News

July 19, 2008

‘Kelly’ presiding over ‘Office’ run

Character from popular television sitcom also might take part in run, beet-eating.

By Mary Therese Biebel mbiebel@timesleader.com
Features Writer
Mary Therese Biebel on Facebook   |   @TLTLMaryTBiebel on Twitter

Kelly, that flirty, chatty customer service rep from TV’s “The Office” – or rather, actress Mindy Kaling – will preside over this morning’s “Office” fun run in Scranton.

She’s hoping there will be a starter pistol.

“I would love to hold any kind of firearm, if that’s available,” she said, exuding Kelly-style enthusiasm during a telephone interview.

The 2-kilometer race, set for 9 a.m., pays homage to the competition “The Office” character Michael Scott arranged to “support the rabid.” Earlier this week, Kaling hadn’t decided whether she’d actually do any running herself.

“Part of me wants to and part of me wants to be lazy,” she said.

As for the beet-eating contest at noon – this one’s a nod to character Dwight Schrute’s farm that he runs in his spare time – Kaling might enjoy a taste. But, only a taste.

“I love red beets,” she said. “Just not in quantities above a few teaspoons.”

Today’s events, which are planned for an area in and around the Mall at Steamtown, coincide with the launch of a board game and a DVD board game, both of which center on players’ knowledge of “The Office” trivia.

Which objects would Dwight want to have with him on a desert island? (Iodine pills and beet seeds are just a few of them.)

What kind of perfume did Bob Vance buy for Phyllis? (Real pine, as in an air freshener, get it?)

What did Michael get from the pony at his childhood birthday party? (A rash. Poor Michael.)

OK, enough answers. For more fun facts about “The Office,” you can check out today’s trivia challenge at 10:30 a.m. or check out the board games available at Boscov’s in the Mall at Steamtown. The Scranton Boscov’s store will open at 8 a.m. today exclusively for the sale of “The Office” DVD board and trivia games.

Kaling will be signing autographs for the first 125 customers from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Since she writes for the award-winning sitcom in addition to performing, she’s eager to soak up some Scranton atmosphere while she’s here.

“I’m looking for places Jim and Pam (the show’s cute couple, as opposed to its frightening pairs) can go on dates,” she said.

IF YOU GO

9 a.m.: 2-kilometer fun run

10:30 a.m. “The Office” trivia challenge

Noon: Beet-eating contest

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Autograph session with Mindy Kaling, who plays Kelly

Where: All activities take place today in and around the Mall at Steamtown in downtown Scranton, home to fictional Dunder-Mifflin.

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