This second revue from the sketch comedy group Pennybear does not have any grand ambitions. There is no unifying theme or gimmick, other than a bookend bit with an offstage announcer. It achieves exactly what it sets out to do, which is to create a solid hour of sharply written, character-driven comedy. Written and directed by James Whittington, it features a tight ensemble of four excellent young actors, all of whom are becoming very familiar in Chicago's sketch/improv scene: Marla Caceres, Padraic Connelly, Nancy Friedrich and Jon Forsythe.
The Chicago Tribune declared the opening sketch, "Trunk," to be the best sketch of the 2008 Sketchfest, which seems hyperbolic, and it's surely not possible to see every sketch at Sketchfest, but it is indeed a very funny and endearing piece. Two teenage girls are voluntarily locked in the trunk of one of their boyfriends' cars in order to sneak into a drive-in movie. While there, they talk about the usual teenage girl issues of growing up and growing apart in hilarious fashion. Other great sketches in this vein include a hapless single father trying to help his teen daughter through her first period, and a raunchy, macho discussion about sexual myths between two male friends.
Pennybear seems to be going for a dark vibe here (there are also scenes about school violence and loveless marriages) but what comes across the strongest is the material's relatability to everyday life, which surely says something about everyday life. They manage to make even some of the more pedestrian premises, such as a passenger being frustrated by a bizarre airline employee, seem fresh and interesting. Bottom line: This is a consistently enjoyable show from a group to watch.
Reviewed by Centerstage!