This spring’s 1212 play brings a taste of Saturday Night Live comedy to campus. Wicked Sketchy is an original production made up of 15 sketches, written and performed by students. Jake Daniels (II), Daisy Walker (I) and Jack Urquhart (I) took on lead writing roles in this collaborative project. Students pitched ideas to each other and wrote draft skits in small groups, eventually choosing the final 15, which each student had a hand in editing. Director and performing arts faculty member Peter Parisi enlisted the help of an ImprovBoston actor, who worked with students on the “hows” of writing comedy and the art of comedic timing.
The tradition of Milton’s 1212 Plays began over 30 years ago in room 1212 of Warren Hall. The performances evolved from play readings to fully staged productions under the direction of late faculty member Nina Seidenman. When Warren Hall was renovated, and room 1212 became an English classroom, the productions relocated to Wigg Hall. The space may have changed, but the philosophy is the same: intimate productions with small casts, minimal technical demands, and challenging material for both actors and audience.
Performances of Wicked Sketchy begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2, and at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
