Alex Rabinowitz loves to laugh. The senior film major is a self-professed comedy fan.

‘I live in Long Island, so I’m always making trips into New York City to the Gotham Comedy Club, watching Comedy Central and going to shows here as well,’ he said.

Likewise, Rabinowitz is no stranger to two of Syracuse University’s comedy troupes: the improvisational group Zamboni Revolution and the sketch comedy crew Penguins Without Pants.

‘I’ve known about both groups since freshman year … I’m expecting it to be a fun show,’ Rabinowitz said. ‘Both groups like to experiment and push boundaries a bit.’

For the first time, the two groups will be performing a doubleheader Friday night at the Jabberwocky Café, located in the basement of the Schine Student Center. The event will allow students to enjoy each group’s unique brand of comedy.

They can also expect to be surprised.

‘Every Zamboni show is different, because every show is totally improvised,’ said Alex Schmidt, a member of Zamboni. ‘We take the suggestion of a single word, and then go for it. So this material is going to be new to you and to us.’

For those who enjoy sketch comedy, Penguins Without Pants has humor in spades.

‘The content is always new from show to show, semester to semester,’ said Derek O’Brien, a member of Penguins. ‘I am looking forward to all of the shows. I have a few favorite sketches, but I won’t give them away yet. You’ll have to come and see for yourself.’

Ashley Tabor and her roommate Karly Lyons are both planning to take the bus from South Campus to see the show. The pair has gone to Zamboni shows since they discovered them at a collaborative performance with the Warehouse Architecture Theater.

‘I’ve never gone [to a Zamboni show] and not had a good time,’ Tabor said. She is not as familiar with Penguins. ‘But we’ve heard good things about them, so we’re really excited.’

On the night before Valentine’s Day, some people might need a lift. Zamboni Revolution and Penguins Without Pants might just provide that.

‘Besides,’ Ashley said, ‘it’s good to laugh and have some fun.’

jmrive02@syr.edu

Published on February 12, 2009 at 12:00 pm