A Closer Look at WiSUC: Comic Mark Kump

Once upon a time, there was a free comedy show this past Tuesday. It was called "Comedy Hour at the High Noon." In parallel universes and in a reoccurring dream I had when I was seven, it was well-attended.

In this reality, though, the second installment of WiSUC sought to gain momentum for the Project, even with just half the crowd of the Premier Showcase Night two weeks earlier. Now, as I book shows for the Project, the only thing I truly want from the performers is for them to show up sort of on time. However, punctual and hilarious, on June 7 those members of WiSUC more than fulfilled their obligation.

Solid performances from Brett Voss and Fletch started off the show. Then, the newest member of WiSUC, Aaron Quinn, debuted at the High Noon with an intelligent an seasoned set. Chris Woldt and Dan Krieg closed the show and pleased the crowd with their always funny, thought-provoking material.

A gem stood out, and I'm not just playing favorites because I'm a big fan of the movie Deliverance. Comedian Mark Kump took the stage for a mere four minutes, but if you ask anyone in the audience, it was his performance that caught the most attention. Armed with just a pair of spoons and a John Deere baseball cap, as "Dueling Banjos" blared over the sound system, Kump went at his own rendition of the song. In case you were wondering, he played the guitar part. Except without the guitar.

If you had seen it, you would have laughed the entire time. Humor coming from no actual jokes, no one-liners, nothing but some music and a comic with quite the knack for physical comedy? Audience member Lacy Kielman was astounded. "It was brilliant. I've never seen anything like it." But you didn't see it, did you?

It's that kind of wit for which Kump is known. Handling people with what could be called "jerk gloves," he's proven to be the mad scientist of the local comedy scene. The WiSUC Project currently gets together to work on their sketch comedy ideas, and many of the members have much experience writing together.

Collaborating on shows for the formal revival of the Arc Improv group or on personal projects, the members of WiSUC all echo the same thing about Kump's talent. Fellow WiSUCer KeaLynn Kees put it simply. "The thing is—Mark's a genius. You never know that he's going to come up with next." Woldt, who performs with the Project and with Kump regularly, comments on his colleague's energy as well. "He has this amazing ability to write ten sketches in an hour's time."

Whether it's his unique sense of physical humor, his incisive stage personality, or vanward talent for writing and performing, Kump proves to be an asset in the Madison comedy community. A regular at the Comedy Club on State and at venues across Wisconsin, his presence inspires and amuses not only the audiences, but also his fellow comics.

As an organizer of the project, make sure to visit the WiSUC Project website for updates on the performances. This coming Tuesday, June 14 is the next FREE Comedy Hour at the High Noon, starting at 7:00p.m. sharp. It would be a shame to miss out again on the comedy shows happening around town, especially with acts like these in the lineup.