"Chews up the scenery" is a phrase that refers to over-the-top acting that is overly dramatic and sometimes scenery chewing. However, there are several synonyms for this phrase, including "hamming it up," "stealing the show," "grabbing attention," and "hogging the limelight." All of these synonyms mean to draw the viewer's attention towards oneself through exaggeration or grandiose performance. In the entertainment industry, this phrase is commonly used in reference to actors or musicians who perform with excessive theatrics and flamboyance. It is important to note that these actions can be both positive or negative depending on the context in which they are used.