Brain Trust’s ‘MonuMENTAL’ Dishes Up Some Big Laughs

In “MonuMENTAL Cruelty,” at the Tamarind Theatre, the Brain Trust comedy troupe (original members David Fury, Gary Kroeger and Tom Virtue with new member Isabella Hofmann alternating with Christine Romeo) has culled through a decade of scenes and music to construct a witty revue that draws from both the highs and lows of comedy.

Some of the show’s material is drawn from the group’s 1989 revue, “Mental Cruelty,” and the 1990 “Senti-mental Cruelty.” The monument of the title refers not only to the ending of the trilogy but also to a skit that closes the first act, “American Harmony 1999.” From Mt. Rushmore, Washington (Fury), Teddy Roosevelt (Virtue), Jefferson (Romeo in Friday night’s performance) and Lincoln (Kroeger) comment on current and historical presidential indiscretions.

The real cruelty is that this comedy troupe expects its audience to be intelligent, which makes this bill shine brighter than most. Literary and historical references abound. Audience members and critics are satirized in “The Prologue.” People look for the oddest things at “The Lost & Found” office and a fruit fly searches for his purpose on Earth in “Fruit Fly Philosophy” (Fury and Virtue).

At the low end are dildo jokes, sight gags, situational absurdities and bad puns. Bored pilots in “The Cockpit” play pranks on the passengers. An executive (Virtue) gives a pep talk and lets too much hang out in “Hanging Out.”

The evening ends with Brad Bellamy’s hilarious ballet, “Pas de Deux for Sperm & Egg,” with an uncredited appearance by a diaphragm. The band Happy Trio (Greg Gault, Steve Gorski and Clark Hendrickson) plays some mean musical transitions and makes a few cameo appearances.

Director Fury has sharply paced and polished this bill. Missing this kind of comic cruelty would be a monumental mistake.

BE THERE

“MonuMENTAL Cruelty,” Tamarind Theatre, 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood. Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m. Ends Feb. 20. $18. (310) 798-7878. Running time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.