Well, have no fear and do not sneer or jeer. For the Box is near, and dear Blackout’s here to make you cheer.
Wait. And there’s beer.
Blackout dredges the theater frontier with the premiere of “Hearts and Stars: A Sketch Show.” It’s not insincere to adhere Saturday Night Live as the ultimate engineer of sketch comedy, for every single night of the show’s short two week span a new band and host will appear.
Last Friday was Michael Junchaya, Albuquerque’s new “Face of Fox” and the band “Swamp Cooler Magnets,” a classy folk-bluegrass group.
Smearing the line-up with new acts every night seems like a queer choice as first, but the cleverness of the move is clear.
Different bands allow for consistent flow for different local fan bases, and a new host gets people wondering what new sketches might pop up and encourage return visits to make sure the cashier stays busy. So far it’s worked— I’m going back again.
“Hearts and Stars” runs two acts, with the band playing before, after, and during intermission, so those with an ear for good music will probably want to come here early.
The sketches adhere to Blackout’s endearing career of quality and talent. All are original, hysterical, and wickedly fast. Most are a mere two minutes. Props and gear are scarce, with the sheer rapid fire comedy getting in its hits and coming back for more before you have chance to rear your head to laugh.
Two of Blackout’s members, Lauren Poole and Christopher Walsh, combine forces with three of their peers to compose the brilliant principle cast. Walsh is wholly hilarious, particularly as a Chinese back-up act to a circa 1894 stand-up comedian. Poole is simply phenomenally droll at absolutely everything she does.
The host acts as an effective puppeteer, though never interferes. He joyously domineers an occasional few of the sketches, one of which he neatly plays a foreign student from an African country— possibly Zaire.
At the back, you’ll find opportunities to buy one of three delicious local Tractor Brewing Company beers (try the Red Ale) or a “Blackout Theatre” souvenir.
A protector is used to cut down on the cost of programs and provide a few cheery sight gags. Tickets are cheap too, mirroring the bare bones, creative simplicity of the entire affair.
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Consistently different live music, delicious mini-brewed beer on tap, and excitingly new, original side-sidesplitting comedy— it’s a killer combination.
BOX:
Blackout Theatre Presents
Hearts and Stars- Brand New Sketch Comedy
The Box Performance Space
100 Gold Ave SW #112
Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
$8
Reservations at 505-404-1578 or http://www.theboxabq.com
