Mask and Wig is a group that really needs no introduction. Their clever mix of intelligent wit and college humor has made them legendary both on campus and beyond for over a century. Birth of a Notion: Karl Seconds that Emotion, the group's 117th annual production, tells the story of a man who dares to start his own country. Somehow, the guys managed to take the slightly exhausted subject of politics and make it fun, original and, of course, completely hysterical. If you can hear above the screaming sorority girls sitting in the row behind you, you'll realize that the writing staff, led by college senior Gary Lundy, created an impressive, well-written piece this year. The dancing is also excellent, especially considering that most of the guys on stage are wearing heels.
Catch a cab to the clubhouse early if you've never been there before; it isn't exactly the easiest place to find. Once you're in, however, you can wait in their famous bar, the Grille Room, and have a quick drink while checking out the caricatures of members that decorate the walls. Tickets are sold at the door, but since some of their February shows are already sold out, buying them on the walk or internet is your best bet.
The best part of the evening comes after the show, when the entire audience is invited back to the Grille Room for drinks. The cast puts on a floorshow of their best skits right at the bar, a favorite tradition of true Mask and Wig fans. After the floorshow, the entire cast, clad in ultra-sexy tuxedos, mingles at the bar. It's a great time to finally talk to that senior you've been stalking ever since Freshman Performing Arts Night or to tell that cute guy by the fireplace that you thought he looked really hot dressed as a schoolgirl. Either way, an evening with Mask and Wig promises to be one of the best of the semester. So take a break from your usual frat routine this weekend (it's too icy to walk around in heels anyway) and head downtown. All the cool kids are doing it.
