'Reflex'-ions On A Gaggle Of Gaggers
by Christine Giovannelli  (NIU Northern Star)

The gagging reflex is an involuntary wretching or choking response to 
a given stimulus. Comedy group Gag Reflex, which performs every 
Thursday at the Kane County Events and Cultural Center, would 
rather one not choke during its show; although the members would 
probably administer the Heimlich Maneuver if necessary.

Instead, they would prefer one use the definition of gag according 
to Webster: "to tell jokes or make amusing remarks." In that 
instance, it seems the group's name, Gag Reflex, refers to the 
involuntary need to tell jokes.

Gag Reflex performs original sketch comedy. The exact definition 
is sketchy, excuse the bad pun, but it appears similar in style 
to "Saturday Night Live."  In fact, in closing they sang "Oh Lord 
won't you put us on Saturday Night Live." In addition to the 
sketches they also perform comedic songs. A particularly amusing 
song was about "mourning people."

The group members are founder/director Dale Roe, Steve Lord, 
Millie Collins, Eric Schwartz, Maureen Gannon, Kris Keef and a 
mysterious seventh member. (The seventh member remains nameless 
because I was told there were seven members, but I only saw 
six perform and was only given only six names.)

The show was extremely funny. Roe and Schwartz could say anything 
and it would sound absolutely hilarious. It is debatable whether 
or not this is a result of the jokes or their talent in delivery. 
As a whole, the writing was clever and creative, geared toward a 
mature audience, but not crass. In fact, oftentimes during the 
performance, the skit was better than those seen on "Saturday 
Night Live."

Unfortunately, the center where they are located is less than 
ideal. Seeing the group at a comedy club would have been preferable. 
And the price tag, $12, seems a bit high for an event located 
in a "cultural center." But if money is no problem and the 
drive isn't a bother, Gag Reflex is worth seeing.

However, since most of us are poor and don't have 40 minutes 
to drive to the center, I would like to have them come to DeKalb 
to perform for NIU at Diversions Lounge.