Today
Singapore
January 26, 2002

This blonde tells jokes
by Low Shi Ping


Comedy, to Karen Loftus, is anything that "rings true and catches you off guard, making you laugh inside out".

This blonde, turquoise-eyed lady from America is in town to tickle funny bones and take the recession blues away.

She's a natural. Even when her jokes fall short, her infectious, high-pitched giggle is enough to set you off.

Karen will be doing a two-night stint in Singapore.

Titled American Woman, the show will explore what it means to be an American at home and overseas.

"I'm going to break open the stereotypes of American women that a lot of people have," she said.

"I will also be telling stories as I take on different characters of different nationalities."

The native of Philadelphia was introduced to stand-up comedy when she was in Boston, where she worked at a comedy club with many seasoned comic.

When her family heard she was entering the world of stand-up comedy, they were both excited and horrified.

Her mother was against the idea, wanting her to stay home and settle down. It was fortunate for comedy fans world-wide that Karen defied her mother's wishes.

Settling down was not what she had in mind. Karen has travelled around the US and to Asia, Europe and the Middle East. She picks up materials for her shows along the way.

A big fan of Lucille Ball, Karen was lucky enough to meet her before she died.

"She is such an intense woman and a total diva! Off screen, she exudes an aura of hardcore business but as an actress, she's great."

Having performed at the Singapore Comedy Festival last year, Karen is set to evoke more laughter from local audiences.

Her arrival in Singapore is timely. "Times are bad and you need to laugh," she said.