January 24, 2008                                                                                                                                               Associate Director of Marketing

                                                                                                                                                                               Phone: 253.573.2360

                                                                                                                                                                               Email: laceyl@broadwaycenter.org

Comic Craze at Pantages Theater with

Winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing - Josh Blue

Sponsored by Davies Pearson, P.C. and Rushforth Construction

In Partnership with United Cerebral Palsy of South Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA – NBC’s Last Comic Standing winner, Josh Blue, will be performing an evening of hilarious stand-up at the Pantages Theater on Friday, February 1, 2008 at 7:30pm.  Possessing the rare ability to motivate, inspire, and entertain, while never losing sight of the primary objective of making people laugh, Josh Blue is one of the most unique and dynamic comedians of this generation. 

Josh Blue’s career began with appearances on Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia before he endeared himself to fans across the country on NBC’s Last Comic Standing Season 4. His uncanny ability to improvise with any audience coupled with comedic timing, rarely found in a performer of his age, has enabled Blue to rapidly develop a fan base across the country. 

Locals may remember him when he was attending Evergreen College in Olympia or performing at a coffee house in Tacoma; now his uncanny ability to improvise with any audience is building him a rock star-like following – he has become the first comedian to perform stand-up on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, was named Best Winning Reality Show Guest for his appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly, and made a standout appearance on Comics Unleashed. 

Blue was the Grand Prize Winner at the 2004 Las Vegas Comedy Festival, and has appeared on NBC, MSNBC, FOX News, and Fox Sports Net.  In 2005, Blue emerged as a major force on the college circuit with Main Stage Showcases that garnered rave reviews and a helped earn him a nomination for Best Diversity Event of 2006 by APCA.

Blue has crafted a diverse and accomplished career as a stand-up comedian, talented artist, and stellar U.S. Paralympic Soccer player – and doing so while dealing with the challenges that come from living with Cerebral Palsy.  He is known for using his incredible sense of humor and versatile persona to defy stereotypes and encourage others to overcome their preconceived notions about people who are considered “disabled.” His unique brand of “reverse teasing” affords him the great joy of “humbling condescending people.”

 “Not only is Josh Blue America’s funniest comedian, he’s breaking down barriers for people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy, “... he has shown millions of Americans that people with disabilities can live without limits.” 

United Cerebral Palsy of South Puget Sound will be present in the Pantages Lobby during the evening of the show to answer questions and provide further information.

Tickets to Josh Blue are on sale now for $29 and $39. Tickets may be purchased at the Broadway Center Box Office located on 9th & Broadway or by calling the Box Office at 253.591.5894. To purchase online at any time or for information about upcoming events visit www.broadwaycenter.org.

The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges the following for support of the 2007-2008 Season: ArtsFund, Ben B. Cheney Foundation, The Boeing Company, City of Tacoma, Forest Foundation, The News Tribune, Pierce County Arts Commission, Sequoia Foundation Pierce County Program, and Washington State Arts Commission.

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