty mainstream appeal as well. Still, it's harder to watch the older you get. So Thank God for teenagers. Then again, who knows what will happen now what with the upcoming Hollywood writer's strike. Hopefully, they'll run some classic reruns, rather than churn out more clunkers. I won't be watching. But I will honk for the strikers. Peace.

Current Repertory Players
Fred Armisen (2002-present)
Will Forte (2002-present)
Bill Hader (2005-present)
Darrell Hammond (1995-present)
Seth Meyers (2001-present)
Amy Poehler (2001-present)
Maya Rudolph (2000-present)
Andy Samberg (2005-present)
Jason Sudeikis (2005-present)
Kenan Thompson (2003-present)
Kristen Wiig (2005-present)

Remembering the Classics:
Saturday Night Live - The Complete First Season

Saturday Night Live - The Complete Second Season

The Real Classics:
Laurel & Hardy (Sons of the Desert/The Music Box/Another Fine Mess/Busy Bodies/County Hospital)

The Abbott and Costello Show Featuring "Who's on First?" "Don Juan Costello" & "Two Tens for a Five"

The George Burns & Gracie Allen Collection

Best of Jack Benny

The Dick Van Dyke Show - Season One (5 Disc Box Set)

I Love Lucy: The Complete Series

The Carol Burnett Show - Collector's Edition Vols 1-5 Read more!

Fries On The Side

Fries On The Side
a kate west recommendation
at 5124 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood 91601
running Saturdays at 9:30 p.m.
contact 800-838-3006 or 323-319-5009
or visit www.friesontheside.com



"Fries On The Side" is a local fast-paced comedy sketch show with a unique twist: the actors only have two hours to learn their lines each week. Writers submit scripts ahead of time and they are reviewed by the Fries staff and if deemed worthy, mounted on Saturday night. They may even invite you to perform with them. Plus they have the occasional celebrity host, such as Alan Ruck (Cameron from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"), and a musical guest a lá "Saturday Night Live".

It can be hit or miss sometimes, since the performers are literally winging new material (although they do have teleprompters to work off of), but it's always fun. And frankly, they are more hit than miss. Oh, and you get free beer. Be in on the latest Hollywood success story. Check it out!

Executive Producer: Shane Elliott
Creator & Director: Shane Elliott
Executive Producer: Garrett Morris

Staff Writers:
Dorien Davies
Shane Elliott
Alex Enriquez
Marc Hershon
Jeff Huit
Christian Kendra
Kenny Stevenson
Daniel Yates

Main Cast:
Dorien Davies
Shane Elliott
Alex Enriquez
Jeff Huit
Zack Oldham
Rachel FordPritchett
Sean Pritchett
Avi Rothman
AJ Schuermann
Kenny Stevenson Read more!

Local Heroes

Local Heroes:
sketch and improv of heroic proportions
a kate west review



directed by Mitch Silpa
at the Westside Eclectic Theatre
1323-a 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
(in the alley between 3rd and 4th, south of Arizona)
contact (310) 451-0850 or localheroes6@gmail.com (Myspace.com/localheroes6) Thursdays and Fridays
April through May, 2006; tix $8

Find yourself on the west side after dinner in search of entertainment? Instead of cramming into a crowded movie theater where someone will kick your chair and munch popcorn, head down to Westside Eclectic and catch some improv. You'll get much more bang out of your buck. They do several shows there, the latest being "Local Heroes". The cast members are all Groundlings-trained (for info on that crazy-famous comedic troupe check out www.groundlings.com) and Director Mitch Silpa is an actual Groundling. That means they know their funny.

Dorien Davies, Alex Enriquez, Samantha Klein, Travis Nelson, Avi Rothman and Kenny Stevenson all write their own material and have a great time performing it on the trendy stage of the Westside Eclectic. It's obvious that they love what they do and are all strong actors, especially Kenny Stevenson. Some highlights include Dorien Davies and Samantha Klein singing "Spolish Green" as pure-as-snow twins in a deliciously wicked spoof on Christian singers. Avi Rothman's and Dorien Davis' spoof on Latina pop-singer "Shakira" is hilarious as well. Avi Rothman's versatility really shines in "N'Amaste" and "Pillow", as a mystical yoga instructor and irritating airline passenger, respectively.

When the actors give 200% it really works. Some of the scenes are not as strong as others, but in general it's a very crowd-pleasing show. "Classically Trained" (Alex Enriquez, Avi Rothman and Kenny Stevenson) - a sketch about a classically trained prima donna commercial voice over actor could be stronger, for instance. "Captain Amazing" (Kenny Stevenson and Travis Nelson) is a cute idea, with computer geeks transforming into superheroes trying and failing to fix the office copier, as is "Brian Hodel" with Samantha Klein and Dorien Davies playing giggling 1980's teenagers and Kenny Stevenson's reverse strip tease in "Girl" (with Samantha Klein). "Love Hatchet" (Travis Nelson and Samantha Klein) about a trailer park screaming love nest and "Sexy Itchy" (Alex Enriquez and Samantha Klein) is alight but a lot of these scenes get a bit lost; one of the problems being that the space itself is not really conducive to comedy sketch. It's a fun space but not contained enough for the type of thing they are trying to do here. Still, it's a rockin' good time, judging from the audience's hoots and hollers alone.

Director Mitch Silpa does a great job of pacing the scenes and inspiring energy in the actors and host Amir Talai is likeable when heading the improv sets. Every actor is appealing - just be careful not to sit near the aisles if you don't want a run-in with sexually exuberant Russians in "To Russia with Love" (Dorien Davies and Kenny Stevenson). It's shorter than a full length movie so you'll still have time to enjoy all the diversity in the night life of Santa Monica. Read more!

Battle of the Deviants

Battle of the Deviants
a kate west review
directed by Patrick Bristow
at the Celebration Theater, 7051 Santa Monica Blvd., 1 block east La Brea, Hollywood
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 8 p.m., July 28 – August 26, 2004 - EXTENDED!!!
Tickets $12, Groups (10 or more), $10, Call (323) 957-1884


The Deviant Laboratories (www.deviantlaboratories.com), that brilliant, inspirational local comedy sketch group, now in their third year of entertaining Hollywood, strikes gold once again with their latest show, “Battle of the Deviants.” Comprised of outlandish scenes such as a feisty, yet lonely girl raised by turkeys, brawling British boys, an over-the-hill once-glamorous actress, peaceful aliens and many other memorable wacky characters, “Battle of the Deviants” is an original, fast-paced evening of glorious insanity.

Director Patrick Bristow, luminous alum of the reputable Groundlings Theatre, once more creates refreshingly stunning stage pictures and blocking (an actor’s stage movement), deftly moving his actors from one scene to the next with the dexterity of a true pro. In a daring and strikingly innovative choice, there are often no scene transitions, which work amazingly well in blurring the lines of reality. It is also fascinating to watch the level of concentration between cast and crew alike as every spare second of the show is so carefully choreographed (including rapid costume, scene and character changes) that each person depends utterly on his fellow cast or crew member. True teamwork indeed, complete with faint echoes of Monty Python (the pinnacle of British comedy sketch.) Michele Miatello’s lavishly delicious and extreme set looks like a genuine boxing ring and adds yet another level of zany reality.

The entire cast is solid, and a tremendously strong group. One notable standout is newcomer James Adomian, whose multitude of characterizations dazzle and enchant spectators. Rather than give away any fun character reveals, suffice it to say that audience members do not soon forget him. Annie Morgan, another new recruit, has several nice moments and Carrie Seim and Chad Cline, new to the group as well, easily match the veterans’ professional pace. The usual suspects, Michael Serrato, Brian Clark, Scotty Scarboro, Tanya McClure and Ted Cannon are naturally quite wonderful and the whole ensemble works together well, considering many of the scenes collide (not to worry, all will be clear at the show). Some of the actors might want to work on projecting however, especially considering how the loud the show gets at times so that the occasional good one-liner is lost here and there.

The second act is even more chaotic than the first and each reveal more delightful than the next, especially the rare inside jokes you might pick up on if you have seen previous shows. Crowd favorites include “The Champ,” featuring an old time hammy actor portraying a cheesy boxer, “Battleship,” featuring familiar political figures, “TIVO,” with two lovers arguing about anger, “Playing by the Rules,” a particularly relevant and poignant piece about domestic partnership, a bitter old couple in “Oldie Fight,” stoic and taciturn lovers in “Fences” and an uproarious take on television’s “Little House on the Prairie.” “Anyway,” features a hellish shrill stage mother and untalented son team, much improved in a later incarnation by having them as the intermission act. This works much better than allowing them a separate scene in the show. Other unusual devices that add nicely to the multi-dimensional and sophisticated whole include an apologist and several rants (again, please see the show for a proper explanation.)

In short, the Deviant Laboratories is definitely the up-and-coming group to watch, a casting director’s dream, consistently showcasing the very best in young comedic talent. Never a dull moment in a Deviant show, each production is more ambitious than the next as their many fans wait breathlessly for what madness they will come up with next. Their latest show is an absolute must-see and will not disappoint. But be sure to see it now so you can say I-knew-them-when. Read more!

10:17

The 9 O’clock 10:17 Comedy Night
a kate west review
Saturdays at the Gershwin Hotel, 7 E. 27th Street, between 5th and Madison, New York NY, $5 only.
Info: (212) 932-3767 or http://www.1017comedy.com

Husband and wife team Michael Birch and Bricken Sparacino have served up yet another entertaining show with their long running 10:17 Comedy Troupe playing at the Gershwin Hotel on Saturday nights. The five dollar admission charge is the cheapest rate for the most laughs in town. Every week is a different show so it is well worth seeing multiple times.

Last week, September 27, the talented line up included stand-ups Erin Foley, Andres du Bouchet, Dan Allen and Jessica Delfino. Du Bouchet spars playfully with the audience and Delfino is a special delight accompanying her quirky outlook on life with some fun guitar strumming. And as if all that weren’t enough joy, the troupe itself (this time consisting of Glenn Stoops, Eric Chercover, Michael Birch and Bricken Sparacino) pepper the evening with comedy sketch, song and miscellaneous ad-libbing.

Birch and Sparacino are excellent hosts, making the audience feel completely comfortable as if we were right in their cozy living room. Two highlights include Sparacino’s monologue as an outraged Barbie, reprimanding Saudi Arabia for banning her likeness and Birch serving up some funny “improvised” singing with musical partner Eric Chercover as the Mike Birch Caucasian Experience. The entire evening is a delight and the gracious hosts welcome you to smooze with the cast afterwards, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere so when they pick on you it’s good natured fun as if being teased by your family.

Definitely a good bargain for your buck, especially in New York. Go see it soon! Read more!

Beyond the Valley of the Deviants

BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DEVIANTS
In association with Celebration Theater and Dennis R. Nollette
a kate west review
7051 Santa Monica Blvd. (1/2 block east of La Brea)
Directed by Patrick Bristow
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19
Reservations (323) 957-1884
Info & Group Rates (323) 656-0694


If you want to fall headlong into a screaming laughfest, by all means check out the latest vivacious production of the Deviant Laboratories. The Deviants are a multi-talented group of young comedy sketch artists consisting of Ted Cannon, Brian Clark, Drew Droege, Margee Magee, Tanya McClure, Nicol Paone, Michael Serrato and Scotty Scarboro. They are a terrific ensemble, all naturally funny and astonishingly energetic. The first show they performed at the Celebration Theater about a year ago was fresh, funny and new then and it is wonderful to see how much they have progressed beyond that. First of all, they added women, who give a better dynamic energy and balance to the show. Secondly, they have obviously been keeping up their improv skills because they were all dead on funny, quick and clever in the improv sets directed by Groundling Mitch Silpa. And please prepare yourself for the ridiculously entertaining opening and closing numbers, which are, thanks to the fabulous directing of Patrick Bristow (Groundling alum), a technicolor explosion of fast-paced, broad hilarity.

There were a few minor technical glitches opening night and the actors need to work on their projection so we can hear all the dialogue, which should not be difficult in such a small venue. Also some scenes were a bit weaker than others and could use some rewrites but overall, the characters were strong, original and engaging, particularly Michael Serrato in “Hot Soup,” Drew Droege’s Chloe Sevigny in “Meet the Press” and Nicol Paone’s Tony in “Tony, Toni, Tone” (Margee Magee and Tanya McClure were also fantastic in that one). Ted Cannon, Scotty Scarboro and Brian Clark, especially, held their own quite delightfully as well. Kudos to the entire cast for their obvious delight in working as a team, helmed by a brilliantly talented director.

This show was one of the most fun comedic productions I have seen in Los Angeles. Be a deviant. Go. Indulge and immerse yourself. Bring your friends. Laugh until you cry and then beg for more. It’ll be worth it. Read more!