More than 200 people crowded inside Herberger Theater in downtown Phoenix to watch five comedians perform stand-up.
The Hope Christian Church sponsored Outlaw Comedy, a faith-centered comedy show that featured Brian Smith, Robby Wagner, Sean Cullum, Thor Ramsey and Bone Hampton.
The stage included a world-record holder —Wagner — who usually doesn’t tour with Outlaw Comedy.
Wagner performed a 10-hour comedy routine in Phoenix in March, beating previous world record holder Dane Cook.
The two main comedians, Hampton and Ramsey, have collaborated before on “Thou Shalt Laugh.”
“I am usually guaranteed a great show or horrible show when I work with Thor because he is so … darn great,” Hampton said in an e-mail. “I love knowing that he is going to bring it and expects nothing less of me when I go on. He is one of my best friends, biggest fans and biggest encouragers. The experience to do shows with Mr. Ramsey never … gets old.”
The comedy varied from personal to local humor, and comedians incorporated religion into their comedy by saying “God bless you” and quoting entire proverbs.
“It’s important [to keep the humor clean] out of respect to my mother,” Hampton said. “I just want her to be able to be proud of me and not have to compromise, and of course because of my relationship with God.”
At the end of the comedy show, three ASU students spoke about their experiences with first coming to college and drifting away from their faith, and how they were able to incorporate Christianity back into their lives.
“I think what really impacts the students who attend our shows is hearing from their peers on stage about encounters they have had with God while in college,” said the show’s host, Jason Shaffery of Pinetop, Ariz.
After the talks, the audience then filled out a survey and a few lucky people were awarded $25 gift certificates to Chili’s, Oregano’s and other restaurants. One audience member won a Sprint phone, and the grand-prize winner received an Xbox 360.
Hope Christian Church is a member of the Council of Religious Advisors at ASU, which recognizes any organized religion on campus. Shaffery said that because the Hope Christian Church meets on campus, students are its target market.
The show was free for students, and the proceeds for ticket sales go toward the next show.
Outlaw Comedy hopes to have another performance next semester.
Reach the reporter at ivy.morris@asu.edu.
