Comic returns to U. to 'Stand-Up' at Irvine

The last time Wayne Cotter was in Irvine Auditorium, one of his favorite comedians was onstage. "I remember seeing Robert Klein perform there around 1976 and I got to meet him after the show -- he was a major inspiration for me," comedian Cotter said earlier this week. This time, another one of his favorite comedians will headline at Irvine -- himself. Cotter, who studied electrical engineering at the University during the 1970s, will perform at the Third Annual Stand-Up Against Homelessness to benefit the Philadelphia Health Care for the Homeless Project tonight. The show, which is sponsored by Tau Epsilon Phi, Delta Delta Delta and Kappa Alpha Psi begins at 8 p.m. at Irvine. "Playing Irvine Auditorium means a lot to me," Cotter said. Cotter tested out his act on and off campus. He recalled that one of the greatest experiences he had at the University was acting as emcee for a comedy show in the High Rise East Rathskellar. "We'd put oak tag over the vending machines," Cotter said. "We tried to make it look somewhat professional. That was really the place where I first started being a comedian." Cotter was also the regular house emcee at The Comedy Works on Chestnut Street as a student and the host of a talk show called Mosaic on WXPN radio. Organizers of tonight's show said they are excited to have the comedian back at the University. "We're very happy getting Wayne Cotter," event organizer and College senior Jason Adler said. "He's very excited to be coming back." Past Stand-Up shows have featured Saturday Night Live and Comedy Channel cast members, such as Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider. Mask & Wig and Comedian Chris Coocia will also be performing tonight. Coccia has been seen on the television shows Evening at the Improv and The Showtime Comedy Club. Adler said he is expecting a good turnout tonight. "We're shooting for about 800 people to show up," Adler said. Tickets will continue to be on sale on Locust Walk today for $10 each.

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