'Last Comic Standing' comes to campus

By Emily Bjorklund

Reality television is finally coming to Santa Clara.

Living with other college students may at times become its own uncensored version of "The Real World," and looking for a legitimate job after graduation feels like an episode of "The Apprentice."

However, it is not MTV or Donald Trump that will be appearing on campus next week. Two of the most popular contestants from NBC's "Last Comic Standing" will be showcased Tuesday at the Leavey Center. The show, which was created and hosted by actor and comedian Jay Mohr, documented the competition between a group of struggling professional and non-professional comedians for a talent contract with NBC.

Industry legends like Drew Carey and Brett Butler appeared on the show as celebrity scouts who helped throughout the elimination process. The votes themselves, however, were cast by millions of fans via text messages, e-mails and phone calls. "Last comic Standing" was cancelled last fall during it third season, but not before it launched successful careers for several of its contestants.

The performance on Tuesday won't follow the show's television format. Instead, it will simply highlight some of the talent that was seen on TV. The last comic standing at the end of the second season, John Heffron, with finalist Tammy Pescatelli, will provide a familiar comedy routine for watchers of the show, and a teaser for comedy fans who missed the show that attracted 8.3 million weekly viewers this summer.

Santa Clara junior Elizabeth Garvin counts herself among the contingent of enthusiastic viewers.

"It was very entertaining and suspenseful because it took comedians who were desperate to make it in the business and challenged them against each other, it will be interesting to see if they have improved or changed their jokes since the show," she said.

Pescatelli grew up in Ohio with all brothers and male cousins, which is how she says she honed and sharpened her comic wit.

"I had to learn to dish as much as they gave me," said Pescatelli, in an interview on NBC's "Last Comic Standing" Web site.

Her situation did not change much on the show, as she was one of only three women in the group of 10 finalists in season two. Although Pescatelli did not win, she is an award winning comedian and actress who has toured all over the U.S. and will continue to perform at universities and public arenas across the country after her performance at Santa Clara.

Pescatelli's co-star, John Heffron, also practiced his craft as a child. His early comedic experiences include clowning around in many Detroit classrooms. His childhood shenanigans have paid off as he has made repeat appearances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, has projects with Comedy Central, and is even the star of his own Yahoo John Heffron Fanatic Group since his win.

He too, was not inexperienced in the world of comedy before appearing on "Last Comic Standing," as he is a 13-year veteran of stand-up. Heffron launched his stand-up career at his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, where he began as an emcee at the Main Street Comedy Showcase, located on Eastern Michigan's campus. Heffron cites George Carlin, Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy as his role models. Now with the "Last Comic Standing" win on his resume, he may be poised to follow in their footsteps.

When asked in a comedybook.com interview about what people should expect of his live show, he soothingly reassures his audience that "the show won't suck. And they should go."

Santa Clara junior Kellan McNamara says that even though she was not lucky enough to see the show this summer, she "looks forward to going to see what everyone has been talking about."

The event is being sponsored by Activities Programming Board (APB), and emceed by a local radio talent Sandy Rooney of Mix 106.5-FM. APB Director Nikki Deidrich says "Last Comic Standing" was selected as an event to bring to campus to give students a light-hearted night amidst the stress of school.

"We wanted to bring students an entertaining night of comic relief for which they could go out with their friends and take a break from studying mid-quarter," Deidrich said.

This is one of the many study break events that APB brings to Santa Clara throughout the year, and one that Deidrich says they are "very proud and excited to sponsor."

Students can purchase tickets with Access cards at the information desk in Benson for $10 with flex or cash. Non-students can buy the tickets for $20 through Ticketmaster. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8.

* Contact Emily Bjorklund at (408) 554-4546 or ebjorklund@scu.edu.