Ready to get FUNATICAL? Stand-up comedy tour to debunk fears about Middle Easterners, South Asians
Tonight in Los Angeles, a group of Middle Eastern and South Asian stand-up comics is kicking off a tour that aims to use their own stereotypes for good. Calling it, "FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme’s We Come in Peace Tour," these eight comedians are hoping that laughter can debunk the fears some Americans have about their peoples. They say: "With the controversy surrounding the 'Ground Zero' mosque and increased Islamophobia, it is more important than ever to highlight cultural and religious tolerance in America." And they plan to do it with jokes. Jokes! Here's a trailer. Roll it! The tour starts tonight at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood, and continues through Dec. 12 with stops in Glendale, L.A., and Orange County. They'll head to NYC with shows Jan. 27-28, and then to the Washington, D.C., area from March 3-5. (Tour dates and info) Comedians include the world's only Indian Jewish comedian , a black Muslim convert, an Arab Jewish performer, famous American Muslim comedians, a Jordanian Catholic, a half Iranian/half black performer, a half Persian/half Russian, an Armenian Orthodox, an Iranian Bahai and many more. Or if you prefer names, it's headlined by Max Amini and Tissa Hami, and features Mike Batayeh, Samson Koletkar, Noel Elgrably, Omar Regan, Ara Basil and Elham...
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