Famed comedian and self-proclaimed “life of the party” Jonathan Burns had giggles spilling from the student center ballroom on Sept. 22. Hosted by Bradley’s Activities Council (ACBU), Burns’ show offered a chance for families to laugh a little during Family Weekend.
Burns is best known for his time on Season 14 of “America’s Got Talent,” and has since appeared on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” the PBS Kids channel and other various television shows.
The show was filled with humorous quips, lighthearted dancing, magic tricks, contortion and audience participation.
At one point, Burns called up two audience members, one of which was freshman business major Taylor Morris, handed them a stack of cheese and had them count 10 slices.
After putting the cheese in plastic bags, Burns waved a cowbell at the participants holding the bags. When they removed the cheese from the bags, the audience was surprised to find one bag had eight slices and the other had 12.
The stage time was an unexpected moment for Morris, but a fun experience for her and her family.
“It was really fun and entertaining, I didn’t think I would do it at first,” Morris said.
Burns has performed at over 500 college campuses across the country and enjoys family nights in particular.
“Family weekends are always fun because there’s more than just the students,” Burns said. “The students are at the point in the semester where they are just getting into their studies, it’s nice for them to get a break for a weekend – seeing a silly show with the family. I try to make it like a Pixar movie, everyone is laughing at different things.”
Burns ended the show by packing himself into his own suitcase and saying “Have a great life!” before squeezing back out and running off stage.
With some nicely timed sound effects and pockets full of confetti, Burns received laughter from the audience.
ACBU event planners expressed content with the show’s production.
“I’m proud of the turnout and all the audience engagement, people really seemed to enjoy it,” junior psychology and sociology double major Jada Henderson said.
