Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Giggles of anticipation could be heard in the Reitz Union Auditorium as the Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company began a performance acting as audience members.
"I find it easier to laugh when I'm sitting," shouted one of the sketch/improv comedians.
Students were waiting in line as early as 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. performance, said Ryan Wierenga, director of the Comedians and Lecturers Committee of the Reitz Union Board.
The room was filled to its capacity of 340 and the Reitz Union Board, which hosted the show, had to turn away about 100 people.
Constant eruptions of laughter proved the audience's enthusiasm.
"It was a nice crowd, but still intimate." said troupe member Gavin Spieller. "It's a lot easier when people come expecting a good time."
The troupe's five members, including Zach Woods, Shannon O'Neil, Bobby Moynihan and Eugene Cordero, utilized the whole stage to re-enact scenes inspired by words shouted by audience members.
After intermission, the group chose a member of the audience to "interview" on stage.
The victim was 21-year-old Rafael Gaitan, who said he had always been a fan of Upright Citizens Brigade.
His wallet was searched and its contents were ridiculed for the remainder of the performance.
Afterward, he described the experience as "embarrassing."
For some members of Theatre Strike Force, UF's improv and sketch group, the show was a learning experience.
"It was exciting to see professionals doing what we're practicing to do," said 21-year-old Eric Shackne, a senior and member of Theatre Strike Force.
When the show ended at about 10:30 p.m., Shackne and another member of the club, 21-year-old Filup Molina, waited for a chance to approach the table where the performers sold merchandise and provided autographs.
"It was interesting to be on the audience side of things," Molina said.
By the show's conclusion, with a standing ovation by many in the audience, it was obvious fun was had on all sides.
"It sounded like everyone had a good time," Spieller said. "We had a blast." - Gainesville Sun
Discography
The Upright Citizen's Brigade is home to the very best comedic performers from New York and LA, many of whom can be seen in any number of films and television shows including: Old School, Mean Girls, Anchorman, Bad Santa, Road Trip, Wet Hot American Summer, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Late Night With Conan O'Brien, VH1's Best Week Ever, The Office, Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and (of course) Comedy Central's Upright Citizens Brigade.
Photos
Bio
The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Touring Company is the UCB Theater's most popular show. The TourCo show lasts 90 minutes and consists of two hilarious halves of the freshest long form improvisation in the world. the TourCo cast is hand picked from the best Improv comedians New York and LA have to offer - proven performers who have trained for years and made their way up the comedy ladder in the toughest cites in the nation.
Links
