Wednesday 25

Since 2003, the New York Arab American Comedy Festival has been trying to improve relations and dispel stereotypes by showcasing hilarious writers and comics of Middle Eastern descent.

Tony Shalhoub, Kathy Najimy, Jamie Farr – yeah, that’s right: You’ve even heard of some of ’em. Tuesday through tomorrow, Jan. 26, the NYAACF makes its first appearance outside the Big Apple by visiting our own Middle Easterner-heavy town.

Tuesday and tonight at the Hudson Mainstage Theater (6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, 323-960-7745, 8 p.m.), and tomorrow at the Laugh Factory (8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, 323-656-1336, 7:45 p.m.), Aron Kader, Ahmed Ahmed, Leila Sbitani, and others perform in an evening of serious laughter sure to split your sides like a pita. $20; Laugh Factory also requires a two-drink minimum. Arabcomedy.org