One-man show brings humor to growing up

Students will be able to see a one-man show put on by an actor from Los Angeles Nov. 19 and 21.Jay Sefton will be making his way from California to put on his comedic one-man show, "The Most Mediocre Story Never Told," about growing up in Philadelphia and the struggles he has faced as an adult.

Communications professor Dawn Carusi, who was Sefton's college roommate, asked him to bring his show here after she saw it and thought it would resonate with students.

"There is a theme about breaking away from who you were growing up and who you want to be," Carusi said.

Along with that theme that may reach current students, there is also a theme that may connect with recent graduates: doing what you are passionate about versus doing what will pay the bills.

In his show, Sefton often struggles with the fact that, despite having this show that has been performed in L.A. and New York, he still has to be a waiter to keep his bills paid.

"It has such a good message for college students," Carusi said.
Along with these messages about life, the show also focuses on Sefton's experiences growing up in Philadelphia. Carusi thought since Marietta has a lot of east coast students, it might resonate with them as well.

"He is an incredibly open and kind person and hopes to be of value," Carusi said.

There will be two different opportunities to see the show that will play in the Hermann Fine Arts Center. Performances will be Thursday, Nov. 19 at 8:30 p.m. followed by a question and answer session and desserts, and Saturday Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. There is no cost to see the show.

Sefton will also be visiting classes to discuss the show. He will be working with some theater classes as well as communications and media students. He will be in Marietta from Nov. 17 through Thanksgiving. If anyone is interested in having Sefton speak in his or her class, contact Carusi at carusid@marietta.edu.

Sefton's performance is sponsored by Student Activities, The Pedagogy Committee, the Department of Communications and Media Studies and the Theater Department.