Chris Lee and Ben Seeder, the creative minds behind the character-driven sketch show Sandy Takes a Break, have been invited to take their show to Comedy Central Stage in Los Angeles on March 15, and will be staging a special performance on Friday, March 2nd, 10:30PM @ iO before shoving off for Californ-eye-aye.

The Bastion splashed its way through puddles of melted black snow last Wednesday to catch the special Valentine's edition of the Spectacular Show and was rewarded with freshly-iced cupcakes, courtesy of comic and show producer Cameron Esposito, who regaled the audience with tales of painful long-distance breakups and a series of poems including "Shall I Compare Thee to the Movie The Fifth Element?" and "Shall I Compare Thee to the Movie Terminator Two?"

Gorilla Tango is a nice intimate setting for a comedy show, with a mic-less stage off to one corner. Performers included Chris Sanders, who read from a purported couple of love letters between two of his ancestors, one full of love and longing, one a "you left your musket at my place, please come and get it" brush-off. Darius Kennedy got a few chuckles by reading a poem based on a conversation he overheard, called "Pick Up Your Kids," featuring arguments mixed with promises of reservations at Ponderosa and Sybaris. Robert Buscemi and Hannibal wrapped up the show, and sweet treats and BYOB bevvies were enjoyed by all.

Longtime curmudgeon and fervent believer in the power of theater Don Hall has logged in with his thoughts about the dangers of sketch and improv performers spreading themselves too thin with too many side projects, and offers a review of Teatro Bastardo's "Life is a Joke," directed by Joe Janes, giving props where props are due, and concluding with "This group has talent and with Joe at their helm has real potential. Now they need to lose some of their 'side projects' and focus in on the work they do together. Given an actual six months of intense rehearsal, these cats could blow minds."

- Elizabeth McQuern