NEW YORK — The East Coast Armenian community enjoyed a special weekend of humor and laughter on May 10 and 11, when the “Big Bad Armo Show” (BBAS) presented its bilingual comedic sketches titled “Live in NYC” at the Symphony Space in NYC. The force behind this hilarious show is the talented actress, writer and creator Lory Tatoulian. Originally from Reedley, Calif., she loved theater at a young age. A Theater major at San Diego State University, Lory produced her first solo show “Sitting Twisted, Talking Straight” that featured 10 different sketches. This inspired her to create 10 different “Big Bad Armo Shows” that toured many cities in the US.
The May performance was co-produced by the Tekeyan Cultural Association of Greater New York Chapter. With three sold out performances, the audience witnessed the comedic vignettes representing the Armenian diaspora with different dialects and hilarious characters.
The entertainment for the evening was provided by New Jersey based Shant and Raffi Massoyan. The duo performed Armenian and International songs and music.
The show opened with a Game Show “How Hye Are You?” actors impersonating Cher, Kim Kardashian, Kaitlyn Jenner, Nikol Pashinyan, Serge Tankian and Elton John. Followed by comedic sketches. Tatoulian’s character of Sossi Hayrabedian , an immigrant from Middle East, campaigning for the Mayor of Pasadena made her a fan favorite. She is currently running for the President of the US. She entertained the audience debating with Donald Trump.
The twelve skits had different vibes and various characters. Actors Mary Basmadjian, Helen Kalognomos , Andrew Kapamajian, co-director Ludwig Manukian, Alexander Mashikian, Micheal Strassner and Johnno Wilson drew huge laughs from the audience with their impersonations and talent.
Sketches such as Armenian Telethon, packing the kids for Camp Nubar and especially Marty and Varty, the entertainers aboard the Armenian Cruise, ending the show with a sing along That’s Amote with the audience.
