Four comedians “stand-up” for troops in the Pacific
November 28, 2006 download story

“Theater of Laughter” offers full range of comic acts

Comedians Patrick DeGuire, Butch Bradley, Jentle Phoenix and Rick Gene will bring humor and a little bit of home to U.S. troops stationed in the Pacific, Jan. 15-Feb. 13. The group of comedians will regale audiences with a diverse range of stand-up comedy as they perform at bases in Japan, Guam, Hawaii and Alaska.

“We strive to send out seasoned comedians who enjoy nothing more than to see the troops get a good laugh,” said Frank Tagatac, Armed Forces Entertainment regional coordinator for the Pacific circuit. “The time that military personnel spend at Armed Forces Entertainment shows serves as a break from the work routine and a place to remember home—which we believe is time well spent.”

DeGuire has appeared on national television numerous times, including Comedy Central, 'Que Loco' on Galavision and 'Loco Comedy Jam' on Telemundo. He has toured with George Lopez, Paul Rodriguez and Tommy Davidson and has performed at top comedy clubs throughout the United States. DeGuire, who began his comedy career nine years ago, also has performed for U.S. troops stationed in Japan and Korea. DeGuire and his partners in the comedy booking firm, Prime Entertainment, organized the line-up of comedians featured in “Theater of Laughter.”

“The ‘Theater of Laughter’ tour is unique because we truly have something for everyone,” said DeGuire. “We can’t wait to give our troops a chance to escape from the challenges of their work.”

DeGuire is a firm believer in the rejuvenating powers of humor. He turned to stand-up comedy as a form of self-therapy a decade ago when he lost part of his vision due to an eye disease called optic neuritis. “I believe there’s humor in truth and truth in humor,” he says. “When you open up to an audience and share life’s triumphs and tragedies, it’s very healing.”

Bradley started his stand-up career in Boston 11 years ago. Since then, he has appeared on national television multiple times, including Comedy Central, HBO, ‘The Martin Short Show,’ ‘The Jamie Kennedy Experiment’ on Fox and ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn.’ Bradley has opened for Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfield and Adam Sandler. He also has performed for U.S. troops overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Phoenix plays a number of roles as an actress, comedian and voiceover talent. She appeared on the Drew Carey Show and has completed several voiceover spots in Disney animated series, animated pilots, TV promos, national TV commercials and video games including the game based on The Sopranos.

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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.

Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.

Theater of Laughter tour schedule: