GRANADA HILLS, CA, September 04, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- The first-ever Middle Eastern Comedy Festival, to be held this September 22-25 in Los Angeles, is bringing together a talented team of Middle Eastern—Arab, Persian, Israeli, Afghani, and Armenian—stand-up comedians, actors, writers and directors to take on Hollywood and change the way the entertainment industry perceives and portrays the Middle Eastern culture...one laugh at a time.
For years, Hollywood has lumped Middle Easterners together into the two-dimensional persona of the "Hollywood Arab": the fat sheik with a scimitar chasing virgins; the fundamentalist terrorist bomber who praises Allah before blowing up innocents with his explosive Qur'an; the bumbling cab driver armed with nothing but an attitude and a bad accent.
'Our whole purpose is to dispel the stereotype of the Hollywood Arab.' says Ryan P. Shrime, co-Executive Producer of the Festival, 'It is this strange amalgam of Arabs from any Arab country, Persians—a totally different ethnic group, all Muslims, regardless of their country of origin, and a smattering of other dark- and foreign-looking people that have nothing to do with the Middle East.'
Instead of sitting back and crying 'foul' the Festival founders believe that by trumpeting the diversity of Middle Eastern culture and heritage through original and universal humor, they can change American perception more effectively, and well, much more enjoyably. The goal is to create a stronger and more effective network of Middle Easterners in film and television, as actors, writers, directors and producers, in order to help create roles that are more objective, honest and three-dimensional.
'One day I'd love for us to create programming that alters the way people view our cultures.' says Ronnie Khalil, co-Executive Producer and well-known Arab-American stand-up comedian. 'The way The Cosby Show did for African-Americans, The George Lopez Show did for Latinos, and Mr. Ed did for Caucasian horses.'
The stellar line-up includes guest host Maz Jobrani (The Interpreter, ABC's "Knights of Prosperity), Aron Kader (Axis of Evil), Maysoon Zayid (Don't Mess with the Zohan), Peter the Persian (Sultans of Satire), Nadine Rajabi (E! TV, XM Satellite Radio), Yisreal Campbell (CNN, ABC News) and founders and Executive Producers Ronnie Khalil (CNN, ABC News, Comedy Central's The Watch List), Ryan P. Shrime (CNN, The David Letterman Show, Fox's The Unit), and a whole host of Middle Eastern actors and comedians who will come together to bring laughter to Hollywood, performing at multiple venues throughout the city over the course of four days, September 22-25, 2009. Detailed Festival schedule and ticket info for all shows can be found at: http://www.MidEastComedyFest.com
The 2009 Middle Eastern Comedy Festival Schedule
(Events confirmed to date and are subject to additions*):
Tuesday, September 22
"Brown Carpet" Stand-Up Comedy Gala for Charity
Don't miss the Festival's star-studded premiere which will gather celebrities and comedians for photos and interviews with their favorite media before enjoying this unique evening of entertaining, original humor that EVERYONE can relate to. The Gala will feature some of the top Middle Eastern stand-up comedians. Gala Begins at 7:30pm. Laugh Factory†, 8001 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA, 90046. Tickets: $40, $50 VIP for priority seating and early admission.
Wednesday and Thursday, September 23 & 24
Night of 1001 Sketches...More or Less...Probably Less
Two performances each night of the best selection of sketch comedy, written and performed by Middle Eastern talent. Two shows each night: 7:30pm and 9:15pm. Acme Comedy Theatre, 135 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Tickets: $16 before September 8, $19 after and $22 at the door.
Friday, September 25, 7:30pm
Stand-Up Comedy Showcase and Closing Party** 
A perfect bookend to the Festival, featuring more headliners and new faces of stand-up comedy, followed by a closing party to unwind and celebrate! Showcase Begins at 7:30pm. Laugh Factory†, 8001 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90046. Tickets: $25 early purchase, $30 if purchased after September 8.
* Tickets purchased online may be subject to a small service fee.
** Lineup subject to change.
† Two Item Minimum
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