Lavell Crawford, a rising comedian after placing second in NBC’s television show Last Comic Standing, came to Wabash Saturday as entertainment in the evening for Family Day. Lavell Crawford walked to stage laughing and left the stage leaving the crowd laughing as well.
“It was a good crowd, they had a good time, as long as they were laughing,” Crawford said.
Freshman Ian Bonhotal loved the comedy Lavell had to offer, “The comedian was over the top, racy, and just plain funny.” Bonhotal’s only concern is if the administration liked it as well. “I think he did an excellent job, but I’m worried that some of his content may keep him from being invited again.”
Crawford’s comedy was not only about him though; he brought laughs about Wabash and people in the crowd. Crawford engaged the audience poking fun about the all men school situation. He made his comedy personal by talking to people in the audience and taking his comedy from what they said. The only question seemed to be was if Crawford was worth the $15,000 the SCAC had spent to bring him to Wabash for an hour and a half. Director of Student Activties Steve House thinks Crawford was the perfect choice for the night and well worth the money.
“Lavell was our choice because he is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after comics on the college circuit.” House said. “He was runner-up last year to Jon Reep in Last Comic Standing.”
House also talked about the bargain of contracting Crawford to come because the cost of the show was actually cheaper than a few years ago when Louis Black performed at the College. Black was $29,000 and the SCAC took in $230 at the door, whereas Lavell cost $15,000 and $330 was taken in at the door. House reiterated that the Student Senate, where the SCAC derives is budget, is actually saving money this fall to present a larger National Act in the spring.
House said he wasn’t sure what students would want in the way of a comedian for a National Act. House said comedians, like everything else, do not work cheap. Larry The Cable Guy is now in the $200,000 range, but House joked that Don Rickles might be available. However, students seemed to agree that Crawford was a good deal for a comedian.
“I loved Lavell Crawford!” Jake Moore ’12 said. “He definitely was worth the $15,000. Lavell knew how to push the edge, and when he did go a little too far he was always apologetic making him a great comedian.”
Sophomore Drew Palmer also praised Crawford’s comedic antics even expressing that more money could have been spent, “He was edgy, funny, and well worth the $15,000,” Palmer said. “I think a proper stage would have been beneficial if more money could be spent and a comedian of his standing deserved a better stage than in a basketball court.”
Bonhotal, on the other hand, felt that both the money and the stage set-up were not a problem at all.
“He was well worth the money, much more so than Lifehouse appears to be,” Bonhotal said. “An hour and a half of hysterics [is better than] a couple of hours of mild boredom as I sway to songs I’ve never heard; and at less than a fifth of the price!”
Crawford continued his joking on Wabash when he gave his opinion of the College.
“The school is nice, it’s clean… but at an all guys school you ain’t getting to look at any of the co-eds, but it was cool, I can’t complain. The real question is how do you all like it here, because I’m leaving and you all will still be here?”
Crawford smiled when he explained that he chose to come to such a small all men school because it was spotlight entertainment with pay. He said that there were a lot of pluses for him to come perform here, so he did. Crawford said the best thing about being a standup comic is making people laugh and that is what really matters to him.
“When people come up to show, have a good time, and you know you gave them a relief it’s always a plus to me,” Crawford said.