The sketch comedy troupe, THE PUSHERS, with their homegrown brand of "black comedy," has brought to Nofolk's 40th Street Stage and thereby Hampton Roads the element of risk...

In writing its own material, the troupe tackles risky topics ranging from local and national politics to racial stereotypes and even familiar childhood memories, evoking audience response from laughter to moans of disgust.

One of the most memorable performances from within the troupe is given by SEAN DEVEREUX. His mocking imitation of local reviewer Mal Vincent manages to sum up all of Mal’s reviews for the past 10 years as “IT SUCKED, THIS IS MAL VINCENT AND GOOD NIGHT!” The routine may be enjoyed more by local theatre folk who understand that Mal tends to dislike most things and doesn’t hide it, but you can still get a few chuckles out it even if you are not an avid attendee of local theatre.

Another wonderful skit featured ROB WILSON as the Professor of Racial Studies, who holds class with cast members of African American, Hispanic and Caucasian descent. As he teaches this history of racial studies, he manages to call each of them by every racial slur and insult known to man. It may sound wrong but the audiences love it as they guffaw for the full five minutes.

We also see the return of Humpty Dumpty played by BRAD MCMURRAN as he tries to once again “get the girl”.

JEREMIAH ALBERS portrays the poor vulnerable child who once again is molested by Michael Jackson and a few other cast members.

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THE PUSHERS succeed in every skit that is political, racial and socially wrong, on the other hand they seem to struggle when trying to find humor based on their own likes or dislikes. For example, the skits revolving around Saturday Morning Cartoons and Superheroes, or referencing jokes that only local theatre insiders would understand tend to fall flat.

The group might want to consider cutting down the size of their troupe. Some of the cast don't appear nimble enough on their feet to assist in maintaining the fast paced, fun-filled evening and slow everyone else down. Easily forgettable cast members include TIFFANY CHILCOTT, SAEED WILKINS and BRANT POWELL. The show would actually be tighter without them and some of the skits would flow and work better.

THE PUSHERS, who are starting to get bookings through out Hampton Roads and Richmond, are going to go far and make a wonderful name for themselves, but they need to stick to what works for them - topics in the news and topics that are very familiar to everyone.

If you get a chance to catch THE PUSHERS at 40th St. Stage or any other local performance, whether in Hampton Roads or Richmond, I would suggest doing so.

But please be aware - if you are easily offended, stay away.

A short video of some of the Pushers' skits are on their new mySpace page.