Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, February 23, 2017 11 COMEDY From page 2 my disability, it makes it easier for (the audience) to laugh at themselves.” Really, Blue just wants to make people laugh through his own “twisted world view.” Audiences can enjoy the “Josh Blue Comedy Show” for one night only, at 7 p.m. Friday at the Palace Theater. Opening the show for Blue will be comedians Jose Dynamite and Bryan Rupp. The event is brought to the Big Island thanks to KMA Productions, B.R.A.V.E. Hawaii and the Palace Theater. A portion of the proceeds will benefit B.R.A.V.E Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that encourages youths to “Be Respectful And Value Everyone.” You have to be a quick-witted comic — able to think fast on your feet — to perform the kind of improvisational comedy Blue has built his reputation on. But from the time he first started in comedy until now, Blue says he’s also grown a lot. “I think I have just more of a mature world view that I can incorporate into my comedy,” he says. But when asked whether his disability has helped or hindered him in his career, Blue quips, “If I didn’t have cerebral palsy, I’d just be another goofy white guy.” Hilo audiences are in for a night of well-crafted, spontaneous material — no two of Blue’s shows are the same. “Each show is like a snowflake, which I’m sure the people of Hawaii know nothing about,” he says. Blue doesn’t prepare for his comedy sets. “I just like to go out there and feel the room and the people with me,” he explains. “Since I don’t write or type, I keep my whole set just in my head. And that’s the way I like to go on stage — just off the cuff. “I like an interactive audience without being too disruptive. I want an audience that’s ready to have a good time and not take themselves too seriously. I always just say whatever is on my mind, so it doesn’t help to worry about what to say next.” He never has a shortage of material since living life as “Josh Blue” is eventful enough to provide him with a full bank of weird experiences. “Things just happen to me, being who I am, and then I talk about them on stage,” he says. “I like to refer to myself as a ‘walking (expletive) magnet. People either recognize me from TV or shows or they think I’m homeless. It makes for a huge variety of odd encounters and situations that I use in my comedy. Between my disability and my fame, I get approached a lot and get a lot of usually unwanted attention. “It’s those little moments that are always funny to me. My set is almost all true stories from my family life with my Japanese ex-wife and kids, my time with the Paralympic soccer team and my time on the road for comedy.” Says event promoter and comedian Dynamite, “Josh has a great attitude in life. He finds the silver lining and shows the world the humor in his disability.” There’s not much difference between his on-stage and off-stage persona, Blue says. “Obviously, it’s a little different since I’m doing my job when I’m on stage, but all my stage work is just me sharing my life,” he says. “I’m not always trying to be funny or entertaining when I’m off stage, but so much of that is just my natural personality. Off stage, I’m a dad and an artist and a friend, and when I’m on stage I’m telling stories about that.” One comedian Blue says he looks up to is Chris Rock. “I just really like Chris Rock’s delivery and energy on stage,” Blue says. “He kills it every time. No topic is off limits and his timing is always impeccable. It’s intelligent comedy. He leaves you with something to think about, even if you’re just laughing the whole time.” Blue hopes Big Island residents will come out to see him because there’s nothing that’s better than a live show, he says. Dynamite agrees. “Because of the recent comedy tours KMA Productions has been bringing to the Big Island, Hilo is getting recognized by many comedians as a growing hotbed for stand-up comedy,” he explains. “I wanted to do this show with Josh Blue on the Big Island because the audiences are always very receptive, and I want to continue to bring top-notch talent to the community.” Courtesy photo Josh Blue was the first comedian to perform stand-up on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” “Josh Blue Comedy Show” Starring Josh Blue, with Jose Dynamite and Bryan Rupp. All ages are welcome; the show is rated PG-13. When: 7 p.m. Friday (doors open at 6 p.m.). Where: Palace Theater Tickets: Pre-sale premium tickets are $40 and $45, general admission is $20; $25 at the door. Call KMA Productions at 391-5673 or the Palace Theater at 934-7010. General admission tickets also are available at CD Wizard and KTA locations at Puainako and Downtown Hilo.
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