Comedian jokes, mocks La Verne
Campus Times
March 20, 1998
Although he entertained for more than two hours, comedian David J.
assured the students who filled Davenport Dining Hall on March 12 that they
would still be able to get to Target, La Verne's only form of late night
entertainment, before closing. The comedian, who was flown in by ASF from
New York, pointed fun at ULV's size and close-knit population, using information
from the University catalogue to fuel his jokes.
Coming live to the University of La Verne from New York, comedian David
J, 26, was sponsored by the Associated Students Federation (ASF) Forum to
perform at "Club Davenport" on Thursday, March 12.
David J, who has opened for known comedians such as Adam Sandler, flew
into La Verne prior to his performance last Thursday night. Hosted for a
price of $2,000, he entertained a crowd of about 200 students who laughed
at jokes about La Verne while drinking root beer floats and eating pretzels.
The crowd roared and whistled as "DJ," (David J's preferred
nickname) made fun of the "card lady" who allows dorm students
to eat inside Davenport.
His jokes extended to the community as well. The size of La Verne was
of particular success to his program, since the common conception of La
Verne, is a quiet community with little entertainment for college students.
"There is Target," said David J, repeated as the night wore
on.
Other students were the object of his jokes as well.
President of the "Hunter" Club Seth Halverson said David J's
comedy was "good at the beginning," but later became "not
as funny."
"I thought it was OK for him to make fun [of the Hunter Club],
but we invited him to come see what it was like and he didn't,"said
Halverson. "That bothered me because he didn't even know what it was
like and he was making fun of it."
David J, who majored in economics and studied at Brown University, has
travelled to over 250 schools to perform in front of smiling audiences.
"It's the only thing that I am really good at," he said, when
discussing the difference in his studies and his career choice.
"I like to make people laugh," he said.
David J, whose comedy career began at 17, says he researches the town
prior to his performance.
"I like to know about the town and relate it to my show,"
he said.
Carlos Moreno, freshman English major, said David J's performance was
"okay," but preferred that "he had an act."
Senior Julie McDougall, ASF member, said David J was unlike the other
comedians. "The others called every week and we thought, 'A good comedian
doesn't do that' so we chose him [David J]."
According to McDougall, "[Other ASF members believe] this was one
of the best events this year."
David J attributes the success of his career to the idea that "the
audience likes it better when they can relate to the material."
For future goals, he seeks to become a talk show host.
"I'd like it to be a cross between Letterman, meets Rosie, meets
Larry King."
However, his image of comedians is interesting. It has nothing to do
with glamour.
According to David J, comedians "are like geeks and nerds, who
can now make people laugh." Those "geeks and nerds" are the
same ones who are asked to "give autographs and interviews," he
said.
