Jeff Dunham has taken the art of ventriloquism to new heights and transformed it into a cutting-edge comedy experience that has taken the world by storm. Named by Forbes in its Celebrity 100 list of most powerful entertainers, his comedy phenomenon has spread across the globe as he continues to sell out arenas worldwide, topping DVD sales charts and breaking international rating records as he goes along.
"South African comedy fans are in for an absolute treat during the Jeff Dunham tour. He is not only one of the world's most popular, funny and unique entertainers, but he is also the kind of act that appeals to an unusually wide audience base. We are very proud to be bringing Jeff and his many 'co-stars' to these shores," said Sam Hendrikse, CEO of Hunta Live.
One of his characters' video clips, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, has been viewed well over 100 million times and his popularity in South Africa is evident from his DVD sales with “Spark of Insanity,” number 5 on the South African DVD charts — scoring against all DVD releases including best-selling movies.
The secret to Dunham's comedic genius and unprecedented success is found in the believably real personalities he has created that are his partners in hilarity: Walter the grumpy retiree; the beer-swilling, NASCAR loving and resolutely redneck Bubba J; the furry and manic Peanut; José Jalapeño, the spicy pepper from south of the border; and the bumbling skeletal Achmed the Dead Terrorist.
Dunham's appeal straddles international borders as well as any cultural barriers and he feels it is his mission not just to entertain, but to touch people's lives. "As a stand-up comic, it is my job to make the majority of people laugh, and I truly believe that comedy is the last true form of free speech and that laughter can heal many wounds," he said.
Tickets are now on sale to the public via Computicket (www.computicket.com or call +27 (0)83 915 8000). Ticket prices range from R200 to R500.
* 18 September: Sun City, SuperBowl at 8pm
* 23 September: Johannesburg, Carnival City, Big Top Arena at 8pm
* 24 September: Cape Town: GrandWest, Grand Arena at 8pm
For additional information, go to www.jeffdunham.com or www.myspace.com/jeffdunham.
