On Sept. 12th, Rowan After Hours (RAH) and Student University Programmers (SUP) hosted the Fall Comedy Show with headliner comedian Marcello Hernandez.  Hernandez is widely known for his comedy on Saturday Night Live. Students, alumni, and guests filled the entire Pfleeger Concert Hall as they laughed the night away with the entertainment of comedy. 

Tait Winston was the first opening act. Winston, who is a New York-based comedian, entertained the audience by bringing a Wawa cup on stage and stating that it was his first time in South Jersey. He entertained the audience by talking about his past performing experiences, speaking in different accents, and engaging with the audience. He asked an audience member what the worst frat on campus is and the majority of individuals said “Pike” and he replied by calling the people involved in the fraternity “heathens.”  

The next performer was comedian Petey De’Abreu, a native of the Bronx. He entertained the audience with various jokes. 

“Fall is the greatest season cause it’s the only season with an alias. My name is Fall but you can call me Autumn,” said De’Abreu. 

Following De’Abreu’s closing jokes, the audience shouted as Hernandez walked on stage. Hernandez, who walked in wearing a brown Rowan jersey and sunglasses, entertained the crowd with various jokes and flashback moments he had that inspired his material. Hernandez, who is of Cuban descent, joked about being of Cuban descent and having immigrant parents.  He also compared his way of life to the sitcom Full House. 

“It’s Full House, most people have their own room, or share. If it was a latino, or black household, it would’ve just been called House,” said Hernandez. 

He also joked about for the first time living away from his hometown of Miami. He said he lived “abroad” in the state of Ohio. Explaining that it was a different environment and not to what he was used to. 

“I thought the event was fun! High energy and funny. Marcello was a great pick for the comedy show this year,” said Freshman Music Education Major, Jonah Phillips 

 As the act went on Hernandez told the audience that it would be great to ask questions. One student asked “What is your favorite color?” or “Boxers or Briefs?” Student Min Hwang asked if he could have the jersey he was wearing. 

“Maybe yes but I think you need to have a talent or something. Do you have a hidden talent?”  Hernandez asked. 

Hwang, who is a freshman majoring in Music Education replied that he can sing, and went on stage and sang “In Case You Don’t Live Forever” by Ben Platt.

“Sometimes your greatest memories come from the times when you’re at your most vulnerable. I was shaking in my Crocs about to throw up on stage in front of hundreds of people. But when Marcello Hernandez asks you to sing, you sing. At least I got his jersey,” Hwang said.

Hernandez concluded the show with his fellow opening act comedians on stage. He then proceeded to record himself making an Instagram story. Giving Rowan University a shoutout. Following that he threw a Rowan jersey into the crowd. 

“The Fall Comedy Show was amazing & everything we could have hoped for. Each year the student teams from the Student University Programmers and Rowan After Hours work hard to try and find someone we believe will provide a funny, engaging, and memorable experience for our community and Marcello Hernandez did just that,” said Assistant Director and Marketing & Student Programs Advisor Melissa Ulmer. “Even though we had to pivot this year and reimagine the space and layout of this annual tradition, we were still so proud to sell out and have a smooth night. Overall the night ran very smoothly, was filled with laughter, and we’re already looking forward to planning again for next year.”

For comments/questions about this story DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email arts@thewhitonline.com