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Staff Intern Last year, Dave Brinnel, who used to be "Dave in the Morning" on WRNX, wrote a comedy sketch show entitled "No Funny Stuff" and the students at Glenbrook Middle School in Longmeadow performed it. He's come back this year with "No Funny Stuff #2" and is using sketches like a teacher trying to teach non-English speaking students how to play musical chairs and the most popular sketch from last year's show called "Pointed Stick," which has been watched nearly 1,200 times on www.youtube.com to make an audience laugh. The show will be similar in format to "Saturday Night Live," complete with comedy sketches, professionally-produced spoof TV commercials and pre-recorded elements, according to a release on the show. When asked what influenced him, Brinnel answered, "Growing up in the 60's I was a huge fan of the 'Dick Van Dyke Show.' The main character, Rob Petrie, worked as a TV sketch comedy writer. I thought that would be the greatest job ever. I continued to be inspired by some of comedy's greatest, including Sid Caesar, the Marx Brothers, Allan Sherman, 'Monty Python,' Laurel and Hardy, David Letterman, Don Rickles and Bob Newhart." Brinnel was also inspired by his daughter Hailey, who, in sixth grade, asked him to volunteer to write a play for the students in her school, so that they might have a drama program. Brinnel stated, "Then it occurred to me that I'd been collecting ideas for comedy sketches for years, and that this could be a chance to see them performed, while giving the kids a really unique experience." When asked if the students had to audition to take part in the sketch show, Brinnel said, "Last year, no. This year, yes." This year, there is more buzz about the show, since last year was such a success. There are 19 students taking part this year. Brinnel said this play is a play for all ages, and encourages parents to take their kids. "This is pure family entertainment," he said. The show is being performed at Glenbrook Middle School, 110 Cambridge Circle, on May 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. The tickets can be picked up at the Glenbrook office. All proceeds from the show will benefit Glenbrook's Parent Advisory Council (PAC), which raises funds and is responsible for the recent purchase of new stage curtains, sound equipment and the repair of the auditorium's seats and podium. Much of the profits from "No Funny Stuff" will be spent on further auditiorium improvements. According to PAC president Mary Talbot Barry, "Glenbrook's auditorium is a beautiful facility. Unfortunately it's showing its age. It feels good to play a role in its renovation." For more information on "No Funny Stuff," listen to WRNX 100.9 FM on May 21 at 7:30 a.m. for a live interview with Brinnel and cast members Jenna Friedberg and McKenna Larivee. | ||||||
