Suffolk’s very own sketch comedy group, Who’s Askin’, performed their first show of the year Oct. 4 in the Stoll room of Sawyer.
Led by their president, Killian Maree, the group performed a variety of originally written sketches as well as filmed sketches for an evening filled with comedy and laughter.
The group of talented student comedy writers and performers have been writing all of their own sketches and performing them for the Suffolk community since 2014. The members come from all different majors and backgrounds.
“Everyone is welcome,” said Maree.
The night began with an original filmed sketch written by the vice president of the group, Charles Herman. The sketch, entitled “Pit Stop,” was about a group of pit crew members who ate a comically large sandwich before they clocked in, which ultimately led to the comic demise of the race car they worked on. Mustard was blocking the windshield and meatballs were coming out of the engine of the car in this hilarious kickoff of the show.
One element of the show that was a real crowd-pleaser was the blackout “dishwashing” bit. Abby Bagtaz and Juniper Spurill depict two girls who don’t have enough money to pay for their meals. Herman depicts a surly restaurant owner who is having none of their shenanigans. After trying to flirt their way out of the situation, the lights dim and when they come back up, Bagtaz and Spurill are seen scrubbing dishes for dear life.
Another fan-favorite sketch of the night was performed by Maree, Justin Darrigo Nathan Yousman and Spurill. The group is trying to decide what group Halloween costume they should do, but Yousman keeps bringing up outlandish ideas such as silverware and “that one sock you lost in the wash months ago.”
The creativity and passion on display at this show were nothing short of inspiring. Who’s Askin’ is truly Suffolk University’s in-house SNL.
“My favorite part about sketch is probably fine-tuning every sketch we write and adding little things that actually make the big laughs happen,” Herman said. “Those are the things that you actually remember forever about certain sketches and shows.”
Both Maree and Herman, Suffolk juniors, began performing with the group during their freshman year at Suffolk.
“Sketch has given me a home on campus and a group of friends that I can be creative with but also have fun with,” Maree said.
This is Maree and Herman’s first year as the dynamic president and vice president duo.
“Transitioning from member to president has been easy because of the other members because even though I’m president, we all work together to make decisions,” Maree explained.
“Sometimes our meetings get a little too silly, which is great.” Herman explained, “But also sometimes there needs to be a voice to get everyone together and start rehearsing, and I like being that voice while also having fun with the group,” Herman said.
Clearly the hilarious new e-board duo is taking the club in a great direction. Their show Friday was standing room only with parents of club members, friends and Suffolk students alike. I even heard the Performing Arts Office Coordinator, Antoine Gagnon, let out a chuckle or three.
If you are feeling down that you missed out on this great show, do not fear. Maree says he hopes to perform at least four different shows with the group this semester, so there will be plenty of opportunities to see them perform.
If you are interested in joining the fabulous bunch of comedians, feel free to reach out to Killian Maree or Charles Herman; they’re always looking for more talent!
