'Whose line is it anyway?' star Wayne Brady kills UA stop after poor ticket sales

If you're looking for a good laugh Friday night, don't count on seeing Wayne Brady.

The University Activities Board scheduled the Wayne Brady and Friends tour at McKale Center as part of UA's Family Weekend, but the show fell through Tuesday night.

Wayne Brady is an Emmy-winning improv comedian best known for his role in "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and for his self-titled daytime variety show.

A press release issued by Brian Keintz, associate director for the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, stated that the comedy show was canceled due to an inadequate amount of ticket purchases.

"The promoter backed out because of insufficient sales," said Darren Graessle, director of ticketing at McKale Center.

About 3,000 tickets had been purchased as of yesterday morning. There were 5,000 tickets available.

Brady's promoter, John Low, would not comment.

Electrical engineering freshman Dan Glassanos said he bought two tickets for the Wayne Brady and Friends tour.

"I've seen him on TV a couple of times," Glassanos said. "I think the guy is hilarious. I think it sucks that we found out two days before."

Journalism freshman Ari Bernstein said his mom bought two tickets for the show and that they would probably just relax and go out to dinner instead.

Keintz said last-minute changes like this have happened before to Family Weekend events, but that people still enjoyed themselves.

"I guess they'll have to find something else to do with their sons or daughters," he said. "You juggle things around and make it work."

Keintz said students and their families are going to be glad they came this weekend despite the show's cancellation.

"On behalf of UAB and the Family Weekend committee, we're disappointed Wayne Brady is not going to be here," Keintz said. "But it will not substantially affect the quality of the experience people will have with Family Weekend."

The UA has lost no money because the show was canceled, Keintz said.

"For any promotional deal, the university simply facilitates their act," Keintz said. "So we're not at risk for dollars being lost. That's why it's a great arrangement for any institution."

With approximately 3,000 ticket refunds looming in the distance, the McKale Center and Family Weekend Office have provided a number of ways for people to get their money back.

Graessle said people who bought their tickets at McKale Center can get their refunds at the McKale Ticket Office, 621-CATS.

Those already holding tickets are required to bring their printed tickets to the McKale Ticket Office during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Tickets purchased by credit card will be credited back, and the McKale Center will write a Bursar's check to those who paid by check and cash. Checks should be expected to arrive in four to six weeks.

Tickets purchased via the Family Weekend Office in the Student Union Memorial Center will be refunded Friday at the Family Weekend tent, which will be set up near East University Boulevard and North Park Avenue. The tent will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Family Weekenders wanting information regarding the cancellation or refund processes should contact Keintz at 621-8046.