Weekdays are ordinary no more. On March 25 at 8p.m., stand-up comedian Pablo Francisco will headline at PBK Hall, showcasing his improvisational skills for the Williamsburg community. UCAB sponsors the renowned imitation artist’s maiden visit to the College.
Although the event falls on a rather unorthodox night, UCAB is nevertheless enthusiastic about the arrival of such a large name to the campus.
“I am actually really excited about having a major comedian coming on a Tuesday,” said Dawson Lindauere (’10), member of UCAB’s comedy committee. “It will make that Tuesday ten times more bearable.”
Lindauere is not alone. Francisco, recognized most prominently for his numerous impressions - such as his popular parody of the Spanish soap operas on Telemundo - brings a much-anticipated pause to the monotony of the midweek, pre-finals routine.
“I’ve watched him on TV for two years, but I’ve never seen him live. I’m so excited!” said Hebba Youssef (‘11).
A few of Francisco’s more popular vocal impressions include Arnold Schwarzenegger and Keanu Reeves as well as more blanketed characters. Francisco also excels at sound effects and has a knack for beat-boxing.
According to Francisco’s website, the College can expect “vividly funny living pictures that focus on family and relationships” from the comedian. The audience, furthermore, can expect brand new material from Francisco who thrives “on the unpredictability of stand-up comedy” and continually updates his act.
Born in Tucson, Arizona, Francisco explored comedy at a young age, and by age 17, he performed in his first legitimate mic night. From that moment, he gradually ascended to international fame, gaining wide acclaim for his shows overseas.
In America, however, Francisco’s wide recognition stems from his numerous television appearances, including his status as a featured cast member on Fox’s MADtv. In 2000, he received his own half-hour comedy special on Comedy Central Presents, which gained him wide acclaim and secured him a spot on “The Three Amigos” tour with Carlos Mencia and Freddy Soto.
More recently, Francisco made several guest appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” as well as playing the widely successful persona of the “Movie Guy” on Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia. He also appeared on VH1’s “ILL-ustrated,” Comedy Central’s “Short Attention Span Theater,” Showtime’s “Full Frontal Comedy,” TBS’s “Frank TV” and Fox’s “Family Guy.”
Francisco delivered stand-up to several comedy festivals, including the Montreal Comedy Festival. He received a nomination for Comedian of the Year from the American Comedy Awards. He also recurrently hosts Latino Laugh Festival: The Show.
Currently Francisco is touring the country with the College as just one stop on his list. At his present home in California, his most popular venue is The Improv, where he shot his 2004 “Bits and Pieces” DVD.
According to Lindauere, UCAB’s comedy committee selected Francisco as one of the top picks for the year. Fortunately, Francisco’s schedule worked with the College’s and his price fit within the budget.
For students, faculty and staff, tickets to the event cost $10 in advance sales and $12 at the door. The general public must pay $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased in person at PBK’s box office or online at www.wm.edu/boxoffice.
For more information on Francisco and his career, visit his website at www.pablofrancisco.com. For more information on this event, or future UCAB events, visit www.wm.edu/ucab.