Improv comedians Brad Sherwood (left), and Colin Mochrie perform for OSU students Sept. 16 in the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom.
Credit: Shelby Lum / Photo editor
The Ohio Union was filled with laughter Monday night as two veterans of improv brought their act to Ohio State for a Ohio Union Activities Board-sponsored event held in the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom.
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood performed scenes fueled by audience participation, quite similar to the show they are known for, “Whose Line is it Anyway?”
Without an official host, the scenes could go on as long as they were funny. That is a big difference from the regulated television series, because there are no commercial breaks, said Mochrie.
The duo called on audience members for suggestions and participation. Six audience members were selected for a Mad Libs-style act where they completed Sherwood and Mochrie’s sentences as they acted out two knights on a quest for a magic wagon wheel.
T.J. Jones, a first-year in education, was one of the audience members selected for the bit.
“I want to obtain the wagon wheel because it has the ability to….,” Mochrie started.
“Give you hair,” Jones said, finishing the sentence. The audience roared with laughter as Mochrie slyly grinned at the reference to his balding head. “It’s for my uncle,” he replied. “I’ve never felt the need for the powers.”
Jones had been anticipating a comment about Mochrie’s baldness, something he had seen watching “Whose Line” as a kid.
“I was waiting for someone to say something about his head,” he said. “I used to watch (cast member) Ryan Stiles make fun of him for it a lot. I have probably seen every single episode twenty times.”
Jones said it was great to be selected to participate in the acts.
“I act and I love improv. It was so cool to be up there with everyone,” he said.
Mochrie and Sherwood closed their act with a stunt that seemed more like a scene from “Jackass” than “Whose Line” – they performed blindfolded while walking barefoot around the stage filled with 100 set mousetraps.
The men’s pain was evident as they had their fingers and toes snapped time after time, but the audiences’ laughter never ceased at their angst.
“My favorite part was when Colin threw a mouse trap at Brad and it got him right in the crotch. That was absolutely hilarious. I could not believe it,” said Danny Kerr, a fourth-year in communication.
When the guys seemed stuck, an “OH-” from Sherwood or a reference to Brutus Buckeye brought the audience right back to the professionals.
