County Improvisational Troupe Launches Operation Desert Smile

HUNTINGTON BEACH —  The Orange County Crazies, an improvisational troupe, said Monday they have launched Operation Desert Smile in response to the Persian Gulf War.

The members of the troupe are asking comedy groups, comedy clubs and stand-up comedians to help them collect humorous paraphernalia to send to U.S. troops in the Middle East.

But before any packages can be sent, a few logistical details must be worked out. The group is looking for shipping companies to volunteer their services to ship the gifts overseas. The troupe also is awaiting advice from the military as to what they can send to the soldiers.

If all goes well, the troupe’s members plan to send a shipment of gifts “once a week, every week until our soldiers come home.”

“We’re in the business of comedy,” said Cherie Kerr, producer and artistic director for the Crazies. “This is a very tense time in the world . . . and we need to bring some humor to bring some levity and balance to everyone.”

She said the Crazies’ 30 members were monitoring news of the war last week when the idea hit them.

“We were feeling very demoralized and very sad that it’s a reality,” Kerr said. “We know we can make people laugh . . . and if we could reach out to the people across the community by encouraging them to participate and send something humorous to our soldiers overseas . . . this effort will really bring about some happiness.”

Crazies members said their effort is an attempt to encourage interested individuals to participate and should not be misconstrued as a political action.

“This isn’t so much a pro- or anti-anything,” said Dan Weston of Huntington Beach. “We’re just trying to give some kids that are thousands of miles away from home something to smile about.”

Those interested in Operation Desert Smile can contact Alan Cranis or Cherie Kerr at 16892 Bolsa Chica St., Suite 202, Huntington Beach, Calif. 92649, or call (714) 840-1406.