Ben Bailey and Lenny Marcus talking with The Call back stage. Bo Burnham also headlined the packed show Friday, hosted by the University Activites Board. (Angela Kelly / The Clarion Call)
It was an interesting sight. Students stood out in the rain Oct. 23, waiting to make their way into Marwick-Boyd Auditorium. The crowd had come to see Bo Burnham of Youtube and Ben Bailey of the hit show “Cash Cab” perform stand-up comedy in a show sponsored by the University Activities Board. Following the show, both men sat down with The Call to talk about the show and their careers.
After a long wait and a disconcerting walk through a metal detector, fans were able to find a seat. Before Burnham or Bailey made it to stage, Lenny Marcus, of the Web show “Superstar Talent” and a friend of Baileys, performed. Although few had ever heard his name, Marcus left an impression on the audience and set a tone for the rest of the evening.
Marcus’ humor, which featured clear mother issues and a distaste for actions of members of the opposite sex, was funny, but it made you question whether or not you should be laughing at it. After a short set, Marcus thanked the audience and welcomed Bailey to the stage.
Bailey started his set explaining that he got into comedy because he could not get any other job. He informed the audience that one way to ensure that you’ll never be hired is to place your name in the wrong section on an application. “There is some real truth to that first bit,” said Bailey. “The only (real) job I got was answering phones at a comedy store.”
The first thing people noticed about his stand-up was the language he used. Prior to the live performance, most Bailey fans had only experienced the laid-back and witty humor of the host behind the cab steering wheel. This Bailey swore and made fun of audience members for making strange noises. Bailey himself addressed the issue in his set “The Pope himself uses the F-word.”
When asked about his demeanor on stage, Bailey was passionate about it. “In the clubs of New York, you kind of got to hit them over the head; you can’t mess around. You have to go out there and bang out the jokes.” Lenny Marcus, a good friend of Baileys chimed in. “His job has been stand-up comedian,” said Marcus, “it just so happens he also got on a show.”
Following Bailey was Bo Burnham. Launching his career through Youtube and Twitter, Burnham has been able to get his name out to thousands of people. “Its interesting,” said Bailey. “It’s something that didn’t exist when I got started.”
Burnham got his start rather simply. “I saw Steven Lynches’ album, and I was like, I guess I’ll just do that and change a few words.” Along with Marcus and Bailey, Burnham also used his share of questionable language. When asked if he was worried about fans reaction to his live performances he had little to say. “Yeah, I think it’s the comedians need to seek approval.”
Burnham is just starting out, and it shows. With little material other than what he has put on Youtube, Burnham himself admits he is a victim of his own success. “I haven’t posted that much on Youtube anymore. I’m trying to do live shows more.”
Unlike Bailey and Marcus, Burnham does not plan to make comedy a permanent thing. “I don’t really have a five-year plan,” said Burnham. “Right now, it’s fun to do, and I have fun doing it, but I’m not really working to build a career.”
Bo Burnham back stage after the show. (Angela Kelly / The Clarion Call)
The night was a success for both the UAB and the performers. Since the event, students can be heard quoting their favorite jokes from the proceedings.
On any other rainy Friday night in Clarion, students might just decide to stay in, but this past Friday was different. They stood in line, some for more than an hour, to witness the comedic talents of two performers.
These men came to prove they have talents outside what the audience sees online on Youtube or on television’s “Cash Cab.” They proved their point.
