Improv Can Change Your Life

a kate west congratulations!


Oscar nominations 2012: Groundling alums make good showing

January 24, 2012

Funny thing happened on the way to the Oscars -- a detour through the Groundlings comedy improv troupe resulted in five Oscar nominations for alumni on Tuesday.

The Los Angeles-based proving ground for such comic talents as Phil Hartman, Jon Lovitz and Paul Reubens has a whole new class of graduates to celebrate as writers Jim Rash  and Nat Faxon received a nomination for their "Descendants" script (adapted screenplay), Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo were tapped in original screenplay for “Bridesmaids,” and Melissa McCarthy earned a nod for her raucous supporting turn in “Bridesmaids.”

“We have had Emmy nominations in the past, but this is our big Oscar day,” said Heather de Michele, managing director of the Groundlings Theatre and School.

With "The Help's" best picture nod, writer-director Tate Taylor is also making the troupe proud. De Michelle added that “The Help” supporting actress nominee Octavia Spencer is a “friend of the Groundlings,” so there's another mini-celebration to be had.

“In order to be a Groundling, you not only have to have done extensive improv performing, you have had to have done some sketch writing,” said De Michele. “That is what is benefiting this great group of talent now."

And while students attend the Groundlng school, they have to hone their improv performance and writing skills. " 'The Sunday Company' is the top level [of the school],” De Michele said. “Every Sunday night, you have to do new material for six months. It’s like boot camp. At any given time we have 300 students."

Currently, there are 26 members of the Groundlings troupe. Rash, she said, is the only active member among Tuesday's Oscar nominees. Not only does he direct the group, “he performs all the time on our stage. And he does occasionally teach upper levels,” De Michele said.

In fact, Rash said Tuesday morning, he would be heading to the theater that night. “I have to go teach this class tonight,” he said. “I’m covering for someone. I have been teaching and directing there for 10-plus years. We have a little workshop tonight for an opening at the theater. They all know about the film, so they better be respectful and listen tonight.”

De Michele said that the Oscar nominations will undoubtedly help the theater company, which began in 1974.

“It’s very exciting,” she said. “With the success of ‘Bridesmaids,' we saw a huge boost of enrollment in women who wanted to be comedians!”

--Susan King

 Photo: Kristen Wiig (and Annie Mumolo) at the Golden Globes early last week. Credit: Chris Pizzello/AP

Full article here Read more!

BRIDESMAIDS

a kate west review

To call the new female comedy "Bridesmaids" a chick flick is to do it a disservice. It's a little bit of that, sure, but mostly it's so much more. It's really about the changing dynamics of friendships, the kind you have with old friends, with new friends and especially with yourself. But don't worry, fans of slapstick will get to enjoy some outrageous bathroom humor too, thrown in for good measure (if you're squeamish, beware the dress fitting scene).

Kristin Wiig (SNL) co-writes her first starring role as Annie, a struggling business entrepreneur who is thrown into wedding planning hell in the middle of her own personal crisis. Her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph, another SNL-er) is getting married and wants her to be the maid of honor. After her initial shock (and spurt of jealousy) wears off, Annie pulls herself together and tries really, really hard to make her friend happy. But it's a herculean task to create true beauty when you are truly miserable. Loveless, jobless and homeless, she makes every effort to show her friend how much she loves her, but is thwarted at every turn, primarily by her bridesmaid rival and nemesis, the impossibly beautiful and perfect Helen (Rose Byrne), not to mention hilarious little daily reminders of how much her life sucks. As things get worse and worse, the scenes get funnier and funnier, until the inevitable climax (no spoilers here).

What makes this movie work so well is the terrific ensemble cast for one thing, many of them from Wiig's day as a Groundling. Wendi McLendon-Covey (RENO 911!) is hilarious as a jaded and harried mother of monsters, balancing out Ellie Kemper (THE OFFICE) as the sweetly, naive newlywed. They are great foils to each other. Melissa McCarthy (MIKE AND MOLLY) is the real scene-stealer of the wedding crew, with impromptu rants of insanity that have to be seen and heard to be believed. The side characters are loads of fun too (Jon Hamm's slimy playboy, Jill Clayburgh's mother and the adorable Irish cop Rhodes, played by Chris O'Dowd, Rebel Wilson and Matt Lucas' nutty roommates, flight attendants Mitch Silpa, Dana Powell and Ben Falcone's mysterious airplane passenger, the stuffy boss Mike Hitchcock, to name but a few gems).

Through all that comedic genius however, is the touching friendship between Annie and Lillian, played with real poignancy by Rudolph and Wiig. Wiig's despairing looks as her life falls apart absolutely hit home with the viewers. We can feel her pain, while laughing at how extreme everything becomes. Just when you think it can't get any worse, of course it does. Exaggerate the tragedy and you've got humor. You haven't seen funny until you watch Wiig try to push over a solid fountain (or hallucinate a butter-churning pioneer woman). Her facial expressions alone say so much with so little effort on her part. She simply lives Annie.

Then there's the writing. Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumulo (look for a cameo on the plane ride from hell scene) co-write a compelling human drama depicted by laughter. The essential things that happen, the losing of things, of self, we can all relate to, yet they are taken so outlandishly far it is safe to revel at the characters downfall. At the core of the story is of course sincere emotion, so we always root for poor Annie. She's pretty much our human condition, at one point or another in our lives, just trying to keep her head above water while the universe continues to hurl ridiculousness at her. Wiig and Mumulo demonstrate this truth very well. But there will be redemption, too - Annie's attempt to save her friendship ahead of her own needs will end up saving her own life.

On the surface though, the entire movie is non-stop fun. Director Paul Feig (KNOCKED UP) apparently allowed his actors to improvise in many scenes, giving them added spontaneity, though some of it could have been edited a little tighter. Some parts went on a tad too long at times so the pacing is sometimes off. But as a whole, the story works as a classic comedy, through ups and downs, and we are right there with the main character. Based on general audience reaction opening weekend, you will laugh until you cry.

So for the studio executives breathlessly waiting to see how BRIDESMAIDS does at the box office, congratulations. Yes damn it, women are funny and can write and deserve to be funded. Just ask Tina Fey. Well done ladies.

Directed by	Paul Feig
Produced by	Judd Apatow Barry Mendel Clayton Townsend
Written by	Annie Mumolo Kristen Wiig
Starring	Kristen Wiig Maya Rudolph Rose Byrne Wendi McLendon-Covey Ellie Kemper Melissa McCarthy Chris O'Dowd
Music by	Michael Andrews
Cinematography	Robert D. Yeoman
Editing by	William Kerr Michael L. Sale
Studio	Relativity Media[1] Apatow Productions
Distributed by	Universal Pictures

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The Pee-wee Herman Show - NOW ON BROADWAY (click here for latest dates)

a kate west review

written by Paul Reubens & Bill Steinkellner (John Paragon)

directed by Alex Timbers

at Club Nokia/LALive, 800 W. Olympic Blvd. LA 90015

contact 213-765-7000, www.clubnokia.com or www.ticketmaster.com

running January 12 - February 7

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! He's back! The 80's icon man-child known as Pee-wee Herman (a.k.a. Paul Reubens) is settling in for a limited time only in the land of La-La, downtown Los Angeles. Catch him now at LA Live's Club Nokia in the newly renovated downtown (a la the Disneyfication of New York's Times Square).

Originally created by Paul Reubens as a character for the world-renowned Groundlings Theatre, Pee-wee Herman became a cult-like figure after Tim Burton's surprise hit "Pee-wee's Big Adventure". His tailored grey suit, white shoes, crew-cut hair and red bowtie made nerdom, if not cool, then hipper for not being cool. "Pee-wee's Playhouse" had a nice little run on television and won a few Emmys, appealing to children and adults alike. What really catapulted him into fame was the endless repetition of lines (and that unmistakable laugh) from the show and movie by enraptured fans, who weren't able to tell you exactly what they loved, except that Pee-wee made them laugh. Hard.

The current show brings back characters from the Playhouse, such as Miss Yvonne (Lynne Stewart), the most beautiful woman in Puppetland, Cowboy Curtis (Phil LaMarr, replacing the original buckaroo Laurence Fishburne), Mailman Mike (John Moody), Chairry (now Lori Alan) and Jambi the Genie (John Paragon). Surrounded by a cacophony of relics from 1950's t.v. shows, Pee-wee merrily jabbers on to both neighbors and inanimate objects, like the chair, the clock, the globe, fish, flowers, a mechanical robot and a flying Pterodactyl. Addressing the audience, he pulls us in right away, announcing the secret word, our only role having to scream loudly every time a cast member uses it. Each entrance is more exciting than the last (except for the grand entrance by the man himself), the crowd going wild at every memorable line and reference. Notably missing from the very first cast is, of course, the late Phil Hartman, a great friend of Reubens.

In this episode, based on the HBO special of the same name, Pee-wee finds out a secret about Miss Yvonne and very much wanting a wish of his own, selflessly gives it away so she can have her heart's desire. His friends rally to give him a happy ending, gently poking fun at each other and gleefully citing pop cultural references all the while (and sing and dance!) Interspersed with a cartoon, fan mail and the endlessly fascinating old time film about how not to be a Mr. Bungle (you'll have to see it to believe it), everyone has a grand old time, especially the audience. There is an out-of-character scene with a Bear (Drew Powell) which is almost jarring, but even that Reubens pulls off effortlessly in the end.

The real success behind this character is his ability to interest small children and adults of every age with simple plots and morals, peppered with more sophisticated innuendoes. The campy reverence for the nostalgic era of children's shows is quite endearing. While making fun of himself in a way, Pee-wee remains an innocent, truly joyful in his performance, but winking at the crowd all the while. Not an easy feat. It's a big show with big heart and Reubens and cast (especially Lynne Stewart, Phil LaMarr and John Paragon) do have a terrific time up on stage so it's almost impossible not to be swept away in the feverish acclaim. Unless you're already familiar with his work, it is difficult to explain the cult status. Personal indiscretions aside (get over it already), this guy is often underrated as a versatile, multi-talented and sometimes brilliant character actor and comedian. But hopefully this show will produce more Pee-wee awareness. Give him a chance folks, he (his laughter anyway) is infectious. Hope you remember your Pledge of Allegiance. I know you are, but what am I?

Anyone else have "Tequila" stuck in his/her head?

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tequila_(song))

Cast

Paul Reubens (Pee-wee)

John Moody (Mailman Mike)

Drew Powell (Bear)

John Paragon (Jambi)

Jesse Garcia (Sergio)

Phil LaMarr (Cowboy Curtis)

Lynne Marie Stewart (Miss Yvonne)

Lance Roberts (King of Cartoons)

Josh Myers (Firefighter)

Lori Alan, Josh Myers, John Paragon, Drew Powell, Lance Roberts (Voices)

Watch the original Mr. Bungle here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s7X5-Drctk

Where Can I Get Even More Pee-wee?!!!

Pee-wee's Playhouse #1 - Seasons 1 and 2

Pee-wee's Playhouse #2 - Seasons 3-5

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure

The Pee-Wee Herman Show - Live at the Roxy Theater

The public can follow Pee-wee Herman on

Twitter @peeweeherman facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PeeweeHerman

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Jane Austen Unscripted

Impro Theatre presents
Jane Austen Unscripted
a kate west review














directed by Dan O'Connor
and Paul Rogan
produced by Matthew Quinn

running
Fri, Oct 10 – Sun, Nov 16
Fri, Sat 8pm
Sunday 7pm

Theatre Asylum
6320 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
contact (323) 960-7753
http://www.improtheatre.com

Cast and Company: Patrick Bristow (special guest), Tracy Burns, Kari Coleman, Lisa Fredrickson, Brian Jones, Stephen Kearin, Lauren Lewis, Brian Lohmann, Nick Massouh, Jo McGinley, Dan O’Connor, Edi Patterson, Jennifer Riege, Paul Rogan, Carla Rosati, Michele Spears, Mollite Taxe, and Floyd Van Buskirk.

Impro Theatre specializes in presenting rapt audiences with such impressive improvisational feats as "Dickens Unscripted", "Tennessee Williams Unscripted", "Shakespeare Unscripted" and even "Sondheim Unscripted". The latest presentation, "Jane Austen Unscripted", is equally noteworthy, complete with gorgeous period costuming and language. Directors Dan O'Connor and John Rogan lead the brilliant troupe in bringing the celebrated author's sensibilities to life, as it were.

Company members take a couple of suggestions from the audience and spin an entire Jane Austen styled original play. One hundred percent improvised, the complex plot unfolds, hearts are won, witticisms flung and poetry recited, all in perfect synchronicity. Yes, amazingly enough, the actors are making up the entire dialogue right under your very eyes. It's like watching a Jane Austen movie that delivers a clever wink to the audience. The accomplished actors also gently acknowledge the occasional transgressions in ad-libbing, turning funny situations into even more humorous turns. The time flies by and when you are transported back to your modern era, you will want to come back for more.

The company treats their revered authors with the deepest respect, creating lines befitting the original works. Theirs is definitely an original spin, but seemingly lifted from what might have been written. Consummate professionals through and through (look up their long list of credits) , the players will make you laugh and then inspire you to read the classic works for yourself. What will they think of next? We can't wait to find out.

Austen's Works:
The Complete Novels of Jane Austen (Wordsworth Special Editions) (Special Editions) Read more!

Red Scare on Sunset

Charles Busch's
Red Scare on Sunset
a kate west review
directed by Cindy Gendrich

at the Attic Theatre
5429 W. Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
contact 323-525-0600
www.attictheatre.org
running Sept. 11 - Oct. 18






Charles Busch, playwright, actor and drag queen extraordinaire, brings back his reflections on the 1950's Hollywood Blacklisting in "Red Scare on Sunset". Famous for such outrageouness as "Psycho Beach Party" and "Vampire Lesbians of Sodom", Busch often cast himself in the fabulously dressed female leads (www.charlesbusch.com). Filling in Charles Busch's high heeled shoes, is Drew Droege in the latest version of "Red Scare".

Droege takes on Busch's famous alter ego movie star Mary Dale, giving her his own full out drag flair. Mary's actor husband Frank Taggert (Chris Tarantino) is drawn into the Communist party against his will, subcombing to the dark Hollywood left. Best friend Pat Pilford (the delightfully fun Michelle Begley) supports Mary but still has to keep her own black secret. Mysterious Marta Towers (the rather weak Sona Tatoyan) gums up the works, making the moves on Taggert. Mary must save her husband and her career, all the while keeping herself in stylish couture. Busch tries to fit it all in - suicides and murder, sex and scandal and a reminder that even the entertainment industry can demonstrate intolerance.

The cast is unbalanced, some much weaker than others. Amy Proccaci has a few fun turns as R. G. Benson, a sharp-talking oldtime director, as does Dane Whitlock as various sexually ambiguous characters. Drew Droege and Michelle Begley are definite stand-outs, as well as being the best dressed. Some very fine delectable 1950's dresses, indeed. Director Cindy Gendrich makes some nice stage pictures and Droege has some priceless facial expressions as Mary sinks further and further into despair, to arise triumphant, strong and red-white-and-blue conservative in the end.

The company obviously enjoy their take on a Charles Busch classic and while it runs too long, it is fun to watch Droege expertly inhabit the intensely sheltered and delicate movie star who turns out to be much tougher than anyone suspected. He's the best thing about the show, pretty much. The actual story is almost secondary to showcasing that particular Charles Busch portrait.

Pictured below: Drew Droege, Michelle Begley, Chris Tarantino

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Tilted Frame

Tilted Frame
a kate west recommendation

Previews
Thursday - September 25 at 8:30 PM
Preview tickets $5.00

Performances
October 2 – November 20
Thursdays at 8:30 PM
tix $10

Theatre Asylum
6320 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
http://www.cafearts.com/tiltedframe
Contact (323) 960-7753

Created during the .dot com era of San Francisco by C.A.F.E in 2002, Tilted Frame merges technology and entertainment with live media, live theater and the Internet. The talented cast takes suggestions from the audience and riffs, improv style, but with a technological twist. With video and computer screens, they maneuver in and out of the stage (you have to see it live to get the full effect). There are a few glitches here and there (and kudos for being able to coordinate dialogue while manipulating media), but the actors use each mistake to their advantage, joyfully pointing them out, in fact, and gaining our respect. It is obvious they are all having the time of their lives.

Directed by Groundlings alum Patrick Bristow (www.groundlings.com) and Matthew Quinn (Executive Producer). Featuring Jordan Black, Candace Brown, Dorien Davies, Jayne Entwistle, Beth Geiger, Shawn Gonzales, Michelle Johnson, Caleb Martin, Drew Massey, Carl Peterson, Amy Procacci, Colleen Smith, Kenny Stevenson, Victor Yerrid, Brennan Vetter.

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Sizzle

Sizzle -
a global warming comedy
a kate west review
directed by Randy Olson
written by Randy Olson & Ifeanyi Njoku
World Premiere - Los Angeles Outfest
at Fairfax Theater
7907 Beverly Blvd. L.A.
www.sizzlethemovie.com

The movie "Sizzle" is a cinematic hodgepodge of styles: comedy, documentary and science, all in an attempt to illuminate global warming. Director/writer Randy Olson is a bonafide scientist (Marine Biologist) who chose to leave science for film school at USC. His previous films include "Rediagnosing the Oceans" and "Flock of Dodos" (about evolution). In "Sizzle" he counters Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" with a mix of fantasy and a dose of skepticism.

The premise is that he, Olson as a scientist, wants to make a different type of movie about global warming and recruits (pretend) producers Mitch Silpa and Brian Clark who bring him argumentative crew members (Alex Thomas and Ifeanyi Njoku). Using real scientists and fake actors, his mix of fantasy and fact-driven reality can be confusing. For instance, Clark, Silpa and Thomas are the actors playing actors and film crew. Some of them use their real names and some do not. Real creators Olson and Njoku play themselves (Olson) and fake crew members (Njoku). He even enlists his own mother, Muffy Moose, to play his mother. Make sense yet?

The scientists are real, covering the spectrum of both the pro and the con regarding the severity of environmental impact. The alarmists include Dr. Jerry Meehl, Dr. Richard Somerville, Dr. Megan Owen, Julia Bovey and Dr. Naomi Oreskes (who was featured in Al Gore's documentary) and the skeptics include Dr. Pat Michaels, Dr. Steve Hayward, Dr. Fred Singer, Dr. Bill Gray, Dr. Marc Morano and Dr. George Chillingarian. The latter skeptic, Dr. Chilli let's call him, is such a character himself that it further blurs the fantasy/reality line. With a flamboyant mustache and attitude, his outrageousness rivals that of the fake producers.

In addition, Olson has an editing problem. So many scenes are needlessly repetitive. For instance, he interviews a scientist and his pretend cameraman (Thomas) disputes the facts; Olson shows frustration and follows up with several interviews in the exact same manner. Then about two-thirds into the film, Olson presumably finally listens to his sound man (Njoku) who tells him to put a human face on global warming, inspiring them to visit New Orleans and show the still-visible carnage of Hurricane Katrina. While obviously moving, this happens a little too far into the movie and again, goes on a little too long.

The scenes with Brian Clark and Mitch Silpa as flaky novice Hollywood producers are hilarious as the real Silpa and Clark are professional improvisers (www.groundlings.com) and darn good at it too. However, Olson is unfortunately not as talented, and thus is not a strong enough presence to keep viewer interest for an entire feature. His science is interesting, but even after a stint at USC, he is not the consummate filmmaker, having produced a film riddled with editing and believability problems. As a general audience, we appreciate the attempt at fun, but Olson does not quite understand how to maintain a coherent story line, choosing instead to throw everything in but the kitchen sink.

The overall impression is one of chaos, with Olson constantly seeming to wrestle with how to convey his confusion (he does present both pro and con, after all). One ill-directed dream sequence of a literal wrestle (with a polar bear) adds little to the film. His dramatic arguments are written to be funny and are amusing, but the reality/fantasy transitions are just not sharp enough to make a well polished film. In the editing room scene, where Olson is getting advice on focus, one wishes this had really happened behind the scenes in order to be translated into a gratifying whole.

In spite of some spots of entertainment and thought-provoking facts, the film plays as a work-in-progress. It just isn't there. Kudos for the attempt at enlightenment, and if it shifts someones global perspective, that would be great. But sadly, it is just not cinematically logical. And why it premiered at theme-structured Los Angeles Outfest is yet another mysterious facet of the experience. Read more!

Teen Witch

Teen Witch
a kate west recommendation
a recreation of the cheesy 1980's film!






"You're invited to a night of colorful characters, unforgettable songs, flashy dance numbers, teen love and of course witchcraft!"

WHAT: Teen Witch! A Comedy Musical

WHEN: June 2nd & 3rd at 8pm

WHERE:
The Groundlings Theater
7307 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 934-4747
www.groundlings.com

HOW MUCH: $5

WHO:
Eliot Benjamin
Kevin Berntson
Candace Brown
Drew Droege
Andrew Friedman
Edi Patterson
Artemis Pebdani
Amy Procacci
Derek Ringold
Hal Rudnick
Nicole Sciacca
Colleen Smith
Patty Wortham
Mike Zara

Directed by:
Mike Zara & Colleen Smith (as the foxy Teen Witch herself)

The Original Camp:
Teen Witch Read more!

Dead Moms Don't Hug

Dead Moms Don't Hug
a kate west review
written & performed
by Ariane Price
directed by Tom Lenk
at the Groundlings Theatre
7307 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles 90046
May 20 & 27; 8pm
(323) 934-4747 x 49 or
www.groundlings.com
tix free - explicit language and graphic content




Ariane Price (Groundlings company member) reveals her motherless childhood to audiences Tuesdays in May, right in her home base of the Groundlings Theatre.

Deprived of a mother at an early age, Price recounts this traumatic event (and many others!) with sophisticated humor, videos and even puppets. She adeptly turns pain into funny with side notes to the audience and an engaging self-deprecating manner and we root for her the whole way.

Director Tom Lenk (of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fame) injects a great deal of creativity into the work as well, giving us an entertaining staging, including voice overs and the occasional dance break that keep us riveted until the sweetly warm payoff at the end. Both Price and Lenk work together very well and this synergy comes through seamlessly. It is an enjoyable telling of a complicated tale and when all is said and done, we know Ariane a little bit better and it is delightfully pleasing to be let in on her world for a while. Read more!

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!

James Adomian

Impersonator Extraordinaire
a kate west recommendation







James Adomian is a brilliant young comic who does THE best impersonation of George W I've ever seen. Granted I haven't seen every GW impersonator, but I am fairly confident Adomian is way up there. You heard it here.

Not only does he capture the mannerisms, but he has the pathology of speech down pat. He's an accomplished mimic, a well-trained improviser and not a bad actor to boot. Trained at the world-famous Groundlings (www.groundlings.com), I doubt there is anything he can't do.

See for yourself. You can catch him on any number of late night shows, including Craig Ferguson and of course YouTube. Look him up on IMDB (and note the prominent "Harold and Kumar" credit)!


James on YouTube:

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Bad Education

It's FREE, it's UNDER AN HOUR, and there are NO WIGS!!!

BAD EDUCATION
a kate west recommendation
written and performed by Drew Droege
directed by Andersen Gabrych

"Drew's always been hot for teachers. Especially the deranged, joyless, and hateful ones. And the ones named Maya Angelou. Bring pencil and paper, and don't be tardy."

One person show on the value of a bad education. Join Drew Droege (Groundlings Sunday Company alum) for this hilarious take on southern schooling.

Monday, February 4 @8pm
The Groundlings Theatre
7307 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Free, but please make reservations at 323.934.4747 xt.41

For future shows please visit the following websites:
www.groundlings.com
www.ucbtheatre.com
www.comedycentral.com/email/ccstage/calendar.html
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One Night Stand

One Night Stand
a kate west recommendation




Explanation:
"One Night Stand is a completely improvised one-hour long musical. Yes, completely improvised--everything we do is made up on the spot without any writing or planning. That includes the music, the lyrics, the characters, the choreography, the plot, the dialogue and anything else you can think of!

At the beginning of our show we ask the audience for three things: the made-up title of a musical that has never been performed before, a location in which the musical will begin and the made-up name of a song that will appear at some point in the musical...

Using these suggestions, our seven actors and pianist concoct a thrilling and hilarious musical for you--a musical never performed before and never to be performed again! Don't believe us? Come twice! It's a crazy ride, so hang on tight when you join us for our next One Night Stand!"

www.onenightstandmusical.com
www.myspace.com/onenightstandimprov


CAST

Quinn Beswick	Adam Cochran	Kobi Libii	Josh Margolin	Sam Martin	Jonah Platt	Andrew Resnick	Mollie Taxe
					Associate Producer	Music Director

PRODUCTION
Marc Platt Executive Producer
Will Adashek Producer
Dan Fishbach Producer & Director
Michele Spears Director


Performance Sites:
The Groundlings Theatre, Los Angeles
The Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh
The Hudson Guild Theatre, Los Angeles
The Dirty South Improv Festival, North Carolina Read more!

Modern Exposure

a kate west reflection





What IS it with our modern generation and everyone's constant need to over share? I know I sound old when I say this, but back in my day, we never told each other every single detail of our lives. None of this minute-to-minute update of life's minutia, sexual exploits, bathroom habits, every single damn thing each of us is thinking every single second. I don't need to know all that and neither does the rest of the world. What happened to privacy, decorum, tact and just plain class? Kids these days demand screaming attention in order to validate their existence and are uncomfortable with the more reserved. Isn't one of life's mysteries the actual mystery? And do I even have to complain about people on their cellphones? Private is now public apparently. Maybe this is an American problem and Europeans are grown ups and Americans are children. I often think so.

In any case, no wonder we exalt celebrities and people get famous simply for being famous and not for contributing significantly to society. We are fascinated with the fishbowl culture of needing to know everything about their private lives. Is it because it makes us feel better or are we just nosy? Believe it or not, I know next to nothing about several nameless super celebs apparently in the news lately - I don't watch FOX News or read PEOPLE and am told that I can't help knowing about it since that knowledge is everywhere, but honest to God, since I'm not looking for it or talking about it, I've missed it. Hooray for me.

Granted I watch too much television (but at least not the commercials). So I need to get back to reading. And avoiding the fishbowl. Yes, I will keep blogging (oh hush)!

p.s. And while I'm in the mood, can I once again complain about television characters mentioning other television characters from shows on the same network? Tacky boo. Oh and is it just me, or is it enough already with self-congratulating, self-absorbed Hollywooders and their insider everything (Oscars especially)? Ugh.

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A Tuna Christmas

A Tuna Christmas
a kate west review
written by Jaston Williams,
Joe Sears & Ed Howard
directed by Stan Zimmerman
at Theatre Asylum
6320 Santa Monica Blvd.,
Hollywood 90038 (west of Vine)
contact (323) 960-7753 OR www.plays411.com/tunachristmas

running December 6, 2007 - January 6, 2008; tix $25-$50

Twenty-two Texans celebrate Christmas. Sounds like the punch line of a joke. But it's actually part of the well-known Greater Tuna trilogy of characters centered around Tuna, Texas, created by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. Currently playing in Hollywood, "A Tuna Christmas" is the most suitable Tuna incarnation this holiday season.

Former Groundlings company members Patrick Bristow (from "Showgirls" and "Ellen") and Mindy Sterling (from "Austin Powers") are the sole two cast members, playing all roles (check out the world renowned comedy sketch/improv troupe on www.groundlings.com). Their obvious background in character work serves them well in this multi-character show. Patrick Bristow especially has many real and poignant moments embodying what might have been routine southern characters in less capable hands. He doesn't just "do" characters, he actually becomes the person he portrays and does an amazing turn reflecting an entire history in just a few lines. And he manages to make them unique and interesting each time. He is truly a joy to watch.

The creators Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard have built practically a whole franchise around these quirky Texans and while the writing is good, Director Stan Zimmerman can stand to cut some scenes down, as they tend to run a bit long. The story centers around an annual yard display contest, with each townsperson vying for the perfect holiday light set up. A mysterious Christmas Phantom gums up the work, causing mischief and consternation among the populace. The show begins with two Disc Jockeys, Arles (Sterling) and Thurston (Bristow), introducing some tidbits about the town and bringing in the odd and end villager, such as Didi (Sterling) who sells used guns for a living. Sterling also showcases Petey, an earnest humanitarian, weary of taking in every Yuletide pet castoff.

Bristow's best character is Bertha, mother to three unruly children, including delinquent Stanley (Sterling). She tries to make a nice holiday for her family while keeping peace with her crazy neighbors, not an easy feat with the rich eccentric Vera (Sterling) taking pot shots at her and loveable wily Aunt Pearl (also Bristow) defying local law. Bertha is heartbreakingly and endearingly deserving of a nice man to take care of her after her lowlife husband disappoints her time and again. Bristow's swaggering Sheriff Givens is quite amusing as well, as are the slightly trashy but fun waitresses Helen and Inita (Sterling and Bristow) forced to work the holidays at the local diner.

Bristow and Sterling clearly find joy in recreating slices of Texan life and in working so intimately together. Their countless costume changes, characters and accents are impressive to watch, as are the many gender-bending forays. It's an entertaining show, but again, runs a bit long. It is definitely a different kind of holiday show though, and worth a look to see these consummate professionals at work. So come back soon y'all, ya hear? Read more!

Puppet Up

Puppet Up
a kate west recommendation
at Avalon Hollywood
1735 N Vine St., Hollywood , CA 90028
Saturday, September 29nd & Saturday, October 20th
8:00 PM (doors open 7:00 PM)
contact www.puppetup.com or www.avalonhollywood.com
(Pictured: Patrick Bristow, Brian Henson and Friends)

The Jim Henson Company has been entertaining audiences, adult and children alike, for about fifty years now. Not one to rest on his laurels, Brian Henson (son of the late Jim Henson), has moved on from his internationally popular muppets (currently the property of the Walt Disney Company). His newest creation, "Puppet Up", combines live performers with puppets in a completely innovative way. You won't see familiar characters from "The Muppet Show", but you will see a lot of fun brand new characters like talking hot dogs. It must indeed be seen to be believed.

Professionally trained puppeteers work their magic live on stage, based on audience suggestions. It's improv, with puppets. Audiences can watch the behind-the-scenes mechanics as the actors manipulate the puppets and then glance over at the monitors to see the puppets in action. Patrick Bristow (of "Ellen", "Show Girls" and main company Groundlings fame) is their suave and fearless leader, deftly directing the action, and sassing the audience into giving good improvisational fodder. It's billed as adult fare, since one cannot control the nature of improv and who knows, you may even be lucky enough to see these adorable puppets go blue. A cute, furry, little puppy dog swearing like a sailor? Delightfully delicious. But leave the kids at home.

The troupe is smart, talented, quick-witted and highly entertaining. Each show is definitely a must-see. But hurry, they sell out fast!

The Company:
BRIAN HENSON (Executive Producer, Performer)
PATRICK BRISTOW (Stage Show Director/Host)
Julianne Buescher (Performer)
Tyler Bunch (Performer)
Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Performer)
Ted Michaels (Performer)
Drew Massey (Performer)
Paul Rugg (Performer)
Allan Trautman (Performer)
Victor Yerrid (Performer)

For Nostalgia Purposes:
The Muppet Show - Season One (Special Edition) 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

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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!

Planet Unicorn

a kate west favorite

"In the year 2117, an 8 year old gay boy named Shannon found a magic lamp. He was granted three wishes. The first, a fur jacket. The second, a flying car. The third, a planet full of unicorns. This is the story of that planet." [spoken] "A gay boy wished for a planet full of unicorns, planet unicorn, unicorn planet. Give it up for Feathers, oooh Cadillac, and Tom Cruise. Ohhh, planet unicorn, heyyy!" [sung]

So begins the hottest new video site online, featured on both NPR and in August's issue of TIME OUT, "Planet Unicorn". As the song above says, it's all about a planet full of unicorns (dig those crazy names too), wished into existence by an 8-year-old gay boy named Shannon. The fact that it appeals to children and adult alike is testament to the cleverness of its creators Mike Rose and Tyler Spiers, talented young comedic actors in Los Angeles. Now internationally known, the website has well over a million hits and has become a pop culture phenomenon. Thank you, You Tube!

It's pink, quirky, harmless fun, with childlike animation and simple dialogue. And it all works really well. Check it out now, and you too can be cooler than My Space.


Creators: Mike Rose and Tyler Spiers

Shannon: Mike Rose
Feathers: Drew Droege
Cadillac: Mike Rose
Tom Cruise: Tyler Spiers

Animation: Craig Morris and Robert Potter

Theme Song/Vocals: Mike Rose

Original Music: Ryan Elder

Shannon

Shannon is an 8-year-old gay boy. He found a magic lamp and wished for a planet full of unicorns.
He has a vivid imagination and likes to have fun.

Feathers

Feathers has a southern accent and a cowboy hat.
He's sassy and no-nonsense. He likes to have fun.

Cadillac

Cadillac is Hispanic and wears his mane in a pompadour.
He likes having the last word and he likes to have fun.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise likes to travel and is always up for a new adventure.
He likes to have fun.

http://www.planetunicorn.tv

Congratulations on your NewNowNext Award!!!
http://www.newnownext.com/2007/04/planet_unicorn_.html
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David Blaine Street Magic

a kate west favorite


David Blaine appears to trick two unsuspecting bystanders by seemingly knowing more about them than they know themselves. On closer look, we realize it's a parody, and a damn good one, thanks to Groundlings company members Mitch Silpa, Mikey Day (MTV's "Wild-n'Out") and Michael Naughton. It's worth several viewings and will only be funnier each time. And since a picture is worth a thousand words ... enjoy!

Written by
Mikey Day and Michael Naughton

Starring
Mitch Silpa as David Blaine
Mikey Day and Michael Naughton as Victims (a.k.a. Idiots)

www.groundlings.com Read more!