With the reissue of the "Star Wars" Trilogy, the Comedy Company is seizing its chance to make light out of a good situation. "Comedy Company: Special Edition" parodies the "Star Wars" gang in a few of its new sketches. This new production will use a combination of new material and old material that was previewed this year during earlier performances. "Special Edition" is the group's final production of the year, and it promises to be a grand finale.
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Comedy Company $5 Mendelssohn Theater Thursday-Saturday, 8:30 p.m. |
Beside a few Princess Leia impersonations and Luke Skywalker haircuts, the group also plans to present a new variety of material, all written by the group's cast and team of writers.
Most fascinating about this group is that all of its material is original. These performers are amateur college comedians, but they present professional productions under the auspices of LSA senior Scott Michael Fera, whose influence upon the group has raised it out of a rut in which previous companies had been.
Fera's decision to turn the Comedy Company into a fresh group with a natural talent for humor was a wise one. The productions they have presented this year have been some of the group's best in its 16-year history.
As in past Comedy Company shows, improvisation games will be a featured segment of the performances. Many audience members come to these shows just for the improv. Audiences seem to love the fun and hilarity involved in such interactive participation.
Also featured in "Special Edition" will be two stand-up comedians. Fera, along with LSA Senior Mark Rukman, will present their humorous view of life in two separate acts. Rukman previously appeared in the company's "Mortal Komedy" show, and he has also appeared professionally around the Chicago area. This will be Fera's last year as director and producer of Comedy Company, as he intends to graduate at the close of this term.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Fera reflected on his years with the Comedy Company.
"I have had a great time working with the people of this year's company, and they are the most talented group of individuals with whom I have ever had the privilege of working," Fera said.
He also added that he sees "great things in the future of Comedy Company" because of the talented people who are dedicated to their job.
"Comedy Company: Special Edition" will offer a grand night of science fiction, entertainment and laughter. And as any Jedi knight would always profess, Fera added, "May the farce be with you."
Tickets will not be available through the Michigan Union Ticket Office (Ticketmaster), but they will be sold directly by the Comedy Company.
Fera cited the exorbitant fees that Ticketmaster adds to admission prices as the reason the group will sell its own tickets. To secure reserved seating, call the group at 647-4197, or e-mail them at comco@umich.edu.