The mural on the wall by the Live Bait Theater fascinates The Bastion … and we heard TJ Jagodowski is directing a show there so we hit the joint and hit the joint to see what we could see.

In the lobby we found out that The Live Bait is pretty amazing. They do charity work, Teen Out Reach, and Celebrity Art Auctions.

The flyer for the show titillated us: “Refrain, a show by Alex Banks and Eve Porcello, directed by TJ Jagodowski, is an all new sketch comedy revue that thematically utilizes music to demonstrate how repetition is a universal part of the relationships between people, catching characters in moments of reckoning and humorously exploring how these individuals fare when they must face these unforeseen complications.” A tall order.

We thought Eve and Alex to be novices but upon some interweb research discovered them to be part of The Uncomfortables, Sketchfest vets. These kids were smart to hitch their writer’s wagon to a veteran director. We’re sure TJ is responsible for the slick look of the show and the piece’s pacing. Some of our favorite bits included a scene at a Toll Booth, replete with a car crafted out of a wheelchair and flashlights and a music stand booth. Another fave involves the 1812 Overture. Both have TJ all over ‘em. The music does really drive the show, there’s even some of our favorite jazz and classical riffs sprinkled all over the place from Brubeck to Beethoven. We’re nerds and sure that TJ loaned the cast his ipod. Speaking of music, Scattered Maze’s Dan Carr will be playing after the show tomorrow night (10/14). That seems like a fantastic night to us.

Refrain runs Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm, October 5th through 20th, 2007. Tickets are $15. For reservations or for more information visit www.refrainshow.com.

-Rachael Mason is affiliated with iO, where TJ Jagodowski teaches, directs, and performs.