Heeeeeeere’s Johnny!

 

I remember visiting my Aunt Connie in Kansas as a child. She was a night owl and I’d spend summer vacations in her waterbed watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson every night. Well, at least the first five minutes. After all, I was 8 and it was late! But I knew when I got older I’d lounge in bed just like my beloved aunt watching late night shows for longer than five minutes while the rest of the house slept. 

 

I had no clue that I’d be even more tired as an adult, rarely staying up long enough to enjoy the magic of late night tv. Except for that year my first child had her days and nights mixed up and my “mornings” were Carson, Letterman, Midnight Caller, The Star-Spangled Banner, and snow on the tv. 

 

Friday night, though, I had the opportunity to experience late night a little earlier! The 6 PM sketch comedy show at Lagniappe Theatre was the end-of-camp performance for over two dozen 12-18 year olds who’d participated in a week of hilarious sketches, improv, Who’s Line Is It Anyway-style games, singing, dancing, and tons of laughter! 

 

I loved Bluey’s Emo Teenage Years, The Tay-gency, My Days of Popcorn Popping, Digging a Hole in Alabama, Mickey Mouse Needs Insurance, Awkward Conversations with My Parents, Why Were You Late For Work, and the Dating Game. 

 

My absolute favorite sketch, Dance Moms, was written by student Angel-Lena Wade. A wheelchair-bound Abby Lee Miller revealed her famous pyramid after we were introduced to Maddie, Mackenzie, Nia, Chloe, Jojo, and their mothers in a hilarious spoof reminiscent of the many Lifetime episodes. 

 

The cast was creative, intelligent, and funny as they worked together for a night filled with laughter and fun. 

 

Lagniappe will host one more summer camp, Lion King Kids, for students ages 7-18. The camp will be held Mon – Fri, July 29 – August 2 from 1-5 PM at the Lagniappe Theatre Event Center, 7521 Coliseum Blvd. Alexandria. Performances will be held August 2-4. Visit https://www.lagniappetheatre.com/ for more information.