Comedian pokes fun at addiction, gives free show to students Feb. 10
February 8, 2010
Alcohol and drug abuse is no laughing matter. But a one-man show by comedian Mark Lundholm offers University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students a humorous look at addiction through his personal experience.
Lundholm will present "Addicted: A Comedy of Substance" to the campus community at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the Young Auditorium. The event is free to UW-Whitewater students. Those who attend can participate in a drawing to win two iPod Nanos.
"Addicted" details Lundholm’s struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, and his road to recovery.
Lundholm has a good story to tell and will do it in a way that will keep students' attention, said Montine Pauers, coordinator of UW-Whitewater's Employee Assistance Program and Student Assistance Program. "A lot of people respond to comedy," she said. "Marrying comedy with something so serious will hopefully help students realize their behavior isn't shameful."
Pauers said the fact that Lundholm's story isn't all that different from others' should resonate with students. "Bottom line, he's human," she said.
Leslie LaMuro, Young Auditorium marketing director, said Lundholm is a talented and energetic entertainer whose sense of humor will hopefully spark an open and honest campus discussion about addiction and substance abuse.
"Addicted" has received rave reviews from the Post, the New York Times and the Associated Press, and was one of the most highly recommended off-Broadway shows in New York City by The Wall Street Journal's Zagat Theatre Survey.
Lundholm has also starred in his own Showtime special, appeared on Comedy Central and recently performed nationwide in the Comedy Addiction Tour.
Earlier on Wednesday, Lundholm will give campus workshops to university faculty and staff members in the Division of Student Affairs and to UW-Whitewater students.
Lundholm's visit is sponsored in part by the Chancellor's Office, University Health and Counseling Services, Division of Student Affairs, the James R. Connor University Center and the Cultural Affairs Committee.
"Addicted: A Comedy of Substance" is also open to the public. Tickets can be purchased for $28, $24 and $19 by calling 262-472-2222 or online at tickets.uww.edu.