L.A. Comic, Campus Acts Featured During UMPI Variety Show

It's going to be a night of laughs and a whole bunch of talent as the University of Maine at Presque Isle will present its First Annual Variety Show on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. in the Auditorium in Wieden Hall.

The Variety Show will feature acts by students, faculty, and staff, and will be hosted by Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, actor, and voice actor Justin Rupple.

Rupple's impressions have been featured on the USA Network show First Impressions with Dana Carvey.  He also starred alongside Liam Neeson in the movie "Operation Chromite," as well as voicing the character Tuffnut in the movie "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World."

The Variety Show will also feature 10 acts with a wide range of talents including singing, dancing, yo-yo tricks, slam poetry and more.

The Variety Show will have four judges representing faculty, staff, students and alumni who will pick most original and best overall acts. Those in attendance will pick the audience choice act.

Popcorn and candy concessions at the show will be provided by the UMPI Business Club as a fundraiser. UMPI’s Student Activities Office is also raffling off a "Best Seat in the House" package and an UMPI inspired gift basket.

Violet Washburn, UMPI Coordinator of Campus Engagement, said this is a show you don’t want to miss. “We’re so excited to bring this new event to the area and to offer up an evening with so many different types of entertainment woven in. This is truly a family affair and we encourage everyone to come on out and enjoy the show!”

The event is free and open to the public.