Raiders Of The “Lost Art”

June 7, 2009 by dleoblogs

Dave Leonard, NBC Chicago Street Team

This past weekend I was treated to a fun and engaging comedic experience from seven of the funniest and most talented ladies I’ve ever seen…The Elite Delta Force 3.  This all-female sketch comedy troupe have been selling out shows in the Los Angeles area and after checking them out in one of two shows at the Harold Washington Cultural Center (located at 4701 S. King Drive) on Saturday, I can see why.

The Elite Delta Force 3 is comprised of native Chicagoans Nefetari Spencer, Robin Thede, and Leshay Tomlinson-Boyce in addition to Angela Yarbrough, Nikea Gamby-Turner, Nika Williams, and rotating cast member Indira Gibson.  These dynamic women who wrote, produced, and of course appear in these hilarious sketches have resumes that are comparable to seasoned comedy veterans and their “no holds barred” impressions take on everything from politics to pop culture.  Their mission is to “save the world…one sketch at a time”. Two words…mission accomplished!

The ladies of Elite Delta Force 3

The show opens with a comical video intro reminiscent of cheesy ‘70s & ‘80s action serials like the “A-Team” meets “Charlie’s Angels”, showcasing each of the ladies as gun-toting, wall-climbing, karate kicking, Bond-esque divas.  From there, the live sketches kick-off with a musical number that parodies the popular “Dreamgirls” anthem “One Night Only” and puts an unflinching racist spin on it.  The ladies do quick wardrobe changes as they go from sketch to sketch and get a brief respite in between, while the audience is treated to their natural comedic talent in short pre-taped “behind-the-scenes” video vignettes where the EDF3 troupe spar off with one another in their writing sessions and rehearsals.

In one of the funnier sketches, the ladies take on MTVs “America’s Best Dance Crew” where Thede and Gamby-Turner do dead-on impressions of judges Lil’ Mama and Shane Sparks.  Other highlights include the farcical “blind date” sketch, the “new girl at Hooters” piece, and my personal favorite, “Bear Stearns Meets Breakin’” where EDF3 even makes light of the economy.  I won’t give away the ending, but the ladies do not disappoint with a sexy tribute to one of America’s iconic heroines.

If you’re looking for side-splitting, adult humor, these seven talented beauties definitely deliver.  Chicago is the first of many cities where Elite Delta Force 3 will be touring.  Do yourself a favor and check them out now.  To find out what other cities they’ll be invading and to get more updates, check out their website at www.elitedeltaforce3.com