The Spew - a fully-improvised spoof of The View!

Ensemble comedy has often been dominated by male troupes. In the absence of a single female cast member, groups like Monty Python and Kids in the Hall had male actors play any women characters needed for a scene. It is indeed particularly rare to find an all-female comedic ensemble, which is just one of the many reasons that improv troupe, The Spew, stands out in a crowd of comedians.

Last time they came to The Laughing Chameleon this show was completely sold out and they return Wednesday, May 9 as part of the club's celebration of Mother's Day with all female entertainers all week. Since the show is improvised, it is never the same show twice, so even those who saw it before can enjoy a whole new show with entirely new laughs.

The show is a fully-improvised spoof of TV’s “The View”. Four of the women each assume the role of one the well known “View” hosts, while a fifth cast member waits in the wings, ready to play the part of whatever real or imagined celebrity guest the audience calls for. Some recent favorite 'guests' have been Octomom, Michelle Bachman and Sarah Palin. All topics the women discuss and debate are based on audience suggestions of current matters in the news and tabloids. The women's hilarious take on these topics as they hold tight to their assigned characters is a comedic feat only such seasoned funny-ladies could master with such finesse.

The show was developed 5 years ago which founding member, Lynda Shadrake excitedly points out “means this is our second presidential election we get to tear apart in character!” Since that time the show has traveled and had several successful runs, performing in Chicago at The Beverly Arts Center, ComedySportz, The Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks, MI, The Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights, and at The Comedy Shrine and The Paramont’s Copley Theater in Aurora. And coming next Wednesday, May 9, The Spew will bring the funny to Glenview, at The Laughing Chameleon in the Glen Town Center.

Several members of the five-woman cast that comprises The Spew have worked together for more than 20 years, which gives their act a finely choreographed feel and the dialogue the pitch perfect timing of a meticulously rehearsed symphony. The Spew is Lynda Shadrake, Liz Cloud, Mary Fahey Hughes, Mary Olivieri, and Michelle Renee Thompson and they do Barbara Walters proud!

Don’t miss your chance to catch THE SPEW On Wednesday, May 9 8PM at The Laughing Chameleon, 1830 Tower Drive, in the Glen. Tickets are only $10 in advance/ $12 at the door! THIS SHOW SOLD OUT in MARCH!! Get tickets now at www.thelaughingchameleon.com.