March 19, 2013

Friday, the University of Missouri Concert Series brought comedian, actress, writer and television personality Joan Rivers to the Missouri Theatre.

Rivers took the stage wearing a long robe draped in black and gold sparkles. Despite being 79 years old, Rivers sported a pair of black pumps with gold heels.

But Rivers is not impressed by the standing ovation she received.

“A standing ovation to welcome me to stage doesn’t mean a fucking thing — I haven’t done anything yet,” Rivers said.

Immediately, River’s sense of humor is apparent and the entire audience sits down in laughter.

Throughout the evening, Rivers proved to the audience that being 79 does not have to affect how one lives their life. Part of her comedy routine included making fun of the elderly’s “old attitudes,” and a drawn-out complaint that ramps are a complete waste of time.

“I fucking hate old people,” Rivers said.

Hatred was something Rivers relied on heavily throughout the performance. She complained about celebrities like Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Renee Zellweger and Betty White — all of whom showed her ability to appeal to the wide age range of the audience.

Rivers’ act also made fun of other demographics. It included insults toward children, Hispanics and homosexuality.

At one point, she went as far as discussing deep-seated issues from the past.

“I’m running for Mayor of New York on the ticket of slavery,” Rivers said. “It might not have worked for that one group but it could work for someone else.”

She kept references current by discussing the selection of the new pope but referred to older generations as well when she talked about the three witches from Macbeth.

With a night full of insults, it is surprising that Rivers was able to draw such an extensive audience.

“We try to bring as diverse a range of entertainment we possibly can,” said Nathan Anderson, assistant director of the Missouri Concert Series.

With her popular show Fashion Police, victory on Celebrity Apprentice and a new reality television show with her daughter, Anderson said Rivers is still relevant.

“(Rivers) made a second career out of reality television, which has given her access to a younger crowd,” Anderson said.

Her long history in the limelight has made her a legendary name, Anderson said, something that helps draw in Columbia’s older audience as well.

“Our goal is simply to give the community, both the university and Columbia at large, a great show,” Anderson said.

Junior Andie Lowenstein said she felt the concert series had achieved that goal.

“We were surprised that someone like (Rivers) would be able to come to Columbia and not Kansas City or St. Louis,” Lowenstein said.

Juniors Sydney Epstein praised Rivers’ performance.

“Even though her jokes pushed the limit, she can get away with it,” Epstein said.

Junior Catherine Wilkins agreed.

“People who are fans of Joan expect her offensiveness and accept her for who she is,” Wilkins said.

Sophomore Blair Ussary said she supports Rivers and her outrageous behavior.

“Rivers just says the things that everyone else would be afraid to but need to hear,” Ussary said.

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