Adam Ray, known best as the sizzling drug dealer LeSoire in the comedy “The Heat,” came to UW promising comedic impersonations and jokes…and he definitely delivered.
His act had every student in attendance laughing during almost all of its segments.
Ray opened his show with a demonstration of his research on UW, which included poking fun at “Petie’s Pasture” and chanting “Go Steamboats.”
His impersonations of girls received the best audience reaction, along with his jokes about alcohol and marijuana use. It wasn’t an event to bring the kids or younger siblings to, but it hit the mark with the college students present.
He had a way of connecting with his young audience, which is exactly why the Student Activities Council invited him to the campus.
Maddy Graham, a SAC representative, said they found Ray through his Theatrical and Lit Agency, APA and recognized him from his appearance in “The Heat.” He was known for being well-liked by college-age people.
He talked about a wide range of topics that are applicable to most students’ lives and listened to his audience to decide when to elaborate on jokes and when to switch topics.
Ray covered everything in the college experience from horoscopes and relationships to petroleum engineering and the Super Bowl.
Ray explained that he connects well with college crowds because he isn’t totally grown up himself – but he doesn’t cater his act to any age-group in particular.
“I trust myself to be funny with anyone,” Ray said.
He uses audience involvement to be able to cater to a wide variety of audiences.
The most appealing part of his performance was his engagement with the audience. He talked with many different audience members, including Sutton Willice and Connor Liljesteron.
“I liked that he engaged with the audience,” said Willace. “It made it different and fun.”
Another impressive part of Ray’s performance happened after his act was over. He stayed outside the Union Ballroom handing out free CDs and talking with students. He took pictures with anyone who wanted pictures and had genuine conversations with the people who stayed after that wanted to meet him.
It was refreshing to see someone who has been so successful with his career talking to students and giving advice without sounding pretentious or patronizing. His interaction with the students was genuine and he was a cool person for them to meet.
Ray is a comedian out of Los Angeles who has guest starred in shows such as “Workaholics,” “Two Broke Girls” and has written for MTV’s “Punk’d” He also has his own standup which was featured on the Comedy Central show’ “Adam Devine’s House Party.”
