Newspapers / Elon University Student Newspaper / Sept. 19, 2002, edition 1 / Page 19
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The Pendulum A & E Thursday, September 19, 2002 *Page 19 AfltltTlCSIS hy Gareth Hoskins tf^ts tkin^ isn't i Mr KLI. I - ft- AlllifflCSiS byGaret fi Hoskins 11 11 „.km/mvu.k InujtrcuM^ tkii 1 Don’t felt asleep, it's almost over! Comedic Gold: Second City Comedy Troupe visits Elon Hot Hot Heat warms up listeners Jerod Hollyfield Reporter Elon studenls tired of getting their com edy fix from reruns of “Saturday Night Live” and “Whose Line is it Anyway?” were treated to a breath of fresh air Saturday night when the Second City Comedy Troupe left its McKinnon-Hall audience in stitches. Hailing from Chicago, the troupe has been in the entertainment business for 42 years and claims comic legends John Belushi, Mike Myers. Chris Farley, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray and SNL head writer Tina Fey as alumni. More than 200 students packed into McKinnon for the standing-room-only Student Union Board sponsored show. The room was decorated in traditional comedy- club fashion with candlelit tables and a self-serve soft-drink bar. The show opened with a hilarious musi cal rendition of "The Pledge of Allegiance that became more politically incorrect and absurd with each execution. “The word ‘Hag’ is just one letter away from being gay,” one performer joked. The troupe followed up the musical skit with a host of short, Seinfeldian dialogues on a variety of topics, including everything from the size of SUVs to annoying waiters that sing “Happy Birthday” in restaurants. After an introduction of the troupe’s his tory, the show officially started on an upward trajectory of comedy that involved old-folks homes, a man who came to funer als for fun, a clown named after a four-let ter word and a town where white middle aged men were perceived as old black women. Second City was at their best when things went wrong. The troupe turned a tardy light cue and an audience member’s ceil phone ringing into improv skits. “Sorry about that, I think I’m so important,” one comedian commented to his skit partner as he pantomimed turning off a cell phone to the tune of the audience’s uproarious laugh ter. While Second City may be most renowned in theater circles for their writ ing, the troupe also excels at improvision. Almost half of the show consisted of improv skits performed following sugges tions from the audience. Numerous varia tions of games made famous on “Whose Line is it Anyway?” were incorporated into the show. A crowd pleaser was the game “Debate.” Two cast members left the room while the audience suggested words for them to guess. When the actors returned, the remaining cast members gave them clues in a manner that can only be described as charades on acid. The crowd was so pleased by the show that the troupe offered an improvised encore. For those that missed Saturday night’s show. Second City continuously tours the college and night club circuit around the U.S. and Canada. As an alternative to the mundane comedy currently invading televi sion and multiplexes. Second City is comedic gold. Contact Jerod Hollyfield at pendutum@elon.edu or 278-7247. Mike Aceto Reporter Musical talents such as Alanis Morrisette and Avril Lavigne have gotten their start across the boarder in Canada. The country has another reason to be proud with the release of “Make Up the Breakdown” by Hot Hot Heat. The album is the band’s first release with a major record label. The gritty edge to the album. Hot Hot Heat’s style is melo dious, with a pop-punk influence that defines the band. Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, Hot Hot Heat is a four-piece band led by lead-singer/keyboardist Steve Bays, who sounds much like Brit-pop leg end Joe Strummer of The Clash. Bays and guitarist Dante DeCaro are newcomers to the band, but their presence is felt on songs such as “Get In or Get Out,” as DeCaro lays down a chunky rhythm, then harmonizes with Bays on keyboard when the bridge kicks in. “Make Up the Breakdown” sounds like the early works of Elvis Costello. “Bandages” is a catchy song dominated by r e V i e w a thick synthe sizer organ reminiscent of Costello’s “Pump it Up.” Bays’ vocals are appropri ate, fitting the style of Hot Hot Heat pre- c i s e I y . Drummer Paul Hawley holds the beat togeth er well, the band sounds tight on this album because of his playing. “Make Up the Breakdown” is a tuneful album and very danceable from the begin ning track “Naked in the City Again.” Hot Hot Heat seems to have specific influences. Tlie band’s brief history began in the late 1990s when the music scene in Vancouver was frustrating for Brit-pop- influenced artists like Hot Hot Heat. The band is definitely one to check out for those into the Brit-pop music scene. Contact Mike Aceto at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247. Your Salon for the Latest Fall Hair Designs Welcome Back Elon Students! Haircuts * Highights * Color * Skin Care * Facials * Body Wraps * Pedicures * Manicures * Day Spa Packages 585-1919 3411 South Church St. in the West End (Centre next to Sonie gift Certificates JivaiCaBCe Steve Bays photo courtesy of SubPop
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