Section 8 Improv Comedian Mark Orvik Fights Back From a Near-Fatal Illness With Sidesplitting Humor

In late December, Orvik goes to the hospital for an appointment. The doctor tells him that rather than risk an additional surgery that could worsen the fistulas or create more, they'll wait to see if the openings in his abdomen close on their own. It's a major blow. He'd been hoping the constant pain would be put to rest with an operation, and now there seems to be no end in sight.

"The next appointment is February 24, so I gotta stay like this till then," he says. "I can't eat without hurting. I can't even move without hurting. It's getting old."

MORREY TAYLOR

MORREY TAYLOR

Section 8 Comedy turns 10 this year and performs Tuesdays at Ozona Grill and Bar. Front row from left: Members Casey Green (DJ), Josh Martin, Mark Orvik, Chris Rager, Dave Little, back row from left: Greg Silva, Mike McFarland

Details

Web extra: Video from Section 8's improv show

Related Content

• The Laughter Season
  March 15, 2012
• The Polyphonic Spree's Holiday Extravaganza, and More Weekend Shows
  December 9, 2011
• Winners Can Take a Joke
  January 12, 2012
• Bryan Street Tavern Happy Hours Offer Thin Crust At Thin Price
  August 4, 2010
• The Old 97's, The Kills and the Rest of This Week's Show Announcements
  November 2, 2011

More About

• Chris Rager
• Mike McFarland
• Josh Martin
• Greg Silva
• Dondi Watson

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Weekly Newsletter: Our weekly feature stories, movie reviews, calendar picks and more - minus the newsprint and sent directly to your inbox.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

He was hoping to recover in time to do his winter ritual with his sons. Every year, they take a trip they call "Drive to Snow," which means they find out where the closest snowfall is and drive there. This year at least, the boys may have to make do with the new mini bike he bought them. But in spite of his disappointment, Orvik tries to remember that on some level, he's lucky to be able to do anything.

"Since I got sick, I treat every show like it could be the last," he says. "People say it all the time, 'Act like today's the last day.' Well, I do that now. It's a nice way to live. All I wanted to do was do shows and be with my kids, and I'm getting to do both."