The Groundlings’ ‘Cookin With Gas’ — Heats Up the House

COOKING_WITH_GAS_GROUNDLINGSAs an avid Groundlings attendee, I fee fully equipped to exclaim that tonight’s show was far and away my favorite so far. With Jim Rash as the director, I was certain it would be a success. Rash was joined by Glee writers Ian Brennan and Michael Hitchcock, along with Jeremy Rowley, David Hoffman, and Ariane Price. Rash’s audience engagement made his directing duties even more enjoyable, often commenting on the odd audience suggestions, along with hilarious fits of laughter during each sketch that livened the room. The Glee guest stars also upped the ante, with Ian Brennan bringing a breath of fresh air to the crew and Michael Hitchcock doing a painfully funny “one man show.” If you have yet to visit Hollywood’s most in-demand improv comedy team, you are missing out.

For tickets to the next show, visit The Groundlings.

‘Cookin’ With Gas’ at The Groundlings — MUST-SEE COMEDY

Cookin' With Gas

 When you enter The Groundlings theater, it feels as if you’ve discovered a far-off place in LA LA LAND where everyone comes to play and imagination is limitless. The sketch comedy troupe was formed in 1974, and its produced some of Hollywood’s best players, including Jimmy Fallon, Will Farrell, Cheryl Hines, Jack Black, Lisa Kudrow, and many more.

Last Thursday, I attended ‘Cookin’ With Gas,’ an all-improv show that’s ruled by suggestions from the audience. Some shout-outs are more original than others, and it’s up to the director to steer the ship in the most creative way possible.

Though the Main Company make their on-the-spot antics seem easy, it’s far from it. In fact, the mere rigor of The Groundlings audition process explains why this heavily vetted group can produce such comedic variety with so little preparation. They’re play-time powerhouses, and the packed theater each week is deserved.

Though there are many shows on the schedule worth seeing, ‘Cookin’ With Gas’ is a sensational standout. And in case you’re looking for the right reason to attend — I’d advise you to bring a date. You can tell a lot about people by what makes them laugh the hardest.