Nick Offerman performs at sold-out Comedy on the Plains

UPC hosted “Comedy on the Plains” on Tuesday, April 14, in the Student Activity Center.

The guest of honor was Nick Offerman, known for playing Ron Swanson on "Parks and Recreation."
Miranda Marty, UPC director of speakers and comedians and senior in political science, said the student body as well as the members of the community responded positively to the announcement of Offerman’s visit.
“With the selling out of all of the tickets within like the first 24 hours of the event, I would say that’s a pretty positive response,” Marty said. “I know so many of my friends were really excited about the event, so I would take that as a positive response.”
Marty said UPC looked at other speakers, such as Mindy Kaling, who turned out to be too expensive or unavailable.
However, she said Offerman was a perfect fit for the event.
According to Marty, booking Offerman went smoothly compared to some of the speakers UPC has had in the past.
“Fortunately for us it’s been easier than some other events because we contacted his agent and his agent got back to us in a timely manner and the dates worked out and he was in budget,” Marty said. “Everyone involved in the facilities booking part of this event were really great.”
Zach Getson, senior in psychology, said Offerman was the reference point as to what a “man” is.
“Nick Offerman is basically the quintessential man,” Getson said. “Lots of bacon and meat.”
William Burkett, sophomore in business administration, also said he was fond of Offerman’s manly nature.
“My favorite thing about him is the way he lives his life,” Burkett said. “He just doesn’t care. He’s a man’s man and I think that’s awesome.”
Burkett said he was hoping to see some of Offerman’s older material but was looking forward to new material as well.
“I’m hoping for him to talk about his Netflix thing where he did the Ten Life Steps, I think that would be funny,” Burkett said. “But I mean if he’s got new material that’s always good too.”
After the event, Zach Rock, sophomore in business, said he thought the event was funny and not what he expected.
“I was not expecting that amount of sexual content,” Rock said.
Many audience members said they enjoyed when Offerman sang “Bye Bye Lil’ Sebastian,” a song featured on Parks and Recreation.
Marty said she also thought this was the best part of the event.
“I loved the ending,” Marty said. “I just loved that it was such a crowd please and he kind of stepped back into his Ron Swanson role which is something he didn’t do throughout the show.”
According to Marty, the event was a success and exceeded her expectations.
“I knew his style of comedy so it was everything that I was expecting and more,” Marty said. “I was happy with the crowd turnout and the overall crowd response. I think it was a successful event.”