BU’s ‘SNL’ parody embraces creative spontaneity

“What was funny is when we were doing the cast read and went through it, there were at least two or three people who said, ‘This is me,’” Muha said. “Again, the best comedy is the most real.” When it comes to how BNL 14 stands among past shows, Strier touched on how the group merged theatre with reality.

“It’s a very grounded BNL,” Strier said. “There are some sketches that are more fantastical, but overall, many are entrenched in reality and everyday situations that are then escalated with something new and special.”

Creative spontaneity occurred throughout the show, as Muha recalled how Jessica Knaster, actress in BNL 14 and a freshman majoring in psychology, incorporated improv in “Untimely Birthday,” when a kid’s party is ruined by the revelation that Santa isn’t real.

“She asked us and was like, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if we were Jewish and didn’t believe in Santa Claus?’ And we kept building on that every time we ran the sketch,” Muha said. “More so than other BNLs, there’s a lot of background talking in this one, and a lot of opportunities for people to really just add their own flair and I think everyone killed it.”

While comedy comes from talent and experience, the show wouldn’t have been possible without the time and commitment set aside by everyone involved.

Rachel Pasternack, stage manager of BNL 14 and a freshman majoring in history, recalled what rehearsals demanded of the cast and crew.

“It’s a whole six-week process from choosing the directors to putting on the show,” Pasternack said.

“Rehearsals were Monday through Thursday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., then tech week was this week from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.”

Needless to say, the hilarious and relatable production was telling of the hard work that was put into the show. From table reads to premiere night, an environment full of passionate students-turnedcomedians is bound to elicit a sense of camaraderie.

To Muha, that is exactly what HPC has become.

“To some it might sound silly, like, ‘Oh, it’s just a tiny college theatre group,’ but the idea of being part of this legacy is so incredible to me,” Muha said. “I love [HPC], I love this community, and I truly feel like these people are a family for me here on campus. We only have known each other for a month, and for the by sake of sounding like Vin Diesel — we ain’t friends, we’re family here.”