Inside Iowa State

Feb. 29, 2008

Just for you: Lectures that will make you laugh out loud

by Paula Van Brocklin

Need a good laugh?

Then plan to attend "The Simpsons' Family Values," presented by Mike Reiss, writer and producer of the hit TV show The Simpsons, March 6, and "Hospitality Under the Influence," March 12, with actress and author Amy Sedaris. Both lectures begin at 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Great Hall, and are part of ISU's National Affairs Lecture Series, "Can Laughter Save America?" They are free and open to the public.

Reiss will provide a behind-the-scenes look at The Simpsons, revealing how it almost was canceled before it aired, sharing secret trivia about the show, explaining how to handle network censorship and divulging interesting tidbits about celebrity guests. He also will discuss the current state of television programming, and how it can be improved.

Reiss has won four Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his work on The Simpsons. He also is co-creator of The Critic, an animated series starring Jon Lovitz on Comedy Central.

Sedaris' lecture will be an interview format, led by The Tribune's (Ames) movie reviewer Steve Sullivan. She also will answer questions from the audience, and do a demonstration from her quirky entertaining book, Hospitality Under the Influence. Following the presentation, Sedaris will sign copies of her book.

Sedaris is best known for her role as Jerri Blank in the TV series and 2006 movie adaptation of Strangers with Candy. She has appeared in several movies, including Elf, School of Rock and Maid in Manhattan. Her TV roles include appearances on Rescue Me, Monk, Just Shoot Me!, Sex and the City and My Name is Earl.

Pat Miller, director of the lectures program, said both lectures should be entertaining and informative.

"With Mike Reiss, you'll know a lot more about the background of The Simpsons show [after the presentation]," she said.

"With Amy Sedaris, I would never attempt to determine what she'll come up with for us. It's best just to relax and go along for the ride."

The National Affairs Lecture Series was established in 1968 to bring speakers to campus to discuss topics of national interest.

"With Amy Sedaris, I would never attempt to determine what she'll come up with for us. It's best just to relax and go along for the ride."

Pat Miller