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Life & Arts

Clash tackles countless roles, stereotypes 
through comedy

by SETH MINTZ
The Daily Cougar

This was a tough year for America. The country had to deal with the daily loss of troops in Iraq, hurricanes, high gas prices, racial tension and government corruption on top of everyday stress. But with the new year comes new hope. And this hope comes partly in the form of a new play at the Alley Theatre, Culture Clash in AmeriCCa. 

If you are a fan of Carlos Mencia ? meaning that you enjoy racially and culturally charged humor about the topics that are prevalent today -- this play is for you. The Culture Clash troupe consists of three Latino actors ? Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas, and Herbert Sigüenza ? but they make it seem like there are many more. They play males, females, Muslims, Jews, transsexuals, Vietnam vets, Florida retirees, Cubans, Newyorkiacans (Puerto Ricans in New York), Mexicans and many others.

Culture Clash in AmeriCCa isn't a traditional production. It plays more like an episode of Mad TV or Saturday Night Live, as each story is broken up into skits. 

All of the characters Montoya, Salinas and Sigüenza play are not only funny, but believable as well. They look and sound like all of the types of people they portray, which is impressive considering the play involves almost every race and culture found in the United States. 

It would be easy just to simply mock all of the issues discussed in Culture Clash, such as Hurricane Katrina, FEMA, homosexuality and drugs. This, is not the case, however, thanks to the realistic approach the actors take. 

The concepts the play tackles will have people laughing, but the comedy is not shallow. Audience members can all relate to everything these men talk about, as the subject matter deals with cultural issues at the forefront of the American consciousness. 

Culture Clash is not for the easily offended. But for those who enjoy Saturday Night Live-style skits laced with brash political commentary and risque jokes, head to Alley Theater, 615 Texas Ave., for 90 minutes of irreverent spoofs on culture and identity in the United States.

Culture Clash in AmeriCCa

Alley Theatre, 615 Texas
Playing: Through Jan. 29
Verdict: This will likely be one of the funniest, most thought-provoking plays of the year. 
 

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