Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photo courtesy of kuong lam

Live from VWC, it’s Saturday night

BY Kuong lam

khlam@vwc.edu

Famous comedian, Finesse Mitchell, stopped by Virginia Wesleyan to give us a night of laughter and entertainment on Feb. 23, as part of Wesleyan Activities Council’s ‘Comedy Weekend.’

Mitchell is well established in the comedy industry. His career began with stand up acts on BET’s

“Comic View” in 1999. In 2003 he landed a spot as an actor/comedian on “Saturday Night Live.” When he heard that Tracey Morgan was leaving his position on “Saturday Night Live,” Mitchell took the opportunity to record an audition tape and send it in. Within a few days, producers called and said they loved his tape. Since then, he has been in several films – including the recent “Mad Money” starring Queen Latifah and Diane Keaton – as well as gone on college tours.

“I do about four or five college shows a month,” says Mitchell. “I love colleges. It is great making fun of people and having them respond to it. That’s where I get most of the ideas for my jokes.”

Hosted by the WAC committee ‘After Dark’, Mitchell’s performance was well received. Even when he called out students in the audience in his jokes, they were receptive to his humor.

“I think it’s funny that he called me out,” said freshman Nina Ruiz. “I don’t mind it all. That is also why I sit in the front sometimes. I think people should have a good sense of humor about themselves.”

The VWC community showed their support for comedy and Mitchell with over 200 people in the audience in the Marlin Grille.

“I didn’t know who he was,” said senior Krystian Dodds. “But I thought it was cool that they got someone from “Saturday Night Live” to come, so I decided to check it out.”

Even VWC Alumni showed up when they heard about Finesse Mitchell coming.

“When I heard he was coming, I said ‘I’m coming!’” said Mimi Mitchell, a VWC alumna of 2007. “I’m glad I came. I thought he was really funny!”

After the show, Mitchell showed good spirit and was more than willing to pose for pictures and sign autographs. When asked about what he thought of VWC, Mitchell said, “I love it here. Very good people.”

“I’m glad so many people came out to see Finesse,” said sophomore Taja Glover, Director of “After Dark.” “It was a great way to end ‘Comedy Weekend.’”