The student news site of Marquette University

Marquette Wire

The student news site of Marquette University

Marquette Wire

The student news site of Marquette University

Marquette Wire

Fugees bring the laughs in final show

You bros are in a TJ Maxx. Dunk Contest. One, Two Kazoo!

No, these are not just random phrases brought on by a studying delirium. They are show titles of Marquette’s only improv comedy troupe, the Studio 013 Refugees, who will be performing their final show of the semester Friday night at 8 p.m. in Marquette Hall 200.

The last show, entitled “Dinprov,” promises to be an entertaining experience, said “Fugee” member Andrew Pauly, a junior in the College of Communication.

“This is the only performance where audience members choose what games the Fugees play,” Pauly said.

Audience members will be given a dinner menu with a selection of improv games for each “course.”

Joe Donahue, a freshman in the College of Arts & Sciences, and one of four “Newgee” members of the group, said it is not exaggeration that the Fugees are a special brand of comedy.

“The Fugees are the most intelligent, attractive, heroic, ballsy, individual, and humble Marquette students,” Donahue said. “Seriously, it takes a person with an extremely active mind to do quality improv.”

The members of the group have diverse backgrounds in comedy. Some, like Donahue, had no prior improv experience before joining the Fugees. Others took classes at ComedySportz or Second City. Still others, like Pauly, practiced improv in high school.

“I loved performing comedically, and the improvisational format was my strength,” Pauly said. “I wanted to continue my work throughout my college career, and the Fugees have been a wonderful place to do it.”

But what they all have in common is their boundless imaginations. For example, during their improv sessions, they have created medieval kings that can travel through time to attend modern-day Renaissance fairs, pallbearers who carry heavy, pimped-out coffins, and men who have had their bodies surgically replaced with gumball machines. And these are just the sketches clean enough for print.

“I think that this surreal humor characterizes the Fugees,” Donahue said.

Students who attended the shows agreed, and found the group hilariously entertaining.

“It was so fun, and a nice break from studying,” said Gina Zukoski, a freshman in the College of Health Sciences.“You can really tell that they are enjoying what they are doing.”

The Fugees consider themselves a tight-knit family that can lean on each other on and off stage.

“There is no competition, just a real family,” said John Gallagher, a senior in the College of Communication and one of the graduating Fugees. “Our bond is evidenced in our performances.”

Each year’s group leaves a tradition with the Fugees that remains for years to come. The five passing the torch onto the next generation are graduating seniors Gallagher, Jimmy Barrett, Owen O’Riordan, Eleni Sauvageau and Joe Gianni.

This year, Gallagher said, the stamp will be in the strength of their relationships more than comedic elements.

“I’m really going to miss not just the comedy, but some of my best friends,” Gallagher said.

Pauly said he loves them all and will miss them dearly.

“They are excellent performers and will bring light and laughter wherever their careers take them,” he said.

Jack O’Flaherty contributed to this report.

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  • J

    Joe CareyMay 6, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    Jack O’Flaherty did a good job with this piece!

    Reply
  • L

    Luke DwyerMay 5, 2011 at 9:24 pm

    SHUT THE HELL UP DILBANE

    Reply
  • B

    Butt PirateMay 5, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    I don’t see any butt pirates here. Yarr.

    Reply
  • S

    Samuel ClemensMay 5, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    I never intended for Huck Finn to say “Butt Pirate” nor that Tom Sawyer would say “Computer.” I am disgusted. Also, my pen name, “Mark Twain” means “two fathoms.” It’s a steam boat thing.

    Reply
  • F

    FrankensteinMay 5, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    GRRRRRRRRR

    Reply
  • T

    Tom SawyerMay 5, 2011 at 3:54 pm

    Huck! What did I tell you about using my computer. Get to swindling kids out of their juice money so we can get some liquor.

    Reply
  • H

    Huck FinnMay 5, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    So are they like real refugees who do comedy or what? Sounds like a lot of fun. Also I don’t think Butt doctors are real, but then again, I am fictional!

    Reply
  • C

    Cassandra RouseMay 5, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    I Love My Boyfriend!

    Reply
  • D

    DilbaneMay 5, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    Fugees?! More like Dugees

    Reply
  • J

    JohnMay 5, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    The Fugees are the most offensive things I have ever seen in my life (not a compliment), and I am a butt doctor. Some gross, offensive stuff.

    Reply