A bit like a rap show, comedians Anas Hassouna, Oussama Fares and Charles Brunet took turns on stage at L’Olympia de Montréal on Monday evening, where they presented the media premiere of their show Especially Anas.
In addition to the joint skits, the three friends each had about twenty minutes of solo time after Anas Hassouna took the opportunity to urge people to return to their seats, which were still in the aisles of the theater, after a short opening at 8:15 p.m .
Anas Hassouna MARIO BEAUREGARD/AGENCE QMI
“Tonight the Olympia has the most diverse crowd in Montreal. “There are white ladies…men who are not allowed to go out after 9:30 p.m.,” he said with a laugh.
The comedian we saw at La soiree Mammouth, Club Soly and Big Brother Celebrities was the last to perform alone and the crowd was waiting for him. He took the stage to thunderous applause and with infectious energy. He didn’t find it too difficult to bring people into his world.
He addressed toxic masculinity and armed violence and also spoke about halal marriage and CEGEPs, comparing them to atheist conversion camps that produce people who no longer believe in anything.
“Basketball and Poverty”
Between solo performances, the three comedians took to the stage for small sketches called “Basketball and Poverty,” which were initially presented as a show on which the trio had collaborated with Fabienne Larouche.
Charles Brunet, Oussama Fares and Anas Hassouna during the performance of “Surtout Anas” at the Olympia in Montreal. MARIO BEAUREGARD/AGENCE QMI
Starting with the sound of a dramatic melody, the satire quickly got to the heart of the matter and addressed and named all the clichés associated with diversity such as radicalization, shootings, terrorism. Ultimately, it is basketball that will save little Jérémie Langlois, played by Charles Brunet, the adopted son of the characters played by Anas Hassouna and Oussama Fares.
These burlesque acts amused the audience.
“Two Arabs and Eminem”
Charles Brunet was the first to arrive with his solo act. Since they identified with Eminem, in his opinion their show could well have been called “Deux Arabes et Eminem”. He had an effortless ability to make the room laugh, even though his chosen subjects were often exploited by the male comedians who preceded him in the industry.
Charles Brunet MARIO BEAUREGARD/AGENCE QMI
Among other things, he talked about first “dates”, masturbation, fellatio or the virtual absence of fellatio in a long-term couple and “mers who come quickly”. Overall, it was his jokes about his grandfather, a 93-year-old farmer who had become blind and missing his fingers, that had the most success.
On the other hand, Osama Fares’ performance was enough to enchant the audience at L’Olympia on Monday evening. The latter was more solid than his compatriot and presented a more successful number, which probably pleased the audience, which was very loud throughout the entire 20 minutes.
He spoke openly about his fears, his fatphobia and his efforts to lose weight… so that he could one day wear Zara.
The show ended with a chaotic rap performance by the three comedians that left the audience on the edge of their seats before about 10 dancers, some of whom were masked, took the stage.
The show “Especially Anas” will be at La Chapelle de Québec on Wednesday and at the Salle Albert-Rousseau on November 28th. For all dates click here.