All-Star comedy, rookie price

May 25, 12:11 PMChicago Second City ExaminerDavid Flora

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Some shows that come through the Skybox are definitely hit or miss. The New American All-Stars score a hit with their improv along with sketch group Not From Baltimore.

Proclaiming themselves the “Improv Comedy Super Team,” The NAAS unleash a barrage of fast-paced and captivating scenework from the moment they start (without taking a suggestion). Whatever happens, happens, as the veteran players go with the flow, discovering what scenes are about quickly and letting a line from one scene become the opening line of a completely new scene. It’s like watching Optimus Prime turn into a Rubix Cube turn into Skeletor morph into ALF (and other 80’s similes). The NAAS move seamlessly through the transitions by doing 3 things: having complete emotional commitment, being absolutely specific about details, and having an extensive knowledge base to draw from. The guys have great chemistry and it’s fun to watch them figure out what each scene is about, use the environment, and play off each other’s discoveries and characters.

Not From Baltimore switched the gears from improv to sketch in the second show of the double bill. A two man group, NFB bring an atypical show to the stage; atypical in that they actually have the sand to push boundaries and throw some scenes up that incorporate experimental concepts and unique staging. NFB started the show with what I thought was their strongest scene, a choreographed dance to original music. The scene, setting a pattern for the rest of the show, is both silly and highly entertaining. The guys specialize in scenes that hit the joke quickly and then repeat it, repeat it some more, repeat it until it’s not funny, then repeat it until it’s funny again. NFB also experimented with scenes that had all the lights down, but were hindered by an extremely bright “Exit” sign in the back of the theatre. Ah, the sacrifices we make for safety.

If you go, you’ll have a good variety of entertainment and won’t want for lack of silliness. The New American All-Stars say “shut up and pay attention,” and that’s good advice as the ride is fast and fun.