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.