There’s an undercurrent of anger in The Pinata Strikes Back, a new sketch revue directed by Keith Privett. This Latina-themed show by ÁSalsation! targets societal structures that frustrate individual needs, from families to community bureaucracies to the federal government. Unfortunately the anger doesn’t always meld with the show’s wackiness–in one sketch a pinata talks to the audience before attempting an escape–partly because the anger is downplayed. And most sketches have a wandering, unfinished quality. The performers create strong characters, however, especially Beatriz Jamaica in a wide-eyed satiric take on Dora the Explorer and Sylvia Alvarado in a variety of roles, from hip-hop fairy princess to a coed bringing her boyfriend home for the first time. The long-form improv at the end of the show has a bite not present in the sketches. Through 12/18: Fri-Sat 10 PM. $10-$12.
