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[ Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006 ]

Comedian brings advice to PSU

Collegian Staff Writer

Who knew that one little phrase could liberate thousands of people from their dating woes?

Stand-up comedian Greg Behrendt, also co-author of He's Just Not That Into You, has done just that and will be performing at the HUB-Robeson Center tomorrow night.

Behrendt, who has many projects in the works, is flying to State College for the performance and is bringing his friend and fellow comedian, Dave Anthony, to open for him.

John Harlow, Late Night Penn State coordinator, said students should come to the HUB early because comedy shows fill up fast.

"His star is definitely rising," Harlow said. "We're catching him at a good time, and we were really lucky to get him."

If you go:
What:
Greg Behrendt with Dave Anthony
When:
10 p.m. tomorrow
Where: HUB Alumni Hall
Details: Cost is free with University Park ID; Students can bring one guest and non students are welcome to attend if there's space after PSU students are admitted

Although he might not be widely known for his stand-up routines, Behrendt's book has certainly had an effect on students.

"My friends and I affectionately refer to it as 'The Dating Bible,' because it completely changed our outlook on dating and made us realize that guys really aren't as complicated as we make them out to be," Lauren Buttery (freshman-information sciences and technology) said. "The answer to all the so-called 'confusing situations' is simple: He's just not that into you. It's such a liberating feeling to have that knowledge and be able to move on with your life."

Besides performing stand-up since he was in his early 20s, Behrendt found success with sharing his male perspective as a consultant for three seasons of Sex and the City and his debut book. Behrendt and his wife Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt co-wrote a follow-up book, It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken: The Smart Girl's Breakup Buddy -- another best seller last September. The duo has written another book, It's Just a Freakin' Date, due out in September of this year.

Luckily for Behrendt's fans, the advice doesn't stop there. He will be hitting the small and big screen with a daytime talk show that has already been picked up by 87 percent of the country and a screenplay for the movie version of He's Just Not That Into You for New Line Cinema.

Although the format is still being worked out for his show, it's said to be along the same lines as his books, with him giving advice. He is also shooting a pilot for a reality show for ABC, his publicist, Stacey Pokluda, said.

"It's kind of a nanny-for-relationships reality show," Pokluda said. "He goes and talks to different couples in their homes."

Despite his busy schedule, Behrendt still makes time to get back to his stand-up roots. He released his debut DVD, Greg Behrendt is Uncool, last November, a follow-up to his comedy CD, Uncool.

"Obviously, he'll be busy, but he still enjoys doing stand-up, and even Jay Leno still makes time [for Behrendt] to perform," Pokluda said.

Behrendt was Late Night's first choice to perform last fall, but tapings for different talk shows prevented him from coming, Harlow said.

After receiving a large grant from attorney Edgar Snyder and his wife Sandy, Late Night was able to host more prominent acts, including comedians Jim Breuer and Colin Quinn.

The University Park Allocation Committee also increased its funding so Late Night could host a large event every semester, Harlow said.

"The goal was to draw people who don't usually come to Late Night's regular events, but comedy seems to work really well for the big events we do," he said. "Comedy doesn't have the restrictions and limitations like music has."

Harlow mentioned past unknown musical acts that didn't draw a crowd and those that backed out or raised their asking price.

"We get suggestions for bands and comedians on a daily basis," Harlow said. "When students suggest something, we definitely listen. We really depend on student feedback."


 

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Updated: Wednesday, February 01, 2006  8:32:17 PM  -4
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Created: Wednesday, May 07, 2008  6:55:40 PM  -4