What I Learned from Watching Claws with Fangs

“There is a strange wind blowing in at the Bed, Bath, and Beyond.”

I think this was the line that finally delivered me into that glorious state of laughter tears strangling my breath. It was in a completely crazed shopping mall scene presented flawlessly — but not “clawlessly” — by the improv troupe Claws with Fangs (a legacy troupe recently reassembled by TNM Co-Founder Tami Nelson) delivered one of the best improv shows I’ve seen at TNM New Orleans, or pretty much anywhere.

Among the places they took me were a creepy gynecologist’s office, a weird sisters’ birthday party, and the lip of an erupting volcano. Playing a convincing child without resorting to baby talk is a feat and the 4th Grade Class Revolt totally worked.

Every scene showed what listening, cooperation, and “having each others’ backs” can do to raise improv to the level of fine, hilarious sketch comedy. All these women have lots (and lots) of shows and practice in their backgrounds and it shows. They are having a wonderful time and always invite the audience in on the joke.

I will admit to having a female bias, but I think most women tend to work from a place of cooperation and support. And that’s a place most truly inspired improv comes from.

This pride of lionesses will perform at least two more Wednesday evenings at The New Movement, New Orleans, at 9:30 pm. Don’t miss them.

Claws with Fangs is Alicia Hawkes, Robin Johnstone, Christy Marino, Carrie Moulder, Tami Nelson, Maggie Ritchie, Emily Slazer, and Maggie White.

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