THEATER REVIEW : Comedy That Doesn’t Quite Cut It : * L.A. Connection’s latest show is weak on style and lacks a sense of craftsmanship among its top actors.

The L.A. Connection, in its 17th year, is actually a Sherman Oaks connection but not to quibble. It’s one of greater L.A.’s oldest improv companies (it promotes itself as the oldest) with an industrious schedule of diverse zaniness.

Its latest show, “Absurdity Required II,” is a work in progress that will officially open in February. But from the look of last Saturday’s material, to which a reviewer was invited, much remains to be done.

The thrust of the material, which ranges from audience-triggered improvisation to rehearsed sketches, blackouts and movie-dubbing clips, never cut especially deep and neither did it evidence a particular tone or style. More damaging was a missing sense of craftsmanship from the actors, who were allegedly the group’s first stringers.

Although it’s true that the patrons were a cheerful lot and gave the cast of eight players bountiful support--if not great improv suggestions--the fact remains that most of the comedy was mediocre at best and ill-developed at worst.

One thing about the L.A. Connection that merits applause, though, is that when a sketch didn’t seem to be working, the troupe blacked it out quickly and moved on to other things. Of course, any savvy improv house, however rusty a night it’s having, is bound to come up with some genuine laughs.

The company held off until the final number for its funniest, most polished “absurdity,” called simply “Opera.” The entire cast, delivering some surprisingly sterling operatic voices (notably the show’s host, Julienne Dallara, whose talent throughout the evening shines the brightest), did a hilarious takeoff of Puccini and “Carmen,” among others. It was the production’s freshest, singularly most original moment.

Another flash of skill, although occurring during a format that’s done to death by improv groups, was the occasionally wicked celebrity impressions unfurled by Steve Pinto and Jeff Nimoy. Tops here was Nimoy’s Michael Jackson impersonation as he uncorked the entertainer’s knife-like leg and foot movements with uncanny technique.

WHERE AND WHEN

What: L.A. Connection, 13442 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (Free parking one block west behind The Copper and Brass Store.)

Hours: Different shows, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Call theater for specifics.

Price: $12 for “Absurdity Required II.” Special New Year’s Eve show: 8 p.m. ($12); 10 p.m. ($15).

Call: (818) 784-1868.