‘Uncle Sam’s Comedy Jam’ teaches lessons through laughter at Pittston Area Primary Center

by: Jimmy Fisher | September 20, 2018

HUGHESTOWN — Learning about history can be boring, but a comedy act performed at the Martin F. Quinn Primary Center proved otherwise.

Students were provided with a performance called “Uncle Sam’s Comedy Jam” which told the story of how the Constitution and Bill of Rights came to be through a comedic act.

The star of the show Cris Johnson, of Niagra Falls, New York, understands that to keep young students focused on the performance you have to engage them, which was why he instilled his performance with comedy as well as calling on student volunteers.

“If you get up in front of kids this age, or really any kid, and you’re monotone like Ferris Bueller’s teacher, you’re going to lose the kids instantly,” Johnson said. “You have to be silly, over the top, have music, gags and magic to keep them engaged because this many kids, if you’re not a good presenter, you’re going to lose them.”

From start to finish, Johnson had the students engrossed in the story he was trying to tell. He called on student volunteers to play roles of historical figures and act out certain scenarios while also performing magic tricks.

He believes getting the students involved in the show is another way to keep them focused on the story.

“It’s the best part of the show,” Johnson said. “Anybody can get up there and just do a speech behind a podium. I wouldn’t do what I do if I couldn’t get the kids involved. That’s the best part for me.”

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