Four comedians "stand-up" for the troops in Europe
Vargus Mason Comedian Group to tour with Armed Forces Entertainment
September 26, 2006 download story

After three years of performing for the military, Vargus Mason decided it was time to bring together a diverse group of comedians for a show entitled “Standing up for the Troops” dedicated to bringing laughter to the troops stationed overseas. For his third tour with Armed Forces Entertainment, Mason accompanied by Tommy Savitt, Charles Sanchez and Jentle Phoenix—will entertain military personnel throughout Europe October 5-23.

“The Vargus Mason Comedian Group do an excellent job of elevating the troops’ spirits with their outstanding routines and lively humor,” said George DeGrella, Armed Forces Entertainment regional coordinator for the European circuit. “These comics bring together a well-mixed blend of impressions, characters and stand-up material that keeps the audience roaring.”

Mason has traveled throughout the world with his stand-up humor and highly-animated routines. A Los Angeles native, Mason performs regularly at area comedy clubs including Los Angeles Improv, the Comedy Store and the Ice House. One of Mason’s greatest accomplishments came at the young age of 15 when he won the national title of Rocky Mountain Regional Champion for HBO’s Young Young Comedian Spotlight.
He has made a list of TV appearances including Comedy Central’s Laugh Riots, BET’s Comic-View, VH1’s Super Secret Movie Rules! and most recently NBC’s Last Comic Standing (as one of the 50 comedians to compete in the semifinals).

“Entertaining our troops has proven to be a profoundly enriching experience,” said Mason. “Armed Forces Entertainment has allowed me to experience the troops’ true appreciation for our efforts by interacting with them on a one-on-one basis.”

Savitt is a professional actor/writer/comedian who splits his time between New York and Los Angeles. His stand-up comedy routine has received rave reviews in industry publications Backstage, Long Island Entertainment and the Comic Bible. He has also performed on Si TV’s Latino Laugh Festival and headlined at Caroline’s on Broadway, New York Comedy Club and various A-rooms across the country.

Sanchez has performed at a number of LA comedy clubs including The Improv, the Comedy Store and the Ice House. A memorable addition to his routines is a showcase of original characters, which he has developed over time and continues to perfect. Currently, he is a cast member and writer on the new sketch comedy show entitled Unacceptable Behavior on Si TV.

Phoenix plays a number of roles as an actress, comedian and voice over talent. She has completed several voice over spots on the Drew Carey Show, Disney animated series, animated pilots, TV promos and national TV commercials.

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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.

To learn more about Vargus Mason, visit www.vargusmason.com.

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