Hal Sparks performs in Cecilian Hall

Comedian Hal Sparks performed October 7, 2006 at Seton Hill University (SHU) in Cecilian Hall.
His much anticipated appearance was greeted enthusiastically by a large crowd of SHU students, parents and members of the local community.
Sparks first rose to fame in the controversial drama, �Queer as Folk,� and his fame grew with his role on the �I Love the 80s� series on VH1.


By Gabby Blanchard,
Contributor
Comedian Hal Sparks performed October 7, 2006 at Seton Hill University (SHU) in Cecilian Hall.
His much anticipated appearance was greeted enthusiastically by a large crowd of SHU students, parents and members of the local community.
Sparks first rose to fame in the controversial drama, �Queer as Folk,� and his fame grew with his role on the �I Love the 80s� series on VH1.
Recently, Sparks was seen on �Celebrity Duets.� His appearance here at SHU was widely publicized – it was a major part of the Homecoming Weekend – which resulted in a large turnout.
�I thought the show was good and he did an amazing job. I thought it was funny,� said Christian Beabes, a freshman.
�I like that he altered the show to be acceptable to college students and their parents,� added Beabes.
Pamela Vacinda, a visitor to SHU, enjoyed his performance as well.
�I only knew him from stuff I saw him on TV, so I wasn’tsure on who he was. I did like the show,� said Vacinda.
After a delayed flight, missing luggage and a late-starting show, Sparks finally performed in front of an excited crowd and gave the show his all.
When his performance ended, Sparks stayed to sign autographs and have his picture taken with fans.
At the conclusion of the event, Sparks met with the Setonian and gave the following interview:
Q: How do you come up with new material and how often?
Sparks (S): I do six shows in a club over a weekend, and add ten minutes of material each time, rotating through. I tend to just let the material write itself.
Q: Is there a difference between performing in front of a college audience and others? Any content editing?
S: I try to curse a little less and tone down some parts, but it’s mostly the same.
Q: As an actor, what was it like being on a controversial show such as �Queer as Folk�?
S: Well, the first time I got a Christian death threat…(laughs) I realized I was on a largely controversial show. I didn’tthink about that going in, though. I thought it was a good script and didn’tcare about others� opinions.
Q: Which do you feel touches people more? Singing or acting?
S: They�re different crowds, really. But, singing moreso, because it can reach people whether they�re in a crowd or alone.
Q: I hear your band has a CD coming out soon. When will that be available?
S: Halloween. You can pre-order through my website.
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