'Apostles of Comedy' Tour Goes Coast to Coast in November

Fri, Sep 05, 2008 @ 06:10 AM PST

Apostles of Comedy Poster

Apostles of Comedy Poster

A live tour featuring the four stars of Apostles of Comedy: The Movie will begin on November 10 in Northern California and make stops in over 15 cities before Thanksgiving. Produced in conjunction with one of America's most sought-after tour production companies, MaxxLive and sponsored by World Vision, the international Christian humanitarian and relief organization, the nationwide tour will feature all four "Apostles" co-stars Jeff Allen, Brad Stine, Anthony Griffith and Ron Pearson. The four critically-acclaimed comedians will share the stage as they did in the upcoming film, set for release on DVD September 9 via First Look Studios.

Venues for the tour will include large churches as well as theaters and auditoriums. Stops will include Phoenix, Tulsa's Maybee Center, Dallas' Nokia Theatre, Houston, Orlando, Chattanooga and Knoxville, TN, among others. All four comedians have honed their comedy in the most secular of entertainment venues, yet because of their personal beliefs, have kept their comedy clean and free of crude themes.

"This will be a night the whole family will enjoy together" says John Huie of Creative Aritists Agency. "Laughter has no genre or denomination." Everyone involved in the tour hopes this will be the tip of the iceberg for comedy tours in the Christian market.

"This film and the tour have been a dream of mine," says Jeff Allen, recipient of the prestigious Grady Nutt Humor Award and frequently seen on Gaither videos. "With both the movie and the tour, we wanted to produce something that was counter-culture; something that would not only be funny, but move people emotionally. These guys are very diverse in their styles and backgrounds, but our Christian faith binds us together."

Allen also believes the tour can serve as an effective outreach for churches. "Comedy, unlike music or other outreach events, appeals to all ages," he says. "I regularly see three generations of families sitting together in our shows. It's easy for people to find un-churched friends and take them to a comedy show, and we hope that will happen in every city."

Allen has appeared on Showtime, Comedy Central, VH1, as well as starred in a sitcom pilot on PAX-TV for Castle Rock Television entitled "Happy Wife, Happy Life." He is also author of the book My Life as a Bystander. Brad Stine, known for his edgy social commentary, has been featured on CNN, Fox News, New Yorker Magazine, as well as Promise Keeper events.

Emmy-Award winner Anthony Griffith is a newcomer to the CBA market although he has been a Christian all his life. Making his living in comedy clubs and appearances on television sitcoms and drama specials, Griffith has been a frequent guest on The Tonight Show as well as HBO, Comedy Central, and The Bernie Mac Show. Ron Pearson is long-time friends with Griffith (Anthony is godfather to Ron's daughter), and like Griffith, has made a name for himself appearing on various television sitcoms such as Malcolm & Eddie, The Drew Carey Show, That 70s Show, The George Lopez Show, among others.

The Dove Foundation, known for their high standards in family entertainment, recently gave Apostles Of Comedy: The Movie their highest rating. The comedians are currently doing press appearances on various television and radio shows including appearances on "Every Day with Marcus and Lisa" on Familynet, "The Harvest Show" on LeSea, "Living The Life" on CBN, "Babbie's House" tv show, among many others.

John Huie with Creative Artists Agency is in charge of booking the tour and can be reached at 615-383-8787. For a sneak preview of the DVD and complete tour details, visit: www.ApostlesOfComedy.com.

Fri, Sep 05, 2008 @ 06:10 AM