The Keenan Revue, one of Notre Dame’s longest-running winter traditions, returns for its 49th year of comedy. With a space-themed show set to debut on Feb. 27, Keenan Hall residents have spent months writing skits, perfecting punchlines and rehearsing performances to bring their annual comedy tradition to life.
Joey Kositzke, this year’s director and a resident assistant in Keenan Hall, emphasized the dedication that has gone into planning the event.
“I have been planning the show since early August, and we have a crew of 40 guys,” Kositzke said.
With a reputation for sharp wit and community engagement, the Revue ties its skits together with a unifying theme. This year’s space concept, Kositzke explained, will be woven throughout the show to create a cohesive comedic experience.
“Ultimately the revue is a show designed to bring people together, it leans into our shared experiences with the goal of creating memories that campus can enjoy as a group,” he said. “Keenan Hall remains prideful in making memories and making fun of ourselves. I stayed truthful to that mission even though our external view has changed some.”
Preparation for the event involves extensive effort from Keenan Hall residents, with nearly 20% of the dorm’s residents participating in various aspects of the production. Among them is freshman Nick Facchini, who serves as one of the promotional managers for the event. Facchini, responsible for promoting the Revue across campus, underscored the need to uphold the show’s comedic legacy while staying within university guidelines.
“The show goes through two rounds of tryouts and all scripts get seen by the officers of OCS,” Facchini said, referring to the Office of Community Standards.
While the Revue has evolved over the years, its roots remain deeply embedded in campus tradition. Facchini noted that the event was initially created as a way for Keenan Hall residents to entertain themselves during the coldest months of winter.
“The Revue started because it was the coldest time of the year and the Keenan guys got bored,” Facchini said. “It actually started in the basement of Keenan.”
The show’s popularity was evident when ticket sales began at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10. By 8 a.m., students had already formed a long line inside Duncan Student Center’s Dahnke Ballroom, passing the time by studying and chatting with friends.
For Notre Dame senior Isabella Vescera, the Revue’s appeal comes from its ability to bring the campus community together through humor rooted in campus culture.
“It takes core attributes about the campus culture and creates a massive inside joke,” Vescera said.
As Keenan Hall members finalize preparations, they look forward to another year of entertaining the Notre Dame community with their signature blend of satire, camaraderie and tradition.
“The Revue is magic,” Kositzke said. “Over its history, the show has evolved but never lost its identity.”
