ComedyCity to host 28-Hour Marathon

It's back again this year. ComedyCity is doing its 28-Hour Marathon at the Sports Corner in De Pere March 26. It dedicates its time and talent during the marathon to acknowledge children's cancer charities in the Green Bay area. This year the proceeds will go to Families of Children with Caner and the Angel Fund. ComedyCity has been locally entertaining for more than 20 years with its unique brand of family-friendly improvisational comedy. "Our goal for last year was $4,000, and we beat that," said Ken Goltz, a ComedyCity player. "This year we are shooting for $5,000." In the past four years working with these charities, more than $16,000 was raised to help patients and families affected by cancer. "It's become a great way for us to give a little back to the community and make some people laugh at the same time," said Gary Radke, a ComedyCity player and sponsor coordinator. Items such as autographed Packer memorabilia, hotel stays, golf outings, a camping trip, sports tickets and Comedy Central DVDs will be auctioned off. "We usually end up with 35 to 40 raffle items," Goltz said. "It's really a cool selection of stuff." Along with the raffle items and pledges, donating sponsors get advertisements too. Depending on how much a company donates, depends on how frequent they are advertised during the performances. Some audience members stay overnight, and a few motivated players perform the entire 28 hours. "As you can imagine, it's very tough to do," Radke said. "Most of the players end up putting in four to 12 hours. I remember trying to do a TV interview one year after being awake for 20 plus hours - That didn't go well." The players are usually spotted drinking coffee or other caffeinated drinks to keep themselves awake and active. The entire show is based on audience suggestions, which are shouted out when the referee asks for participation. A suggestion is used as the theme of a particular game. This often produces fresh material. "There are a couple of different games and formats that we will try during the night hours that we will actually only do during the marathon," Goltz said. "For example, we will bring a couch on stage and use it for a couple of games or do something with local celebrities." This year Channel 5 WFRV's Tom Mahoney and Justin Steinbrink are making special appearances going up against one other as improv weathermen. "The audience gives us a lot of energy and we also try to energize one another," said John Egan, a member of ComedyCity and a UWGB alumus. Radke said, "Pacing yourself is also key. A good rule of thumb I use is if I'm hallucinating, it's probably time for a nap." The event will be starting at 7:30 p.m. March 26 and running for 28 hours. The event would end at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27. The marathon will be at the Sports Corner bar, which is located at 500 Grant St. in De Pere. The regularly scheduled shows will take place at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission for the scheduled shows is $10 for adults and $8 for students. The rest of the marathon is free, but they encourage donations. For more information on the 28-Hour Marathon, visit www.comedycityonline.com/marathon.