An Important Saturday Night: SNL Opens With Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York and John Mulaney Joins the Five Timers Club
Last weekend's episode of Saturday Night Live was special for a variety of reasons.
The sketch show works to maintain its finger on the pulse of what is current in the world. It is the best way to poke fun at it and get people laughing at the absurdity of life in a topical way. However, sometimes a more thoughtful and heartfelt moment is needed. It is important to know, even for a sketch comedy show, when it is not the time for laughter. Such was the case with the late night show's opening on Saturday.
In light in the Russian attack on Ukraine, the show opened with a moving performance by Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York. According to an article on The Hollywood Reporter, the chorus sang in their native language, and, in a display in front of them, had "Kyiv" spelled out beautifully in candles. It was a moving tribute and time of genuine reflection on the crisis happening overseas. It powerfully pointed to the importance of unity has a human population.
After the moving and important tribute, John Mulaney, the host of last Saturday's episode, took to the stage to give his opening monologue. With this hosting performance, the well-known stand-up comedian joined the SNL Five Timers club. He was inducted in with the fanfare of special appearances by other SNL Five Time members including, according to a THR article, Paul Rudd, Conan O'Brien, Tina Fey, Candice Bergen, Steve Martin and Elliott Gould. It was a hilarious and unmissable performance.
