Prangstgrüp

Prangstgrüp: The first practical joke video I saw by this gutsy group of pranksters is entitled "Reach! A Lecture Musical." In it, an unsuspecting college professor and his students are interrupted during an actual class. A young man jumps to his feet with exuberance to proclaim, "Hey, Teach! I've got a question!" Then, on cue, music fills the hall, as he breaks into an original song and dance routine, a mash-up spoofing contemporary Broadway anthems and, perhaps, The Kids From Fame.

While reminiscent of the ''Just You, Just Me'' Dancing Man, a memorable hidden camera non sequitur in 1974's The Groove Tube, this stunt was not planned and executed for a professional production. It's performance art and reaction comedy -- and it's hilarious. I'll add "brilliant," too. We need to encourage such silly anarchy.

Prangstgrüp has amassed 17 short videos in their gallery, including "Library Musical," a variation of the above. Not all are put-ons, and there is a touch of explicit content. I can't wait to screen the full batch.