Punchlines fly and laughter abounds at UU’s Comedy Knockout
Article By Olivia Phipps, University Union Editorial Board Assistant Editor | Photo By Troy Conner
Five student comics braved the ring in the Schine Underground last Friday, Feb. 7, at University Union’s Comedy Knockout. A semesterly staple, the student comedy show, hosted and refereed by senior Macy Aiken, drew an eager crowd full of laughs and saw the crowning of a new UU stand-up champion.
Before the seats were filled and the lights were dimmed, pre-show entertainment and goodies included a themed photobooth, free UU merchandise, a make-your-own-aromatherapy station and popcorn for the main event.
After an introduction from show coordinators Mady De Vera and Sofia Georgallis, UU student comedy show veteran Aiken took to the stage first. She delivered a hilariously honest set and plenty of lighthearted roasts for her performing peers in honor of the event’s boxing theme.
Macy Aiken, Photo by Troy Conner
The first competitor, sophomore Jack Barsh, certainly set the tone for the evening. His jig, list of pet peeves, stories from the fifth grade and description of his finance professor were almost silly enough to stop you from noticing he did the whole thing in a banana costume.
Alison Gerety gave us a strong first impression with her walkup song “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame, followed by all too relatable recounting of experiences at the Barnes Center, the pediatrician and the gynecologist.
Freshman acting major Quinn Hendel, fitted in suspenders and a Newsies-esque hat that did not go unacknowledged, took the crowd on a first date to remember. His candid retelling of a recent embarrassing moment he suffered while volunteering had the crowd chuckling through the cringe.
Quinn Hendel, Photo by Alex Cai
Next, freshman Sam Ryan walked the audience through her trials and tribulations in dating from preschool to high school. She also gave us a look into her comedian brain with a story about her real imaginary friend Obi-Wan Kenobi.
After a surprise appearance from special guest Otto the Orange—and a tense moment he shared with Aiken—the final act, Tim Wong, entered the ring and delivered a set that stuck with the crowd; particularly, one (un)lucky viewer in the front row named Summer, who he brought up to hit him in the face with a plateful of shaving cream mid-performance. He urged us to be hopeful for the future in a fitting way to close out the evening.
In the end, the audience voted Wong as the last man standing, and he lifted the coveted championship belt, still covered in shaving cream. Regardless, the real winners of the night were the members of the crowd who got to watch such a great show.
