SPOTLIGHT REVIEW: Wiggers' fall show solid, but scenes lack innovation

Mask and Wig opened its fall production Saddam and Gomorrah last night presenting a show full of reliable humor but failing to bring the house down laughing with any consistency. The show, which played last night before a packed house at Houston Hall Auditorium, did include some hysterical takes on a diverse group of subjects, ranging from a depressed Wonder Twins to a New Kids on the Block parody -- but overall failed to match the provoking brand of humor that normally marks their productions. The all-male comedy troupe's production included little audience participation and played mostly off of unrelated, and at times, random skits that showed some creativity. However, most of the creative moments were in the second half, when the group satirized many facets of the University. One particularily biting satire showed the Progressive Student Alliance with an exaggerated allegiance to social awareness and "diversity," while another poked fun at the fraternities' stereotype of a macho, tough brotherhood. Other well-done skits included a parody of David Lynch's recent film, Wild at Heart, led by a dead-on impersonation of the movie character "Sailor" by College senior Josh Wolf. Other highlights included a cleverly written scene with a struggling writer -- played to near-perfection by College junior Marc Goodman -- who frequented bars in search of the perfect dangling modifier. In addition, the one-to-two minute interludes between scenes shined. Characters such as Charles Manson, Indiana Jones, and, of course, Saddam Hussein, made appearances. Unfortunately, the Iraqi leader and the Mideast crisis were only briefly introduced in the first act and then promptly forgotten. The lack of consistency in the show, however, was not due to a lack of talent and energy by the cast. In particular, College seniors David Koff and Chris Heisen provided some of the performance's most humorous moments. Saddam and Gomorrah will run through Saturday with both a 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. showing each night. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased on Locust Walk.

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