Room 28 is multicultural sketch comedy troupe from New York City appearing in the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. Their name, according to their bio, is derived from Dominican Republic folklore and is a play on “La Casa 28,” which is where “crazies” are sent.
Their material is inspired by New York life with a specific focus on Latino experiences. With vivid and nuanced characterizations, spot on costumes and some solid writing, their show is a real treat.
Some of my favourite bits: a local taco restaurant where the employees have an intense gang identity, a game of Wheel of Fortune descends into chaos when Vanna White is replaced by her Latino half-sister, a Latino kids troupe horrifies a politically correct, white-bred HR rep with their culturally insensitive versions of fairy tales.
This troupe excels at well-drawn and compelling characters. Even when those characters are work horses on a New York street, the distinct personalities draw you in and keep you laughing.