The Groundlings' Improv Show: Cookin' With Gas
The Groundlings Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)
Rated 3.7 by 113 members who went.
Since 1992 The Groundlings Main Company, Alumni and Sunday Companies have played together every Thursday night in the all-improv explosion that has become almost as much of an institution as the Groundlings Theatre itself! Based entirely on audience suggestions, the comic daredevils invent custom-made satire and song. Each week features a new surprise guest.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
* Additional fees apply.
Currently at The Groundlings Theatre:
- Full Price:
- $15.00
- Our Price:
- $7.50
The Groundlings are L.A.'s masters of Saturday Night Live-style comedy. Join them for their hilarious show, Sunday of the Dead, featuring the Sunday Company's revue of sketch and improvisational comedy, all performed by up-and-coming sketch comedians. Learn More
77 Member Reviews
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Sue Stanford
Member since 2008
4 Reviews
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I loved it! what a great cast very funny and very clever to adlib the way they do. Goldstar's pricing made it even better. I definitly would go again.
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Brent
Member since 2005
3 Reviews
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It's always a truly hilarious time at the groundlings and this show was no different! I always laugh so hard my cheeks hurt and my eyes water!
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MICHAEL L BURDICK
Member since 2005
15 Reviews
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Laughed till I cried again! Loves it.
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likohina
Member since 2008
3 Reviews
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Funny, funny, funny! Loved it and LMAO! Unlike other comedy clubs, you don't have a drink minimum and the audience participation was a blast. Can't wait to go again and check out other nights at Groundlings. BTW, Pink's Hot Dogs is just around the corner.
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MICHAEL L BURDICK
Member since 2005
15 Reviews
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My [first time at the Groundlings] friend had a sore jaw because she hadn't laughed that hard in so long! It's still my favorite way to spend a Thursday night.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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Whenever friends come in from out of town, I take them to a Groundlings show. It is a must! "Cooking With Gas" is my personal favorite as it's all improv and it usually features celebrity guest stars among an already HILARIOUS cast. If you like Saturday Night Live, you will like the Groundlings. Most SNL cast members come from the Groundlings and the style/training is very similar to that of the show. Even on, what I consider to be, an "off night" you'll still laugh REALLY HARD. All of the performers are on-point, incredibly witty, and integrate audience ideas almost seemlessly. In particular, a performer named Jeremy Rowley is enough to watch EVERY Thursday night. If you live in LA, have people in town from outside LA, have never seen improv, or are just looking for an amazing time outside the norm of "Hollywood," you MUST see a Groundlings show! Start with "Cooking With Gas"...you won't be disappointed...
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MICHAEL L BURDICK
Member since 2005
15 Reviews
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Awesome every time! I went last night because I heard Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye...) was going to be there. I wasn't sure how he was going to fit in but he came through and I'm glad I got to meet him. Every time I go to The Groundlings I laugh till i cry. It's always a group of fun, friendly people. If you want to escape from everything for a couple hours, this will do it. I love going there!
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diana
Member since 2008
5 Reviews
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It was a fun night out for the boyfriend and I. Something to do that didn't involve watching tv or movies at home. The actors were great except there was only 1 female actor which was a bit dissapointing. All the guy actors were great specially Alex. He was our favorite.
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Derek
Member since 2007
10 Reviews
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Excellent show with tons of laughs. Can't wait to go again.
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Michael Gray
Member since 2006
15 Reviews
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This comedy troupe was very talented and funny! Everyone was lively, entertaining and creative! I am so glad that I brought my visiting family to this show!
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Chase & Phoebe's Mom
Member since 2006
8 Reviews
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This is the second time we've been there on a Thursday and it was just as good as the first time. Improv the whole night -- fantastic!
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Kirk Visscher
Member since 2003
7 Reviews
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Funny. That's the idea, and this troupe was. I gather the cast varies week to week, but we got a crew that pulled off some hilarious sketches. Some did not quite hit the mark, but the song-on-the-spot pieces and the way they built up a one-act from a few audience suggestions more than made up. I will go again. Not as much sex humor as I expected (I was just as glad), though not entirely PG, either. Small theatre, no bad seats, but you might want to choose one not too near the band, since they could be loud.
If you are coming from a ways, stop at Pink's Hot Dogs on LaBrea and Melrose before the show--one of the world's great hot dog stands. The theatre sold some tasty cookies, still warm, at intermission
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Derek
Member since 2007
10 Reviews
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Another great experience with a great cast. Jeremy in the show is a must see.
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Chase & Phoebe's Mom
Member since 2006
8 Reviews
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Fabulous! Couldn't stop laughing! Can't wait to go back again.
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Derek
Member since 2007
10 Reviews
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Always a really good show! Much better than staying at home on a Thursday night watching the boob tube.
Always a great group of true talented improve actors.
Go see it ASAP!!!
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Randi
Member since 2007
9 Reviews
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The Thursday night show at the Groundlings is always great!! This was my second time attending - both times with my 20-year-old son. And we both enjoyed it a lot!!! Admittedly, the average age of the audience is 20-35, but even those of us in our 50's have a great time.
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Daniel Ulin
Member since 2007
5 Reviews
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This is, without doubt, the very best way to spend a Thursday evening in LA. I'm a regular, so I'm biased...but I think this show is sublime, and wouldn't miss it for the world.
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Candace Green
Member since 2008
5 Reviews
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What a great night of comedy! We got to see big comedy hitters like Cheryl Hines and Wendi McLendon-Covey (who was BRILLIANT) for half price. We laughed the entire time.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
13 Reviews
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Extremely talented improv group!
Laughed all the way through the show.
How could it be better? A printed list of actors with bios/credits.
Would love to know the last names of Mike and Mindy, as well as the name of the big African-American.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2009
2 Reviews
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Was cracking up the whole time, would definitely come back to this show again!
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Jason Nguyen
Member since 2008
4 Reviews
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Great show where the actors get up and do various skits based on suggestions from the audience. Not a lot of props, but great and witty actors/actresses.
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Shawn
Member since 2007
3 Reviews
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We have to go again... a lot of great laughs to be had!
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Julia Montgomery
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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My husband and I laughed so hard the entire show! These actors are just unbelievably talented, what an evening, we can't wait to come back!
Julia Montgomery
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katerkater
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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What a great way to decompress after a crazy busy work week. Big belly laughs... giggles and all around a crack-up... So dang funny and engaging, I must do it again & again!!
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Dancenut449
Member since 2009
2 Reviews
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Funny and smart and knee slappingly outrageous. It was my first time.
I am going back soon.
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Mariposa
Member since 2007
2 Reviews
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I love improv and the Groundlings is my favorite. Tonight was especially great with special guest star Jack McBrayer from 30 Rock, Jim Rash, Mitch Silpa, Jeremy Rowley, Stephanie Courtney, Jordan Peele and others. I brought 5 friends and they all loved it. One of them said they would be happy to go back every night!
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DTeich1960
Member since 2009
11 Reviews
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Very clever and talented cast. As "valley" peeps it's always nice to enter the "Melrose" world. My only regret wass not arriving earlier to enjoy one of the local eateries as there were many to choose from.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
3 Reviews
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My face hurt from laughing! Incredibly talented cast, well paced show, professionally run theater. If you don't like this show, you're probably really lame.
Someone commented in another review that the theater is cold, so I brought a sweater. Boy I'm glad I did! It wasn't cold at the beginning, but by intermission time it was like a meat locker in there. My frozen hands thank you for the tip. Anyway, the cold theater was not enough to keep us from going back.
We want to take all of our friends next time. Loved it!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
3 Reviews
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Kaitlin Sullivan
Member since 2008
3 Reviews
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Groundlings are consistently some of the best improv I've seen anywhere. They're lightning quick on their feet and the shows are always different. Cast members rotate in and out depending on the week and show and the scenes always jump off of someone's suggestion. Intimate theatre and tons of audience suggestions make you feel like you're really a part of it. Definitely get there earlier if you want to pick your seat or if you have a large group.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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A very amusing short improve show with two special guests that are not usual members of the Groundlings crew. A very talented group that took the direction from a very bossy director (who got on everyone's nerves but luckily she was not on the stage so we only had to put up with her ocassionally when she critiqued the audience suggestions.) But overall very enjoyable show...
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PV
Member since 2004
5 Reviews
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Good stuff. Straight-forward improv at it's professional best. Liked it so much, I stayed for the second show (which was not improv, but personal storytelling. Also good!)
I say go!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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It was so funny I considered writing a terrible review in a selfish attempt to keep others away and tickets readily available and cheap for myself!!!
Every show I've seen at the Groundlings has been great, but last night's "Cooking with Gas" was the first that made me crap my pants with laughter. Thanks for the great night, I'll send the cleaning bill.....
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
2 Reviews
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I am never disappointed when I go see The Groundlings, great show!
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YR
Member since 2006
4 Reviews
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Great fun and a very good show! Definitely worth it for a enjoyable night out!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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NL
Member since 2007
7 Reviews
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Cast was very clever with their interpretation of the audience's ideas and very funny! I was not too fond of the moderator who chose the lamest suggestions from the audience.
Two cast members stood out as being brilliant! I would recommend this show to anyone who is interested in an evening of laughs! Get there early since it is a small theater and seating is on a first come basis.
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Randi
Member since 2007
9 Reviews
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I thought the show was great - funny, clever, fast-paced, and every seat in the house is an excellent seat. But - more than that - my son and his friend (both age 19) LOVED it!!!!!!!! They thought it was hilarious, they LOVED seeing the actors from Mad TV, and they want to go back again as soon as possible! Conclusion? This show appeals to everyone, but ESPECIALLY to younger audiences (college students and 20-somethings).
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Had a great time, and loads of laugh! Highly recommended!
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Angel Thompson
Member since 2006
5 Reviews
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Angel Thompson
Member since 2006
5 Reviews
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Michael
Member since 2007
21 Reviews
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You can always count on a good time at The Groundlings. What's also nice is that no two nights are ever the same...so if you are in need of a good laugh don't hesitate to catch a show at The Groundlings!
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Vanessa
Member since 2006
6 Reviews
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Directed improv, short and long form. They make it look effortless.
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Christine L.
Member since 2008
4 Reviews
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We absolutely had a great time there. I'm familiar with improv since I am involved in improv as well, so we were thrilled to be going to see the theater that launched many famous comedians and actors. Attendees should be aware that they do not do late seating, and the theater is small and not fancy or modern at all. There is live music so if you sit in the front, it will be loud. Depending on the actors/players up that night, the experience varies. 4 of the 6 players the night we went were fantastic. Overall, we highly recommend it, it's a must for anyone involved in improv theater.
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Ronald Russell
Member since 2007
3 Reviews
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It was a top notch improve event! Everyone was great but Jordan Black, Mindy Sterling (Austin Powers movies), and Gary Anthony Williams (from Boston Legal) were exceptional.
Ronald Russell
Author of Don Carina
http://www.DonCarina.com
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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Angel Thompson
Member since 2006
5 Reviews
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Great!! Awesome!! Funny!!
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Shawn
Member since 2007
3 Reviews
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The cast's improv is spectacular and the humor is hilarious!!! Even better than the first time I went, if that is possible.
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Sajmun Sachdev
Member since 2008
3 Reviews
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It was a fab time! Really funny, just the right length and talented performers who can definately carry a show. Finding street parking, however, no fun.
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Jason Bardis
Member since 2007
3 Reviews
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Hilarious! Great entertainment! Talented cast!
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Dan Eder
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Stars from MadTV, SNL, Reno 911, Best in Show and the Groundlings Main Company all in one show!! AWESOME!
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Selena Gabriel
Member since 2007
2 Reviews
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I love the Groundlings on Melrose. I have always had such a positive Goldstar experience every time. I will definitely recommend the show to anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing but hilarious evening.
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Peter
Member since 2007
2 Reviews
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Hilarious show! Didn't really know what to expect. At first I was a bit reluctant... I watched some video clips on youtube and wasn't impressed, but it turned out to be off the hook! Haven't laughed that much in a long time. Extremely talented people. Fun and intimate atmosphere. Highly recommended, esp. for such a great price.
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vanessa
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Spectacular! You gotta check it out!
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Jerren W.
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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I really enjoyed the show. The intimate setting especially allowed me to pick up on all of the small nuances of the entire show. All of the performers were great and Ed Flores did a phenomenal job holding his own with some of the titans of the industry. Awesome show! Can't wait to come back again!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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A really good time. Improvisational production - that was really impressive too.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2005
1 Reviews
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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Lisa
Member since 2006
1 Reviews
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We had a lot of fun--it's the most I've laughed at a comedy show. Think "Whose Line Is it Anyway" with more actors. The venue is small, but it adds to the feeling of a more personal show. The moderator takes suggestions from the audience, and the actors perform a bunch of random improv scenes.
My feeling is the weirder the crowd is, the better the show. There is also a two-man band who play music to accompany the scenes; they are very talented as well.
Groundlings is located in a very trendy neighborhood with eclectic shops and great cafes. Be careful when parking on the street in the nearby residental neighborhood. We got a parking ticket because we didn't read the signs carefully--most spaces are by permit only.
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Lorna Kwan
Member since 2008
9 Reviews
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This is a great way to spend a Thursday night. The cast is hilarious and always makes me laugh until I cry. I've gone several times in the past and am never disappointed.
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YR
Member since 2006
4 Reviews
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Hilarious show and great cast for this one... these are some very talented improvisers. You can't go wrong with this show!
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Jennifer Y.
Member since 2003
5 Reviews
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The Jaz
Member since 2006
6 Reviews
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LOVE LOVE LOVE the groundlings. Always great fun and I am stoked to be able to get cheaper tickets so I can keep going. Seats are VERY small. So, expect to know your neighbor really quick. Come prepared with some occupation suggestions, etc. Go ANY chance you get!!! Love love love.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2005
1 Reviews
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Amy Levy
Member since 2005
1 Reviews
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this is a hilarious improv show
the cast is very talented.
we really enjoyed it
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Gavin
Member since 2003
2 Reviews
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This was a great show. I think that the main sketch shows are funnier, but this is another great show to see once you have seen the main sketch shows. I would go again.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2004
2 Reviews
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I watched "Shut up and Eat your Groundlings" last week and I loved the show. Since I had such a good experience, I went back to watch another show, "Cookin with Gas". It was OK. I didn't laugh as hard as I did the other show. But improv is hard. I understand. I'd still go back and watch another show. Its good entertainment for the price.
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Michael Buzzelli
Member since 2006
2 Reviews
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I had a great time. Michael McDonald from MadTV was in the show. The performers were excellent. I'm going to keep going to the Groundlings and I'm going to keep buying my tickets here on Goldstar!
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Kristen
Member since 2006
1 Reviews
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Hilarious! A perfect way to spend a Thursday night.
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meg
Member since 2007
2 Reviews
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Loved the show! Loved the extreme talent! Am going back tonight for a new experience! Guy working box office extremely professional and happy! Great way to begin the experience.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Improvised scenes and songs by amazing and hilarious actors. If you like this type of theater, you won't be disappointed with the incredible skills of this group. The evening flies by.
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Jennifer
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Half of it was funny, the other half wasn't too funny. Overall I had a good time.
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7 Second Goldfish
Member since 2007
32 Reviews
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High quality Improv!!! I happened to be there while the very talented SNL star Krsisten Wiig was part of the cast. The evening was filled with waves of high-quality hilarious humor. Highly recommended!
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Dallen S.
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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The show was AWESOME! And in great area to go grab a bite afterward too! We want to go again!
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Kelly M.
Member since 2007
2 Reviews
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Hilarious! My boyfriend and I had such a great time. I will definitely come back for another Groundlings show.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Great show and the cast is spectacular.
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Angel
Member since 2006
2 Reviews
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even arriving late, the front office cheerfully ushered us to open seats. the actors were brilliant. the audience was cold, and yet the performers delivered.
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Top Useful Tips
Tips are provided by Goldstar members and Groundlings Theatre. Goldstar is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
Dress
- VERY casual...jeans are fine.
- Casual
- Young Hip Crowd. Dress for comfort!
Parking And Transportation
- Competitive street parking. Be there early.
- Competitive street parking. Get there early and enjoy everything on Melrose.
- Permit parking on Melrose Lot next door is $7.00
Food And Drinks
- No food or drink allowed in the theater (although we snuck in water bottles).
- They sell soda, water, and snacks in the lobby but you can't eat inside the theater.
- You won't need food or drink because you'll be LAUGHING
Other
- AC was on the whole time. bring a jacket!
- Use the restroom before the show & at intermission. The laughter will necessitate it
- Use the restroom before the show & at intermission. The laughter will necessitate it,
More Details About The Groundlings' Cookin' With Gas
More Information
Since 1992 The Groundlings Main Company, Alumni and Sunday Companies have played together every Thursday night in the all-improv explosion that has become almost as much of an institution as the Groundlings Theatre itself! Based entirely on audience suggestions, the comic daredevils invent custom-made satire and song. Each week features a new surprise guest.
