Hollywood, be warned. Comedian Kathy Griffin will mock celebrities of all kind when she performs on campus on Friday night.

Griffin will perform in Goldstein Auditorium at 8 p.m. as a part of the homecoming festivities. Her performance is sponsored by Pride Union, with co-sponsors University Union Comedy, Zamboni Revolution, S.A.M.E. and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Last semester, Pride Union decided to try and bring Griffin to campus. They applied for funding, found co-sponsors for the performance and secured Griffin as a performer.

‘She really likes doing college performances,’ said Jennifer Spinner, president of Pride Union.

Pride Union is very excited to host Griffin’s performance due to her immense support for the gay community, said George Northy, Pride Union vice president.

‘She always talks about how gay people are a part of her life,’ Northy said. ‘She says that all of her friends are gay.’

In her act, Griffin portrays gay people as fun people to hang out with and an important part of her life, Spinner said.

‘It is rare that you see a celebrity risk criticism by standing up for a group she isn’t a part of,’ Spinner said. ‘She is a great straight ally to the gay community.’

In her act, Griffen makes fun of celebrities, Hollywood and entertainment culture. She especially makes fun of celebrities with huge gay followings, such as Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, Northy said.

‘She does a great job of skewering pop culture, which is her main shtick,’ said Laura Garrison, director of UU Comedy and a member of Zamboni Revolution.

While Griffin has a large gay following, she can appeal to anyone, said both Spinner and Northy.

‘Many people aren’t familiar with Griffin and simply think of her as the annoying redhead from ‘Suddenly Susan,” Northy said. ‘She is actually one of the best stand-up acts out there today.’

Her act is made up of funny stories about her life rather than simply jokes, Northy said.

‘She makes fun of other people, but she is also not afraid to make fun of herself,’ Spinner said.

Griffin is the first female comedian to come to campus in a long time, Garrison said.

‘It’s great to be able to show that there are good female comedians,’ she added.

‘(After the events of ‘Over the Hill,’) it is the perfect time to have someone come to campus who is aware of communities that are oppressed and stands up for them,’ Spinner said. ‘She knows the line between satire and what is offensive.’

IF YOU GO:

What: Kathy Griffin

When: Tonight at 8

Where: Goldstein Auditorium

Cost: $4 with SUID, $10 for general public at Schine Box Office

Published on November 9, 2005 at 12:00 pm