Kosher Jokes for the Halaladays

At the Gesù Theatre just before Christmas Eve

Could the secret to peace in the Middle East be laughter? What if we could send a handful of comedians into a war zone, and disable either side of a conflict with laughter, leave them doubled over, dropping their guns as they fall to their knees in hysterics, then rise to realize that deep down we’re all the same?

If you will it, it is no dream. Hence, Kosher Jokes for the Halaladays, a comedy show that premiered last December. It was such a rousing success that organizers are bringing it back again this year. It’s not like Jews and Muslims have a whole lot to do during the Christmas season. Why not come together in peace and laughter to bring a little comfort and joy to the masses?

Fellow comedians and producers Jeff Schouela and Eman have once again roused the troops. Along with themselves, they’ve got Dan Laxer (myself), Ali Hassan, and Joey Elias booked for December 21 at the Gesù Theatre, an ironic location, given the circumstances. The Gesù is a 145 year old church with an entertainment venue in its lower level. Named for a church in Rome where Jesuit founder St. Ignatius of Loyola is buried, the Gesù is situated in the heart of the “Quartier de Spectacles,” Montreal’s show business district, just blocks from Place des Arts, Monument National, and Théâtre de Nouveau Monde. The Gesù is a busy venue during the jazz and comedy festivals, and plays host to actors, artists, musicians, and comedians all year round. It’s a cosy 425-seat theatre that was packed for last year’s edition of Kosher Jokes for the Halaladays. And once again Jewish and Muslim jokesters will crack wise in the belly of a church.

Eman is a Palestinian-Canadian, one of the busiest comics around. She’s even played at a comedy festival in, of all places, Amman, Jordan. And she’s the force behind “She’s Canadian, Eh?”, Montreal’s first all-female comedy fest, which premiered this past summer. She also just recently filmed her first TV special for Comedy Now. Jeff Schouela, her partner in crime (or rather comedy) is a master of deadpan self-deprecation who’s been all over North America, and now has a CD, called Forgettable, to prove it. Rounding out the line-up is fitness trainer and radio celebrity Dan Laxer (yours truly), chef-caterer Ali Hassan (yes, they’re both comedians, too), and of course Joey Elias, who can be considered Montreal’s foremost stand-up comic. A Just For Laughs veteran, Elias twice entertained the troops in Afghanistan, and has a DVD under his belt called Douchebag.

Everyone else will be at home hanging stockings, whipping up wassail, and cooking figgy pudding. Come on down to the Gesu and laugh ‘til you little round belly shakes like a bowlful of jelly.

Kosher Jokes for the Halaladays, December 21st, Theatre Gesù. Tickets 514-861-4063.