HONOLULU (KHON2) — Did you know that Mark Twain did something akin to stand up comedy? He and Will Rogers provided comedic lectures and demonstrations that laid the groundwork for modern stand-up comedy.
In Hawaiʻi, comedy has had a very special place in everyone’s memories with the brilliance of Rep Reiplinger and Augie T.
Today, comedy is ubiquitous and all around us. In commercials, social media, movies, TV, streaming, podcasts, you name it, you can find comedy in nearly every medium that humans create.
But even with an abundance of comedy that has permeated entire societies, opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have not always been plentiful. Do a search on Getty Images for Rep Reiplinger, and you’ll see what we mean.
However, over the last few years AAPI comedy opportunities have grown in leaps and bounds; and Hawaiʻi is host to a big one.
“AAPI AF is a comedy variety show that is going to celebrate all things Asian-American Pacific Islander,” exclaimed a spokesperson for the event.
The comedy event is timed perfectly to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. It is going to be a very special night packed with improv, sketch, musical and stand-up comedy. And it features an all-star cast of AAPI talent from the hit shows Asian AF, Filipino AF, Polynesian AF, South Asian AF, Gaysian AF and Improv Hawai’i.
Here’s the cast:
Alfred Aquino II (Filipino AF, Netflix is a Joke, Dropout, UCB LA).
Allyn Pintal (Filipino AF, UCB LA, Wong Fu Productions, Earlwolf Presents: Dragons AF).
Anette Aga (Polynesian AF – producer, Improv Hawai’i, Kumu Kahua Theatre).
Daryl Jim Diaz (Filipino AF, Gaysian AF, UCB LA, Quick and Funny Musicals).
Elexis Draine (Polynesian AF, Kumu Kahua Theatre).
Gilbert Galon (Filipino AF, Tiger Belly, UCB LA).
Jiavani (Filipino AF, Gaysian AF, Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Cartoon Network, Reno 911: Defunded).
Jose Ver (Filipino AF, Improv Hawai’i, Magnum P.I., Waikikii PD).
Joy Regullano (Filipino AF, Barry, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Modern Family, Supportive White Parents).
Kaliko Fase (Polynesian AF, Improv Hawai’i, Magnum P.I., Hawai’i Five-0).
Kay Kaanapu (Filipino AF, San Francisco Sketchfest).
Kimee Balmilero (Filipino AF, Hawai’i Comedy Fest – founder, Hawai’i Five-0, Doogie Kamealoha).
La Fa’amausili-Siliato (Polynesian AF, Diamond Head Theatre).
Marni Ramirez (Polynesian AF, Improv Hawai’i, Waikiki PD).
Matt Soriano (Improv Hawai’i, Yes, And Dragons).
Arinex Poasa (Polynesian AF, Improv Hawai’i, Next Goal Wins).
Ryan Okinaka (Polynesian AF, Improv Hawai’i, Hawai’i Five-0, Doogie Kamealoha MD).
Sarah Claspell (Asian AF, UCB LA, Brooklyn Nine-Nine).
Shilpa Das (South Asian AF, UCB LA, Quick and Funny Musicals, Laugh Factory).
Vince Yap (Filipino AF, The Rookie, General Hospital, American Horror Stories).
Will Choi (Asian AF – co-founder, BoJack Horseman, Bob’s Burgers, Central Park ).
There is even a musical improv accompanist — Sean Joseph Choo (Polynesian AF, Improv Hawai’i, Magnum PI, Kumu Kahua Theatre) — who will be live.
The event’s featured stand-up will be Alex Song-Xia who is known for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Rick and Morty, High Maintenance, Dimension 20, to name a few.
The show begins at 7 p.m. at the Honolulu’s Museum of Art’s Doris Duke Theater. You can click here for more information on tickets.
Well, what are you waiting for? Go book your tickets for an amazing evening of laughter and bonding with your favorite friends and family.