Kerong Kelly
Contributing writer

Though it was a chilly night, audience members were captivated by Kenan Thompson’s witty remarks and impressions of past characters he has played. Thompson was part of University Activities & Campus Event’s Center Stage Event Sept. 29 held on the Sojka Lawn.

“Kenan was a very good speaker and he made it a relaxed and friendly environment,” Kirsten Fitch ’16 said.

After several personal anecdotes about life as an actor, Thompson opened the floor for questions. A line of students quickly formed, as they raced at the chance to meet Thompson personally. Thompson fluidly interacted with the students and was thoroughly amused when the crowd began singing “’Ray Bucknell.” He even promised to give the University a shout-out on Saturday Night Live.

“I thought he did a good job, though it wasn’t the traditional kind of stand up comedy. It was interesting to see him integrate his life into his routine,” Connor McLaughlin ’16 said.

Other students felt differently.  “It was really disappointing that Kenan really hadn’t prepared anything,” Geoff Barnes ’13 said.  He felt the comedian really didn’t give the audience the time and effort it deserved.

Students especially enjoyed seeing the reenactment of the character, Dexter Reed from “Good Burger.” At the end of Thompson’s performance, students swiftly formed a group around the much-admired comedian, asking for pictures and signatures.

“I haven’t laughed so hard since the first time I first saw ‘Good Burger,’” Kevin Thomas ’13 said.

Thompson effectively wove personal stories and experiences into a comic routine that will forever live in University history.