Nothing is prohibited By Melanie Masserant Staff Writer Patricia Dieball/Chronicle         Do you have an unusual talent but have nowhere to express it? Let “Why Not Entertainment Productions” be your outlet. Every Saturday at midnight WNEP’s “The Gong Show,” which emulates the madcap 1970s game show, is looking for kitschy and ridiculous acts.      “The Gong Show” is a three-ring circus minus bearded ladies and hermaphroditic midgets. It epitomizes the outrageous. “It is a show for the tasteless, weird, wacky and wonderful,” the show’s host Sharko Bizarre said.      The object of the show is to accumulate 30 points from a panel of three judges. In the true spirit of absurdity the winner receives a check for $2.17 and novelty gifts from Uncle Fun, the show’ s sponsor. The qualities that judges are looking for in contestants are absurdity, originality and ability to let inhibitions loose.      “We want out to lunch without a sandwich kind of talent,” Bizarre said. “Though if someone has a talent that is truly great, present it absurdly.”      Even if your talent is equivalent to artistic musing inspired by the ghetto-riffic lure of King Cobra malt liquor, bring it on. The pseudo hip-hop dance style of MT (Matt Taylor), the show’s first contestant on Saturday, Feb.17, reflected this. The gist of MT’ s act was shameless shaking and pelvic thrusts. His moxy prevailed in the finale of his performance when he spread his cheeks in the judge’s faces and sauntered off bare assed. MT earned 15 points and lost to Hot Apple Salad, an outrageous bongo and acoustic duo whose songs were reminiscent of schizophrenic ramblings.      Nothing is prohibited in the “Gong Show.” How far can limits be pushed if talents are sexually graphic? Is something as explicit and hardcore as a golden shower allowed? Sexually oriented talents are welcome only if contestants clean up after themselves, according to Bizarre. However, Bizarre draws the line if cruelty and degradation is involved.      “I won’t tolerate any form of animal torture,” Bizarre stated. “It’s fine if you abuse yourself. Don’t do it to each other unless it’ s an S & M act.” Patricia Dieball/Chronicle      Although the show is only on its fourth run it has been the hub for eccentric talents. Last weekend a contestant used his prosthetic leg as a prop. He removed his leg to reveal a stump, drew a dogface and placed an earmuff on it. Then he wiggled it, causing the makeshift dog to jig to a Bonnie Rait and John Lee Hooker duet.      WNEP hopes to attract Z-type celebrity judges when the show catches fire. Local celebrities such as Freak or Turd from the Mancow show would fit the bill. “I don’t want real celebrities,” Bizarre said. “They would take away from the kitchiness of the show.” WNEP members are currently judging the contest.      WNEP started in Chicago seven years ago. Their artistic mission is “to wake up the masses sitting in their homes and in their offices, pull them away from their electronic gods and remind them that life can only be experienced among the living.”      Recently they gained their own performance space at 3209 N. Halstead. Some past shows are My Grandma’ s a Fat Whore From Jersey, Wise Blood, and The Wicked and the Sexed.      If you’ re up for the gong challenge contact WNEP at (773) 296-1100 four days before the show. If you’re pursuing cheap fun and an excuse to exchange drunken chortles, (B.Y.O.B.) tickets are $5.00. Audience members and contestants must be at least 18. Back to top   |   Home Copyright © 2001, Columbia Chronicle Columbia Chronicle articles, photos, and graphics are the property of the Columbia Chronicle and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the staff, editors, or faculty advisor. The Columbia Chronicle is a student produced publication of Columbia College Chicago and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of Columbia College administrators, faculty or students.

February 26, 2001 This week in A & E: Nothing is prohibited The newest erotic adventure from Lords of Acid Roach & Seals Reels: 'Mo Better Blues' Letters to the (Assistant) A & E Editor Not even Samuel L. can save this movie Dissed by the boy Steely Dan the surprise winner Trying to learn without falling asleep Room for improvement Slammin' Grammy Search our archive: The Columbia Chronicle is an award-winning college newspaper written and distributed weekly by the students at Views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Journalism Department or the college. Visit the Columbia College Chicago Web Site