To compensate for Saturday's gloomy weather, UB Late Night held a stand-up event accompanied with complimentary bananas and pancakes to lift spirits and steer away from seasonal affective disorder.
Eric O'Shea was given the task of making students laugh. The Bob Saget look-alike is no stranger to the spotlight, with a million hit videos on YouTube and VH1 appearances he is a well-decorated comedian.
O'Shea touched on topics that only '80s babies would remember - bouncy balls with the handle, the bottom-shelf cheap cereal that came in a bag, and a mother's ninja-like moves with a wooden spoon references kept the audience reminiscing.
The comedian took advantage of his surroundings by poking fun at events advertised in the Student Union Lobby where the show was held.The loud noises and cheers coming from the second level of the Union were an easy target for O'Shea's quick-witted comebacks.
O'Shea's used his improvisational skills to engage with his audience. The New Haven, Conn. native kept the audience engaged by teasing those in the crowd that didn't give him the warm response he desired.
To focus on his demographic, O'Shea merged his off-the-cuff materials with his experience in college life. He asked the crowd about what they were studying when an eager member of the audience shouted out: "Unemployment!" O'Shea commended the gentleman for his witty joke then transitioned into how art majors have it so easy at universities.
"You ever laugh at the art students for how easy they have it?" O'Shea joked. "The engineers want to kill them don't they? Engineers, what do you have to do? 'I have six tests, six bios, a take-home lab, and a study thing I have to do, what do you have to do, art student?' 'I have to draw a circle.' 'What? Does this blow torch hurt?' 'My eyes! My art career is over.'"
Attacks on news anchors and the passive-aggressive pitching style of softball players seemingly followed, but the crowd really responded when the jokes turned raunchy.
Girls blushed and gave awkward giggles when O'Shea spoke about various sexual positions while imitating a weatherman.
When O'Shea sensed the discomfort of three girls in the front row, he made a serious face while saying: "Stop it," in a feminine tone. The jokes got real when O'Shea spoke on the sexual conduct that led to him getting fired at a Subway.
"I got fired because of my sense of humor," O'Shea said. "I just hit on all the hot girls that walked in. 'Hi, can I get a 6-inch?' Aww yeah, how about a 7-inch? 'Um, you don't have that here do you?' We got one left. It's cooking right now. Chips and a drink?"
The ending piece was a fan favorite with the most active member of the crowd. Monisola Oyebola, a senior chemistry major, laughed hysterically when O'Shea incorporated some acting along with his stand-up.
O'Shea shared his interpretation of popular songs, such as rapper Ludacris' "Move," and related it to bowel problems.
Ooyebola laughed until her cheeks hurt. She was O'Shea's favorite audience member, and he made several direct statements to her, commenting on her "sense of humor."
Other audience members also enjoyed the show.
"It was hilariously realistic and it really reminded me of a lot of things that happened to me in real life," said Marissa Malone, a freshman undecided major. "[I liked] when he talked about people driving 30 mph in the left lane because I rage about that every time I drive."
After a roaring round of applause and one last swig of Aquafina, O'Shea walked off-stage and reiterated how great the crowd was. The audience was then directed to a delicious spread of pancakes and bananas, thanks to UB Late Night.
O'Shea will be making his next comedy stop at Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pa.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
