I love writing the blog post for RNL because there are less rules than usual. I mean-- to be quite frank we make up most of our own rules at Cabaret in the first place, but RNL is seriously a free-for-all. As per usual, Rutgers Night Live is a wonderful way to start the semester. Especially when it follows a hilarious Spring Special Project, (shout out “No One Was Harmed in the Making of This Play”, also RIP to the blog post that never was for that show so I’m pouring one out now for the restaurantini) it’s just been banger after banger in 2020. But, what makes RNL extra wonderful is the hilarious cast that makes this show a possibility. To continue in tradition with the last RNL blog post, let’s take a peep inside the brains of the cast members via a groupchat that I am forever lucky to be a part of:
When receiving notifications from this chat my mind begins to wander, these people are truly so strange. This thought is then further reinforced as I sit and watch the tech run, pleasantly appalled by the content in the sketches and by the actors abilities to turn into complete crackheads. Seeking approval from my boss Maya Mitterhoff, I had to make sure it was appropriate for me to use that term to describe this production. Not that I am a great writer with an expansive vocabulary, but I know enough to know that there is no better way to illustrate this performance. Sabrina Dunn, Associate Producer and queen of crackheads (possibly because of all the Vitamin powder she accidently snuffed during The Wild Party), agreed with me on my choice of words.
To make it even better, this season we welcome King Jason Bediako into the comedy blackbox, a truly kind and immensely funny soul who adds another layer of talent to this RNL. As a first time host I asked him to tell me all of his deepest darkest secrets about what it’s been like to take on this esteemed title.
Stunning host Jason Bediako
“This experience has been so fun and crazy. Getting to be a part of some of the sketches has added another level of hosting RNL. But, I would say the most fun part has been creating an opening monologue, which I’ve never done before and getting to introduce a great show this semester!” - Jason Bediako
Little did Jason know, I used my investigative background to find out how his cast mates really felt about working with him. I was hoping for some piping hot tea, but when I got the tea it was so cold and refreshing I was almost disappointed. People just really seem to like this guy.
“Bruh I love your hair but can never touch it because you're so f***** tall” - Nishika Bagchi
“He is a noodle” - Nikki Pappas
“He's annoyingly handsome, to a point where it's kind of insensitive” - Jack Oliver
“THIS guy, ugh let me tell you, I’ve had it up to-...no I can’t he’s a sweetie I just can’t do it Sophie leave me alone” -Madhu Murali (I’m sorry if this question upset you Madhu)
“Jason has such a unique character style for each sketch which really keeps us on our toes! You might just burst into laughter cause he’s a wizard.” - Gian-Soren Morici
The only person who had anything negative to say about Jason Bediako… was Jason Bediako,
“Super long, not really funny at all and his posture is weird” -Jason Bediako
If not for anything else, please come to RNL to support Jason, it seems like he’s struggling with some self-confidence issues of late and I think he needs a boost.
Sail the seven seas with RNL
Rutgers Night Live is a uniquely impressive production because the cast members have written, directed and acted out all of the sketches. There have been highs and there have been lows, but the overall end product that I was able to see earlier this week was definitely made of all highs. RNL coordinator Nishika Bagchi loved working on the production and seeing everything come together on tech week and host Jason has been enjoying his time working with our friend Jack Oliver on his opening monologue. Meanwhile Jack has been able to direct four of his original sketches and work with pretty much every member of the cast. “Everyone’s just really fantastic at what they do here”. He’s totally right.
““My best moment in RNL XX is getting to direct my very own sketch. It was a nerve racking experience! But it’s such a beautiful sight to see the RNL cast take the script to a different direction, better than I ever would have conceived. RNL is like going to your fun grandma’s house: You only go on occasions. You feel right at home. And you get to boogie till the night ends!”
”
Bop it, twist it
Then I wanted to ask the cast what their worst experience at Cabaret has been, for my own enjoyment. The only complaints people gave me were waiting outside in the cold for someone to open the Cab door, or the dustiness inside. Plus one sad soul who is still pining over the rejected theme “Vote for Bert+Earnie,”. Most responses didn’t serve the juice I was hoping for.
Without spoiling too much, even though Bert and Ernie will not be involved this go around, there are many funnies to look forward to with this RNL. Based on my interviews with the cast the fan-favorite sketches were
Bop-It
Table Read
Nothing Is Real — which is actually written by Cabaret Theatre Alumni John Lerman
'“The sketch is absolutely ridiculous and hinges on current events, and it is also the first chance I've gotten to work with Jason Bediako directly which has been a blast. Best of all was the direction from Madhu Murali, who's working on her last RNL this go-around”. - My friend Jack Oliver on “Nothing Is Real”
Will you crown your own favorite sketch? Who knows, you’ll only know what you like if you decide to show up. Which you should. These are only three of nine great skits! Plus if you’re unsure, statistics show you will definitely like at least 66% of the show. Which are pretty good chances of you enjoying yourself! And even so, if sketch comedy isn’t for you then you can come for the half-decent musical guest. latchkey kids (spelled specifically in all lowercase letters for stylistic reasons) is a local New Brunswick band front-manned by Rutgers student theatre “one-show and go” legend Hanny Ramadan, whose career ended under mysterious circumstances in 2017. Here he is now for a quote.
“When I was in high school I had this daydream a couple times about being in a cool band and playing at the prom, like you’d see in those old Disney teen movies. You can blame growing up as a generation Z TV addict or having a Disney loving little lister, but I ate that sh** up. I never had that cool band and I never played the prom. But, playing RNL is the next best thing for me. A solid number two.” - Hanny Ramadan (latchkey kids)
Madhu Murali and Jack Oliver host “Weekend Update”
What does the cast think you all should look forward to?
“We have fight choreo, a musical number, and some improv this time! Adding a little pizzazz this year.” - Nishika Bagchi
“The audience can definitely look forward to having a giggle, maybe even two. Who knows, you know?” - Jack Oliver
“Some actors floppin” - Nikki Pappas
“I look forward to seeing my mom there, she’ll be in the second row, House left. She’s a big fan of little women cause she looks like one of the characters in the movie. Oh! What they look forward to seeing?! I don’t know! The freaking amazing host and musical Guest!! This show is gonna be little-raly hilarious!” - Gian-Soren Morici
“Some crackhead-like energy and a whole lot of plot twists” - Jason Bediako
“Are you telling me that somehow the stars aligned to make the 20th anniversary of RNL happen in the Year Of Our Lord 2020? I feel like there’s gotta be a good joke in there somewhere. I can’t believe there are no 20/20 vision jokes.” - Madhu Murali
LuisDiego Millan as Steve Harvey, obviously
I really look forward to attending RNL this weekend, it’s an awesome way to take a break from school, Mr. Trump’s acquittal, and the coronavirus to just enjoy a joke and have a laugh. I’m envious of how much fun the cast looks like they’re having throughout the process, so much so that if you pay me $100 I’ll embarrass myself and audition come the end of the semester for next year’s cast. Seems fair enough. Before I go I just wanted to give the cast a chance to share their own experiences with how they decided to audition, and why YOU might want to consider doing the same!
“John Hennessy urged me to audition my freshman year, so I did it because I love John. Please audition, because RNL is so chill and fun and the rules are so much more lassiez-faire. And its comedy! So you laugh with a bunch of weirdos. It's great.” - Nishika Bagchi
“I mean, why wouldn’t you audition for RNL? more into films? We have a digital short? Want to direct? RNL members get the chance to! More of a singer? Some of our sketches are song parodies (wink wink) Just into Drama? What is comedy other than overly dramatic? Want to write a sketch? You don’t even need to audition to do that!” - Gian-Soren Morici
“Not auditioning my freshman year, seeing RNL 17-18, and regretting it all year. Here I am, my first year done, and I have zero regrets. The production process is unlike any other kind of theatrical show I've been a part of, and RNL has helped me evolve as both a comedic writer and actor.” - Jack Oliver
“For the fun. And FOR THE FUN” - Nikki Pappas
“So I was actually nominated as a host and seeing the performance last semester made me want to accept right away. I recommend this because there is so much improvisation and you’re allowed to be free in your own comedic style which is a great opportunity.” - Jason Bediako
“I had done some improv comedy before and I liked SNL so I thought I’d give it a shot. RNL ended up being one of the most consistently fun experiences I’ve had at Rutgers, and I’m really sad this is my last semester with these kooky kids. We need some strong new comedians to take the wheel after us oldies are gone! Audition!!” - Madhu Murali
I’m glad Madhu brought up that this was her last RNL because I wanted to dedicate this blog post to her. Madhu, you have been such a consistently integral part of RNL for years and you will be greatly missed. We love you!
RNL XX: Little Women, Even Littler Men opens tonight Friday February the 7th at 8pm, and also shows Feb 8th at 8pm and 11:55pm.
Host: Jason Bediako
Musical Guest: Latchkey Kids
latchkeykidsnj.bandcamp.com/releases
Tickets are available for purchase at:
https://sabo.tix.com/Schedule.aspx?OrgNum=4785&fbclid=IwAR0SV_05YgJGqUyNCPFE_iite1T8slhSrb1FhYc4vw2nl-jtm6aSeDUux1w
For more information visit our Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/187333245801212/
Photos courtesy of John Hennessy