Race relations have been the most explosive issue in America for quite some time. One of the biggest topics for debate in this country today, the issue has created an angry divide. A major part of this dilemma is our inability to see the alternate perspective. We need to hear another’s point of view in a way that’s more relatable and less volatile. The only way to accomplish this, one that’s been overlooked, is through humor. Off-the-cuff honesty in humor has been compromised by a spike in sensitivity on all sides to the fear of offending. Humor is the most important tool in American society, and yet, the one component that seems to be lacking when it comes to race relations.
A cutting-edge new comedy show seeks to tackle bigotry by bringing together comics who will stand up to break through and bridge the racial divide with laughter and conversation. “United We Laugh” is a show designed to heal through hope and lead through laughter. Created by comedian Richie Byrne, the show’s goal is to help to ease the racial tensions in America through humor and shared dialogue.
Presented by Southampton Village, the Southampton Anti-Bias Task Force, and the Southampton Cultural Center — and moderated by James “Dr. Love” Banks — the event unfolds on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Southampton Cultural Center, located at 25 Pond Lane in Southampton, NY. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show cost $20. $10 for students under 21.
The tour features creator and host Richie Byrne and a diverse mix of comedians — including Gina Brillon , James Goff and Mark DeMayo— representing all sides of the heated racial debate. The first act follows the format of any other comedy show. The comedians will perform their acts, infusing the evening with hilarity and intelligence as they spotlight thought-provoking racial issues. Act II unfolds with all four comics onstage discussing “hot button topics” about racism in America. In a groundbreaking new format, the audience will become a critical component in the show’s diverse canvas.
Comedy should still be the focal point of the discussion in the hopes of finding a common ground. America has become too rigid, too serious. This attitude has made our country dangerous. We need to open up and explore our feelings. Comedy is a unique way to do this. “United We Laugh” seeks to offer understanding and insight into another person’s racial point of view. By shifting the focus toward “funny” these issues may not seem as dangerously divisive.
For tickets and additional information, call the Southampton Cultural Center at (631) 287-4377.
Richie Byrne, (Creator) who’s been wowing audiences doing warmup at “The Dr. Oz Show” for a decade, is a veteran of stand-up, stage and screen,who sports a string of A-list credits including Dangerfield’s, Caroline’s on Broadway, the Gotham Comedy Club, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall in New York City; Hilarities in Cleveland, the Ice House in Pasadena, the Borgata in Atlantic City and the Tropicana in both Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Comedy TV credits include Comedy Central, VH1, “The Rosie O’Donnell Show”, “Good Day New York” and “Gotham Live” on AXS-TV. He’s had crowds hilarious during warm up for “The Rachael Ray Show”, “The Chew”, “The Jane Pauley Show,” “Murphy Brown” and the “Miss America Pageant. Byrne has also pursued his passion for acting on the stage and screen, with high-profile star turns including “Sex and the City,” “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” and “Conviction,” as well as the feature film “Good-bye Baby”. His variety show, “The Richie Byrne Show,” is a tour de force of theater, Broadway, comedy sketches and big band grandeur. Twitter/Facebook/Instagram.
Mark DeMayo is a regular at the top comedy clubs in NYC and has headlined casino resorts and toured college campuses — all while continuing to fight crime as a NYC police detective. He has been featured on Showtime’s “White Boyz in da Hood” Comedy Centrals “Laffopolooza” Si‐Tv’s Latino Laughter and the film “Stand‐Up 360”. He can also be scene giving celebrity commentary on MTV & Spike TV. Mark has also appeared on roles CBS’s “DellaVentura” “Central Park West” and Fox “The Jury. Twitter/Facebook/Instagram
Gina Brillon Actress, comedian, and writer Gina Brillon was born and raised in Bronx, New York. She’s been a standup comic since she was 17 years old. Her first one hour special, ‘Pacifically Speaking,‘ was produced by Gabriel Iglesias. She had a featured role in Gabriel Iglesias’ theatrical film, The Fluffy Movie. She ppearancesdon Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, E!’s Chelsea Lately, AXS’ Gotham Comedy Live, The View, and is the first (and only) Latina winner of NBC’s 2012 Stand up for Diversity Showcase.. Twitter/Facebook/Instagram.
James Goff: . Actor, comedian, and writer James Goff was born and raised in the South Bronx of New York City. In just a short time in the business, James has demonstrated the unique ability to bridge the gap between any audience, and connect with them on a level that makes them feel they’ve known him for years. Not only has he worked with some of the best in the business, James Goff’s appearances also include The Today Show, Gotham Comedy Live, Comedy Central’s Open Mic Fight, Sirius Radio, and a performance for Superbowl XLII Champions The New York Giants. Twitter/Facebook/Instagram.
James Banks: (Moderator) James “Dr. Love” Banks is chair of the Southampton Town Anti-Bias Task Force and works tirelessly for change at the Suffolk County Community College Center For Social Justice and Human Understanding.
https://www.scc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SCC_Logo_white-300x138.png00Samantha Hillmerhttps://www.scc-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SCC_Logo_white-300x138.pngSamantha Hillmer2019-11-06 13:26:492019-11-06 13:26:49United We Laugh (Nov. 21)