THEATER REVIEW : Acme’s Move Adds to Fun in Groundlings’ Back Yard

The Acme Players have invaded the Groundlings’ turf.

The invasion actually began three years ago, when Acme Comedy Theatre set up shop in North Hollywood with comedy revues that resembled Groundlings shows in structure and spirit. But now the Acme challengers have moved near the Groundlings’ Melrose headquarters. Just a few blocks separate the two laugh brigades.

The Acme troops are housed in a new theater on La Brea designed by John Sergio Fisher, known in theater circles for the Tiffany and LATC designs. The hall seats 90 (expandable to 99). It’s comfortable, well raked, easily accessible by wheelchair.

Acme laughmeister M.D. Sweeney assembled a “greatest hits” collection of sketches from the NoHo theater as the new venue’s opening production, “Acme Collector’s Edition.”

Spurred by Jonathan Green’s insistent keyboard (he works alone, as opposed to the two-man band at the Groundlings), the first half is fast and mostly funny.

Brett Baer’s nifty David Letterman, appearing as the Gentleman Caller in “The Glass Menagerie,” isn’t quite strong enough to kick things off with a bang, but irrepressible belly laughs start up in the second sketch, as Renee Rogers plays a matron at a political fund-raiser who struggles to maintain her dignity despite the messy rib she’s gnawing on.

Robyn Donny co-wrote two sharp sketches about games--one in which a couple wages a Yahtzee war against their guests (Jerry Collins co-wrote) and another in which a New Jersey grandmother and mother interrogate a man’s new girlfriend over a round of bingo (Kate Donahue co-wrote).

Brian Kerrigan contributed the program’s wittiest pieces. In one, two laid-off executives shoot the breeze while jumping from their high-rise windows. In the other, participants in a political talk show describe their cliched responses rather than actually responding.

Doug Jackson and Byrne Offutt set a furious pace as a pair of infomercial hucksters, and David Finkel uses adroit slapstick to illustrate “My Bad Day.”

The second half begins well with Ralph Garman and Offutt, as Batman and Robin, hauled into court for assault. Next up is Susie Geiser’s funny but dispiriting speech as the valedictorian of North Hollywood Continuation School--which raises themes that she and Donny also address in a later sketch about two baby-burdened high school cheerleaders.

Ted Hardwick’s bitterly cynical creative writing professor, making mincemeat of his students’ latest papers, is the evening’s funniest solo. And the ending bit, written by Finkel, is a sly antidote to the excesses of grand finales.

But the second half also includes weaker efforts, focusing on tired stereotypes. One sketch uses a wild wig similar to wigs used in the first half, but with diminishing effect. Likewise, a crazy Jerry Collins character who hangs out around airports is funnier in the first half than in his encore.

In the only major departure from the Groundlings format, Acme programs lack improv. The excitement of watching actors think on their feet is missing; so are those clumsy moments when they fail.

A Groundling was spotted at the Acme on Saturday, checking out the competition. The rivalry might make both groups better. As for audiences in this neighborhood--the more mirth, the merrier.

* “Acme Collector’s Edition,” 135 N. La Brea, Los Angeles. Fridays , Saturdays, 8 p.m. $14-$16. (213) 525-0202. Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes.