Off the Wall Stays on a Roll at Upfront

For thrills, chills and spills, the circus has nothing on improvisational comedy. If you want to see a troupe of verbal vertigo artists working without a net, hie yourself down to the Upfront Comedy Theatre in Santa Monica, where the improv group Off the Wall is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Such comic luminaries as Robin Williams, John Ritter, Jim Belushi and George Wendt spent time in Off the Wall. The veterans at the Upfront may not be huge stars, but they are certainly familiar faces, recognizable from more television and stage appearances than they can cram onto their resumes.

The cast includes Paul Willson, Wendy Cutler, Andy Goldberg, Archie Hahn and Tom Tully. Amy Hill filled in for group regular Bernadette Birkett when this reviewer attended, and also appearing was semi-regular Phil LaMarr. Carol Weiss provides versatile piano accompaniment, including sprightly bridges during overlong blackouts between scenes.

This is not the high-tech improv of the Groundlings, where production elements trundle along like a well-oiled machine, lubricated by an enviable physical facility and a solid audience base. As a matter of fact, the venue has a slightly cheesy ambience. However, ignore the surroundings and occasional banal audience suggestions. Just concentrate on the bare stage. There you will see a bunch of old pros teetering on the high-wire of the unexpected--defying the audience’s gravity.

* Off the Wall, Upfront Comedy Theatre, 123 Broadway, Santa Monica. Fridays, 8:30 p.m. $10. (310) 319-3477. Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.