"C***blockers" are a major problem in today's society. Nobody knows this better than comedian Pablo Francisco, who gave an extensive list Saturday of preventative ideas and demonstrated songs that a roommate could play to prevent his friend from getting jiggy, songs like "The Monster Mash" and "Tequila."
Best known for his standup work on "Comedy Central Presents," Francisco bolted onstage at the Center for the Arts to "Thunderstruck" and immediately launched into an air guitar impression of Angus Young, receiving ecstatic reactions from the crowd. The comedian's combination of zany sound and music effects, improvisational skills, and authentic impressions enthralled the audience from start to finish.
Francisco's comedy ranges from the childishly silly to dark and dirty. After the opening music ceased, Francisco began testing the spot light operator by running around the stage in an attempt to lose him.
"I feel like I'm being chased by a police helicopter," Francisco said.
Francisco has a knack for timing, and is even funny offstage. When asked in an interview before the show as to what inspires his humor, Francisco joked, "To pay the bills. I also listen to Chicago's (song) 'Inspiration.' "
An event staff member gave Francisco a UB hat as a memento for the tour.
"He's kissing our butts! He doesn't really know us," Francisco said sarcastically after donning it.
The audience response was overwhelming, with a standing ovation at the close of the show.
"I'm glad he included so much new material. I was worried it would all be jokes I've heard before in his Comedy Central specials," said sophomore Caitlin Foor-Pessin. "It was very entertaining to see him live, and he incorporated some old favorites."
Satire is a major part of Francisco's act. Some might consider him a "college comic" for his numerous pop culture references. He mocks R&B songs for their repetitive themes and "Ooo, girl" lyrics, as well as modern martial arts movies.
"Jackie Chan is the nicest guy in every movie, but everyone wants to f*** with him," Francisco said his signature announcer parody voice. "Leave me alone," he whined in a Chinese accent while pantomiming a fight scene.
He also did perfect impressions of Danny Glover, Dennis Hopper, and Chris Rock. One of the funniest was an imitation of wrestler Macho Man Randy Savage singing a lullaby.
Much of Francisco's humor is racially charged. In a funny but potentially offending segment, Francisco imitated an Indian man singing various karaoke songs.
"Do do do, dot dot dot," Francisco sang while pointing in the middle of his forehead, simultaneously parodying the hit Police song and traditional Bindis head decoration. Singing is a large part of Francisco's routine, and the variety and frequency of it sets him apart from other comedians.
The few traditional punch-line jokes worked just as well as his spatial comedy.
"How do they do an interview for a Hooter's girl?" he asked. "Hand them a bra and say, 'Fill this out?' "
"He was awesome. I really liked the joke about the Hooter's application," said sophomore Thomas Pattee. "The opener was pretty good too. I liked his originality. All the dancing and physical comedy was different."
Some of Francisco's favorite comedians are Steve Martin, Dane Cook and Dave Attell. His edgy material and outrageous antics bear the mark of their influence.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
