MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Residents aboard station found laughter in the form of a comedy show performed by comedians Tom Simmons and Paul Hooper in the Club Iwakuni ballroom here April 15, 2012.
The two comics performed here as part of their Japan tour, which is taking them from Iwakuni to Tokyo then on to Okinawa, performing at several bases.
Simmons was first on the stage.
Simmons, during his more than 19-year comedy career, has been noted for performances in comedy tours, clubs and theatres all around the U.S. as well as performing for troops in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan in 2005. Simmons is also the winner of the 2009 San Francisco comedy competition.
Simmons took to the stage as a natural would and lead the audience on a roller coaster of laughs by sharing details on his personal life, and his opinions and views on everyday things.
“I like performing for troops overseas more than back in the states,” said Simmons. “They seem to appreciate it more because it’s not something they get to see every day and the fact that we can put a smile on their face is the reason we do this job.”
Comic Paul Hooper also took the spotlight.
Hooper, a veteran of comedy, has 14 years of experience performing for audiences. Hooper has performed in events such as the HBO Comedy Festival in Vegas and was a finalist in the 30th annual Seattle International Comedy Festival and more. He has also performed for various military towns and during this performance he took a firm hold on the audience’s attention.
“I have performed at almost every conceivable venue,” said Hooper. “From bases to bars, cruises, indoor, outdoor, comedy clubs, you name it.”
Hooper’s act involved informing the audience of his obsessive compulsive disorder and the many trifles that come with it.
He also shared personal stories from past days on tour, which literally had the audience bursting from their seats in laughter.
Before the show began, Simmons and Hooper decided to travel through the town and take in what they could from Japan. Given, it was the first time for both of them in Japan. They admired the sights of the Iwakuni Castle and enjoyed local cuisine.
According to Simmons and Hooper, it was a great time and the people were different from what they were used to. But Japan, in their opinion, was a great place that they have enjoyed visiting thus far.
The show ended and the audience bid their farewells with a round of applause.
Simmons and Hooper may have only stayed a short time, but it was long enough to provide laughs for station residents. The next stop on their Japanese tour is Camp Fuji, then ending with five days in Okinawa.