On Tuesday night, Friends Hall was filled with laughter as students filled the room to watch English comedian Chris James at a Tuesday Night Live Event sponsored by the College Programming Board.
“I think it was one of the best turnouts we have had for a Tuesday Night Live,” said Geneva Gamblin, member of CPB.
The sketch ran for about an hour and a half but seemed to keep students engaged by relatable topics such as relationships, dating, majors, stereotypes, and most memorably Obama impersonations.
“The most appealing part about doing standup at a small college like this is the engagement that I felt. This crowd was much more intimate and seemed to care about what I had to say,” James said.
James is a former model who has made a career of acting and stand up. He has appeared in short films as well as the former hit television show, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
“While standing on that stage, I found that I was testing the boundaries of a new generation. I felt very positive feedback, which allowed me to be comfortable with the students,” said James.
Tuesday Night Live has welcomed many artists such as mentalist Jonny Zavant, musician Zack Lockwood, and comedian Ace Guillen. This Tuesday especially seemed to draw a lot of students in.
“He came across very personable with a true passion for his craft,” senior Stephen DePaul said.
“Before we chose him for TNL, I was not familiar with his work, but after speaking with him and watching videos of him I would definitely recommend him to everyone. He’s great,” Gamblin said.
Students were involved by speaking about their majors, such as fighter fighting, nursing and theater. Tuesday night left no one leaving shy and dissatisfied. James was full of high energy, impressions, laugh out loud stories and lessons learned. He has traveled through Africa and now resides in Los Angeles, California.
“I loved the comedy show. I was surprised by his accent but his impressions were so funny,” junior Kasie Chaplick said.
James spoke about moving into Brooklyn, New York for the first time where he experienced the frank, elicit street life of thugs who called him out as being “black but not black black” due to his British accent. He’s been stabbed in the back figuratively and literally but rose through hardships and strived for his dream.
“I thought tonights performance was hilarious and Chris James’ jokes were right on the ball. My favorite part was his impression of Obama as well as his stories living in West Africa,” junior Kristen Manhart said. “I have heard of Chris James before and I would recommend him to people who want a good laugh.”
He has opened for world renowned actors and comedians such as Wayans Brothers, Godfrey and Margaret Cho, and does stand up throughout the West Coast.
“I think Chris James is very talented and I would like to see more of his standup. It was awesome to see a young comedian seem so confident in front of a college audience,” said sophomore Nichole Vreeland.
Look out for more upcoming Tuesday Night Live events, sponsored by CPB, every other Tuesday night.
