Naleighna Kai's Literary Cafe Magazine NKLC Summer Edition | Page 25

I

should start this by saying I love the writer , comedian , and actor Michael Che . And yes , there is a big “ but ” coming . Take this journey with me so that I can explain .
Che ’ s story of transitioning from a writer / comedian to the first black co-anchor of Saturday Night Live Weekend update fuels the possibilities of my future . Any day , the producer of SNL , Lorne Michaels , can call me up to the big leagues and I ’ ll be ready . Because it ’ s possible . And I know it ’ s possible because of Michael Che .
I record Saturday Night Live for one purpose only , and that ’ s to watch Weekend Update . If the rest of the show is great , that ’ s a bonus . However , I know that at some point during Weekend Update there will be a moment of intelligent satire that makes me both think and laugh out loud . Michael Che is so adorable when he ’ s trying not to laugh at his own jokes that he purses his lips so tight he can barely get the words out .
BUT
I purchased tickets to see him at Thalia Hall in Chicago . The first show sold out , and I purchased tickets to the second show . Sigh . SMH . WTF . All of that . Thalia Hall is a theater in the heart of Pilsen . It ’ s a public hall that draws an eclectic , artistic , and diverse crowd to see a varying array of talented performers .
As Grandma would say , it was there that Michael Che succumbed to the alcohol demon . As reported by friends that went to the first show , the drinking started there . The audience bought him shots . So by the time he appeared on the stage at the second show , you could tell that he did not have full control of his faculties . Meaning , he was at least two sheets to the wind working on three .
He mentioned his plan of trying new material . However , I don ’ t believe the new material made it through the alcohol haze . It concentrated mostly on a couple he picked out in the audience and their relationship . Let ’ s put it this way . The day after , the hashtag he selected for the show : # longpussy .
Now , I like blue comedy as much as the next man . However , Michael Che ’ s brand isn ’ t d * ck jokes . I paid for Michael Che . Smart satire . To be fair , the audience enjoyed it . I even laughed at parts because his natural , effortless humor tickled my funny bone .
However , by the end , as the audience treated the show like a frat party where they overserved the unsuspecting freshman that ’ s just trying to fit in , my ire raised .
My consolation prize ? Everyone tells me to view his amazing Netflix show . I already pay for Netflix . So I could have seen a better show and saved my money . Good to know . I would recommend seeing Michael Che again if he played at the Chicago Theater , United Center or any venue that has security that tackles patrons that try to slip drinks to the talent .
However , if you want to spend an hour listening to Michael Che tell d * ck jokes . Buy a ticket the next time he ’ s at Thalia Hall and buy him a shot .
Trust me ; he ’ s up for it .
Naleighna Kai Literary Cafe Magazine July / August 2017 25