Spring comedy show promises lots of laughs

Comedy may be the answer for college students faced with the oftentimes disappointing Tufts Thursday night.

Students can opt for a much more exciting evening this Thursday, laughing at the talents of comedian Brian Regan for the Entertainment Board's Spring Comedy Show.

The comedy show, a long-standing tradition in the Entertainment Board's annual event schedule, will be held in Cohen Auditorium at 9 p.m. and should run for about an hour and a half.

Regan has never performed at Tufts before, but is an up-and-coming figure on the comedy scene. "He has done "Comedy Central Presents" specials, he's been on basically every stand-up show [on television], and he's headlined a lot of comedy clubs," junior Nicole Masone, Entertainment Board co-chair, said.

"He has a very loyal fan base," said Regan's manager, Rory Rosegarten. "Once you see him, you've got to see him twice, you've got to see him five times. The material is always changing. His comedy is like a living, breathing thing."

Regan's credits include Showtime specials, performing on "Late Night with Conan O'Brian" and David Letterman's "The Late Show", and acting as a frequent opener for Jerry Seinfeld. Regan's act will be introduced by John Capraruolo, another comedian suggested and backed by Regan's agency.

Though Regan may not have reached the same heights of fame as last year's comedy performer, Tracy Morgan, his routine should satisfy any college student's comedic needs.

Rosegarten described the comedian as someone that the audience can identify with. "Brian's approach to comedy is that he's an every-man, and that he's just trying to get through his life without looking like a stupid idiot," Rosegarten said. "That's really what it is. He looks at the mundane things of life that we all have to deal with in a way that is relatable to everyone."

Students should expect a laid-back environment Thursday night and a good show to see with a group of friends or even with a date. "That's what comedy shows are all about," Masone said. "Thursday night is a good time to laugh. People are in the mood for comedy."

The comedian selection process was described as extensive, with long looks at over a dozen comedians for price and schedule comparisons. "People usually think of people who are way out of our price range at first," Masone explained. "[Regan] is a little more than we have budgeted for, but we had some extra money left over from the fall."

In choosing an act, once the board had narrowed their list down to three or four possible comedians, the group watched video clips of all the comedians to get a general sense of their styles and attitudes.

"It was a general consensus of who would make the best show," Masone said. One of the reasons why we chose [Regan] was because he can appeal to everyone. It's not one particular kind of humor that only certain people might enjoy."

The show is funded as part of the Entertainment Board's annual budget, and proceeds from ticket sales are recycled into the budget for next year's events.

Students can still buy tickets at the Cohen Box Office for only five dollars, but should act fast.

"We're expecting to sell out. We usually do for this event," Masone, said.

The Entertainment Board's Spring Comedy Show will take place Thursday, March 5, at the Cohen Auditorium. Tickets are on sale at the Cohen Box Office for $5.