Although Dane Cook’s “Tourgasm” doesn’t officially start until April 1, Fairfield Cook fans will be offered a sneak peak of his routine Nov. 20 as he takes the stage in our very own Alumni Hall at 8 p.m.
With the success of Dave Chappelle’s performance last year, FUSA signed Cook to headline Fairfield University’s fall 2004 event.
Rolling Stone calls Cook’s comedy a “hyper-kinetic barrage of observational humor.” After 14 years of stand-up, television and film, Cook has finally had a career breakthrough, creating noise in the media and laughter at his shows. Comedy Central has named him their “Favorite Stand-up Comedian” and Stuff Magazine, their “Coolest Comic of the Year.”
Cook has made many notable TV guest appearances, including numerous appearances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and “Last Call with Carson Daly.” He has played a staple role on Comedy Central, appearing on such shows as “Crank Yankers,” “The Man Show,” and in his own 30-minute special, “Comedy Central Presents: Dane Cook.”
Some of Cook’s best known skits are from his 2003 release, “Harmful if Swallowed,” which is sold as a CD/DVD combo. Like most comedians, Cook draws upon everyday activities and turns them into hilarious sketches. Some of his most popular skits include topics such as Monopoly, Kool-Aid, working at Burger King and the Catholic Church.
Many students are enthusiastic about FUSA’s selection of Dane Cook.
“I’m wicked excited. He’s my favorite comedian,” said Jenna Cullinane ’06. Cullinane traveled to UConn last year to see Cook and is planning on attending his performance at Fairfield as well.
“I’ve never met anyone who didn’t enjoy his comedy. He’s a great comedian for our age group and I encourage everyone to go see him. It’s definitely worth the 15 dollars,” she said.
Jenn Feagan ’06 agreed.
“I love his comedy because he’s completely original. He’s got an eloquent style that makes you laugh so hard you could pee your pants and he’s gorgeous…what’s not to like?” she said.
Andy Bean ’06 has a similar attitude.
“I’m going because I’ve heard a few of his skits and I think he’s funny,” she said. Bean has five friends and siblings coming to Fairfield from other schools to attend the show.
“He’s from the town next to mine [Arlington, Mass.], so I heard about him before it was announced he would be here,” said Bean.
Chris McNamara ’07 also has friends from another school attending, one of whom previously saw Dane Cook’s performance at Fordham University. McNamara has heard all positive things, and he believes Cook’s show will be a success for Fairfield.
“I imagine his repertoire will be the same as it was there,” he said. “Seeing as we’re a Catholic school just like Fordham, I think it will go over just as well.”
Students are generally not disappointed that a comedian has been booked instead of a band for the fall act.
“I love Dane Cook,” said Katie O’Neill ’06. “I’m excited we’re having a comedian. It’s a change of pace from hearing live music.”
Luke Kloza ’06 shares this sentiment.
“No, I’m not disappointed that FUSA booked a comedy show instead of a live band. Most comedy shows are referred to as concerts anyway,” said Kloza. “I’d rather see a B-list comedian than a C-list band.”
Nevertheless, although most students expressed excitement over the upcoming performance, there are still several students who have no intention of attending. Many have never even heard of Cook.
“I’m not familiar with him,” said Sara Look ’05. “I’ve never heard of Dane Cook.”
“I really don’t know much about him, so I’m not going to buy a ticket,” said Alexis Cedeno ’06. “Fairfield hasn’t done much to promote his popularity, but I know plenty of people who are going.”
Others are not attending due to the lackluster acoustics of Alumni Hall.
For these students, Dave Chappelle’s performance last year was ruined by Alumni Hall’s poor acoustics and blaring sound, and they refuse to sit through it again.
“I was sitting right in front of the stage, and I couldn’t hear a lot of Chappelle’s jokes,” said Ryan Tougias ’06. Tougias recalled last year’s event and the intense ricochet of sound that bounced back and forth between the walls of Alumni Hall.
“I know a lot of people that aren’t going to Dane Cook simply based on what happened last year,” Tougias said. “It was really hard to hear what Chappelle was saying and I was within feet from him. It was ridiculous.”
Regardless fo the faults of Fairfield’s venue, students remain positive.
“I am really looking forward to seeing him live. I think it’ll be a great performance, and I think he’s just the right person to be peforming at a college, ” said Melissa Hunt ’06. “I honestly think he’ll give a better show than Chappelle did last year.”
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