'Skits' treads offensive, silly line for big laughs

By Trent Loomis
On-line Forty-Niner

Santa Monica is a stones-throw away from the beautiful filth of Venice, and will have a chance to show its neighbor what pungent vulgarity is all about with the sketch act, "Skits-O-Phrenia," opening tonight at the Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica.

"Skits-O-Phrenia," co-directed by Matt Plumb and Adam Schwartz is a comical social commentary that isn't afraid to offend in order to get a laugh.
"I'd say that it's a combination between obscenity and serenity," Schwartz says. "However, at the same time it's completely uncensored, and yes, we will do anything for a laugh."

The concept of such a sketch comedy spoof was conceived in Ann Arbor Michigan when Schwartz, Plumb and almost the entire cast and crew attended the University of Michigan three years ago to study film.

"It all started because there wasn't anything else around," Schwartz explains. "And there definitely wasn't anything similar to what we wanted to do."

What they do is poke fun at almost anything and anyone, with skits such as "Queer as Hulk," "Jesus is Delicious" and "Arnold Schwarzenegger Sings the '80s," just to name a few.

Plumb, Schwartz and head writer Josh Herman, aren't trying to gross out the audience with non-stop bathroom humor, but rather showcase a sophisticated, yet raunchy, set of skits that covers the comedic spectrum.

Now, almost four years after the first show, almost everyone from the original cast and crew lives in Los Angeles, manifesting their destiny in the arts.

"We researched all of the improv, and sketch comedy acts such as the Groundlings and found out that we pretty much stand out far beyond them," Plumb said.

Because this is new ground, and the directors/producers don't have the luxury of a school-funded show, they have run into real world obstacles.

"Before, in Michigan, we were pretty much isolated in a bubble," Schwartz explained. "Now we have to deal with finding an audience, renting out a theatre, selling tickets and fixing a budget--all of which we never had to deal with to this extent."

It's easy to be involved with something that one loves. Actor and original member of the Michigan cast, Joe Bonito shares that sentiment.

"I'm doing this because I have a good time with the guys, and I'm hoping people get a laugh," Bonito said.

 

EVENTS LISTING

What: "Skits-O-Phrenia"
Where: Powerhouse Theatre, 3116 Second St.,
Santa Monica, CA
When: Thursday
through Saturday
Ticket Information:
866 OFF-MAIN, ext. 3.