Laugh with the LYLAS

I’ve been hearing some great buzz about an all-girl comedy troupe here in Ashvegas that I’d not heard of before, The LYLAS. Witty and fun, their latest show, “Would You Like Yoga with That,” is apparently packed with local jokes.

Here’s what the local newspaper’s reviewer had to say:

The LYLAS, Asheville’s first and only female sketch comedy troupe, are back in action with more Asheville-Buncombe directed comedy. Their latest effort, “Would You Like Yoga with That?,” is ove the top, in your face and off the wall.

LYLAS, which stands for Love You Like a Sister, features nine local women, but only seven were on stage most of the time. Beth Keefauver is working on her doctorate in Knoxville, Tenn., and Beth Herrman was stage manager, with only a cameo appearance in this show. Marissa Williams, Betsy Puckett, Jenny Bunn, Robin Raines, Emily Miller, Sarah Carpenter and Karri Brantley make up the core of this production.

As for the bits, call them sketches, skits, vignettes, short scenes, or “quickies” – if you will. Think “Saturday Night Live” on a caffeine high.

The local humor is abundant, but most was accessible to those locals who are moderately aware. Visitors to the area would be lost in the fog.

Situations involve a karaoke ATM, a super-Botoxed Biltmore Lake Forest Village matron, the comparative value of various chocolate brands and a “Family Feud” episode pitting the Asheville Citizen-Times against Mountain Xpress. The Laughing Seed, The Rebelles, Rosetta’s Kitchen, Susan Reinhardt and Asheville City Councilman Jan Davis are all lampooned.

The opening LYLAS signature song lyrics set the pace for all the double doses of double entendre, which carry the night. An early takeoff of “Sex and The City” needed familiarity with that cultural phenomenon, while being on top of popular culture doesn’t hurt a bit. There is a level of frenzy and occasional high-decibel screeching that irritates more than it titillates. But, mostly “Would You Like Yoga With That” is a silly and insightful take on life in our mountain metropolis.

You still have a chance to catch the end of the group’s current run at NCStage:

Wednesdays-Saturdays
Jan 30th – Feb 9th at NCStage
Shows at 7:30 p.m.

Show Prices:
Wed, Jan 30th is pay what you can
($6 minimum, cash & exact change)

Wed, Feb 6th & both
Thurs shows are $12

All Friday & Saturday shows are $15

For tickets call 828-350-9090 or visit www.ncstage.org.