By Julia Berkman
On September 23, everyone is invited down to the VU for its Late Night event. This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland, and it’s sure to send you down the rabbit hole (or down the first few floors of the VU). Late Night in the past has been a rousing success. Last year’s Neon Desert had everything: burritos, magicians, and a spectacular rave. And no, this isn’t a Weekend Update from Stefon about New York’s hottest club. This is something happening right on campus! Best of all, this blowout event is completely free! That means all the attractions available to you lucky students are an absolute bargain, and a great night of entertainment.
Featured at this event is famous author Marty Essen, who will present his hilarious and fast-paced travel stories from his trip to all seven continents. His one-man show, called Around the World in 90 Minutes, is hailed by his website as “One part lecture, one part theater, one part slide show, one part comedy.” Be sure to check out this riveting and exclusive experience, courtesy of the Associated Students.
In addition to Essen’s show, there will be live performances from Western’s own Dead Parrots Society, the improv group who recently won the College Improv Tournament’s Pacific Northwest Regionals competition. In less words, they’re hilarious. If you can’t catch them here, they have open rehearsals every Tuesday night. Also performing are WWU’s Society of Magicians and the student A’Capella group. All groups of students have been honing their craft all year for this knockout performance. Come and give them the applause they deserve!
Similar to last year’s Neon Desert, glow is an essential component to this year’s festivities as well. Blacklight face paint is a must, and luckily you can get all dolled up courtesy of the face painting booth. Furthermore, get your golf clubs and neon argyle ready, because there’ll be a nine-hole Glow Golf course for you to play on. Winner gets a date with the Mad Hatter. Save some precious memories of the evening by taking pictures with your friends at the free photobooth available all night, and making souvenirs at the craft table.
No neon event would be complete without a dance floor. Get on your rave best and dance the night away to the tunes of a professional DJ! This exhilarating event goes on until two in the morning. Luckily, there will be enough refreshments to satiate even the Queen of Hearts’ taste. In case you aren’t understanding these references, you can watch the Alice in Wonderland movie, which will be playing all night in the VU. Get ready to follow the white rabbit to the Viking Union, September 23 from 9pm until 2am!