Review: Colin Jost & Friends at Mohegan Sun

The cast of SNL takes a final bow at Mohegan Sun after a night filled with sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and nonstop laughter. Photo by Natalie Colon

The night was a perfect blend of sharp wit, effortless charm, and big laughs as Colin Jost and his talented SNL colleagues brought their comedic A-game to Mohegan Sun. From seasoned pros to rising stars, each performer left their mark, making it a night to remember. Here’s a breakdown of the show:

KC Shornima opened the evening, and what a surprise! As a current writer for the Weekend Update segment of Saturday Night Live, KC brought a unique and refreshing perspective to the stage. She infused her set with humor that delved deep into her culture, offering both personal insights and hilarious observations that made her performance feel like a warm, intimate conversation. She had an effortless delivery and a confidence that was refreshing, especially for someone who is mostly behind the scenes at SNL. I can definitely see her becoming a rising star in comedy!

Emil Wakim followed, and for this first-time observer of his stand-up, I was thoroughly impressed. Emil’s charisma and natural stage presence made it clear that he’s more than just a rising star on SNL. A newcomer for the show’s 50th anniversary season, Emil quickly became a fan favorite for his quirky characters, including his hilarious portrayal of suspected CEO assassin Luigi Mangione. On stage, he’s equally magnetic, with an energy that never felt forced. His set had a smooth, energetic vibe, but his sharp observations kept the laughs rolling. Definitely a performer to keep an eye on.

James Austin Johnson, with his calm, cool confidence, exuded the kind of stage presence you can only get after years of honing your craft. As a veteran of SNL and a rising star in his own right, he had a refined ability to read the room and deliver material that was just the right mix of edgy and relatable. However, there were moments in his set where he recycled some material from past late night appearances and stand-up routines, which, while funny, made the performance feel a little familiar. Still, his charm and confidence made the set enjoyable overall, and you could tell the audience was eating up every bit of it.

Marcello Hernández was the unsurprising hit of the night for me. Marcello’s rise to one of the most dynamic and beloved current cast members of SNL has been an unbelievably heartwarming and climactic watch. The 27-year-old has become known for his infectious enthusiasm and natural ability to make any crowd laugh effortlessly. Watching him on stage, I was reminded of the funniest guy in your middle school class—except he actually made something of himself. His set was packed with energy, and he didn’t shy away from addressing the unstable political climate in America, which led to a particularly memorable moment: one audience member was sent into uncontrollable fits of laughter and tears, while a few others in the crowd were visibly unsettled by his fearless takes on hot-button issues. But it was this rawness and spontaneity that made his set so memorable. He was, without a doubt, my favorite performer of the night.

Colin Jost closed out the show with a bang, stepping onto the stage in his out-of-office black fitted tee and gold chain—an obvious departure from his usual SNL Weekend Update suit and tie. A few of his jokes centered around his famously talented wife, Scarlett Johansson, but his laid-back demeanor and ease in front of a crowd made the whole set feel like he was just casually hanging out with the audience. While the material didn’t always hit like some of the other performers, it was clear that Colin’s ability to make even the simplest observations funny was still in full force. He effortlessly captured the attention of thousands in an arena with his quick-witted humor and charm.

My Overall Thoughts: This show was an exceptional display of comedic talent, with each performer bringing their own unique flair. Whether it was KC’s unexpected brilliance, Emil’s natural charm, James’s veteran confidence, Marcello’s infectious energy, or Colin’s laid-back wit, it’s clear that SNL continues to cultivate some of the brightest and most versatile voices in comedy today. For anyone lucky enough to catch this show, it was a night of laughs that won’t soon be forgotten.

Don’t miss

• Adam Sandler announces fall arena tour with stop at Mohegan Sun on Sept. 26
• Jeff Dunham to perform at Mohegan Sun Arena for ‘Artificial Intelligence’ Tour
• Jay Leno to perform at Warner Theatre

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Review: Colin Jost & Friends at Mohegan Sun