Live interactive taping leads to a new View
By Rena Carman and Esther Folaranmi
There’s no Whoopi Goldberg, but Rider’s Student Entertainment Council (SEC) is having its own version of The View on Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center Theater.
Rider’s version is “a take on the long-running TV show” where the organizers “hope to recreate a live talk show feel,” according to Nick Barbati, assistant director of campus life.
The idea itself was inspired by Barbati.
“Quite honestly, Nick Barbati really loves The View,” said Meghan Korb, PR chair for the SEC. “He wanted to re-create his own version here on campus. It was really Nick’s idea; I just came along for the ride and helped generate ideas.”
Barbati’s inspiration came after witnessing a live taping of the popular talk show.
The hosts of Rider’s show will be Donte Carty, John Mozes, Christine Mehlhorn and Barbati. Carty, athletic marketing assistant, and Barbati are sure to have plenty to talk about, as they were recently judges together on the R-Factor.
Stepping out of the studio, Mozes, general manager of 107.7 The Bronc, will be an interesting add-in and provide a different perspective. Mehlhorn, associate director in the office of first- and second-year programs, although new to the entertainment scene, has a great group of hosts to banter with. Korb is confident that with these hosts, “laughs will be had.”
“We are going to bring ourselves, which can be more over-the-top than any episode of the TV show,” Barbati said. “We are friends, and we are comfortable enough to passionately disagree.”
The discussions of The View will focus on current news and pop culture.
“With so many stories in the news that our students have difficult times discussing, we hope to help them navigate that while still having a great time,” Barbati said.
The event is committed to allowing audience members to interact and voice their opinions on current events.
The View will also feature special guests. Amber Marchese, a cancer survivor who has appeared on the show Real Housewives of New Jersey, will be one of them. She will be sharing her journey through breast cancer and discussing how students can become more aware of the illness.
“Students will see a really high production value with a tremendous celebrity guest in Amber Marchese, but, also, will leave with having laughed, thought, and had a fun night,” Barbati said.
Other guests include Marisa Liza Pell, psychic medium/relationship expert, and a local baker who will be teaching students how to make their own delicious cupcakes.
Admission is free for students with a Rider ID, and the audience will have the opportunity to win special prizes. According to Korb, “students that come to the event have the opportunity to get their I Love College: Club Carnival ticket before anyone else.”
The show promises to be very different from past Rider events.
“This event is going to be unlike anything we have ever done before,” said Korb. “So Rider students should totally come out for a show.”
Barbati concurs and further believes The View will be a very successful and engaging event for students to enjoy.
“It’s unique because at no other event can we process current events and mix it into the entertainment we hope to get on a weekend night,” Barbati said. “It’s going to be brilliant.”
Printed in the 2/18/15 edition.
