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R.A.T.urday Night Fever!
They’re back for another helping of dirty fun to offend yo’ mama! Opening at The Empty Space on May 23rd!

By Matt Christensen writing as Greg O. Davidson, Bakotopia.com contributor

Controversy has always been a part of the repertoire for Royal Association of Thespians (R.A.T.).

What else would be expected from a group whose aim is to offend you at every performance? This striving toward controversy reached an apex last June when Bakotopia ran its now famous (no longer infamous) cover of a topless Jen Raven and Clair Moles holding a R.A.T. show flyer between them.


The good ol' days...

It’s been almost one year since then, and despite them not gracing any covers to get Inga Barks’ blood boiling, R.A.T. is still pushing the boundaries of both comedy and what’s acceptable in general.

Dubbed “Raturday Night Live,” this year’s summer show marks a decided departure from the regular format of shows, beginning with a scene instead of an introduction and the inclusion of three musical scenes. This R.A.T. show will be a different experience for familiar fans. The biggest change will be that approximately one-third of the show will be on video.

It all started a week after last September’s show. For the first time, there was a commercial for the Christmas show - and then another. Within a week of the Christmas show, a DVD was produced for others to see later. From there, with the belief that they had the ability to do so, R.A.T. decided upon incorporating video into their next show.


A fitting tribute

But where is the controversy you ask? Less than a minute from the start, they show what they believe will be the result of the upcoming presidential election as only R.A.T. can. Then, two separate scenes (all video) will change the way you look at television and a little company called DirecTV. The only way to see those scenes, however, would be to attend the show.

Comedy is still a focus for R.A.T. With the intent to offend always comes the purpose of making you laugh. Parodies ranging from “Pulp Fiction” to “This is Your Life” fill what R.A.T. likes to call “the best hour you can get for six dollars.” And of course there is a special appearance from an old friend who makes his triumphant return after being mostly left out of a show that was named for him.

So make plans this Memorial Day weekend as the Royal Association of Thespians returns to the stage at The Empty Space to bring you “Raturday Night Live” (the video show).

-The show runs May 23, 24, 30, and 31, 2008 at 11 p.m.
-Tickets are $6 and, of course, every night is $1 beer night - all at The Empty Space Theatre, 706 Oak St.
-For more information, call 327-7529.

Story also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 28, 5-15-08