PASADENA — “Gilmore Girls” star Keiko Agena joins Cold Tofu Improv for a night of comedy on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m. the Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena.
Cold Tofu Improv is the nation’s first Asian American improv and sketch group, dedicated to presenting diverse images of AAPIs in comedy. Joining Agena on stage are Cold Tofu performing cast members Jully Lee, Helen Ota, Mike Palma, Will Choi, Aaron Aoki, Jhemon Lee and Johnny Ye, and musician Howard Ho.
Agena played Lane Kim in “Gilmore Girls” for seven years and reprises her role in the upcoming revival, “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” premiering on Netflix later this month. She is well known in the Los Angeles improv scene, having studied at Upright Citizens Brigade, iOWest and Groundlings, and performs with improv teams Ham Radio, RJP and Totally Heather.
Emily Kuroda will reprise her role as Lane’s mom in the revival. She was tentatively scheduled to take part in the improv show but will be unable to do so.
“Cold Tofu has always endeavored to collaborate with the many creative artists in the Asian American community,” said Artistic Director Jully Lee. “In the past, we’ve performed with actors Amy Hill, Tamlyn Tomita and Rodney Kageyama, as well as Grammy Award-winning musician Daniel Ho and ABC7 news anchor David Ono.
“Last year, we approached Keiko about a possible collaboration, and the announcement?of the Netflix return of “Gilmore Girls” made it a perfect time to plan a special event.”
“A Night in Stars Hollow” is a special fundraiser to benefit Cold Tofu and the work they do training the next generation of Asian American improvisors.
“Since 1981, Cold Tofu has been a committed group of individuals with passion for the arts, community and Asian American voice,” said Kim Hayashi, co-president of the Board of Directors. “The diversity of talent and care for providing students and members with lifelong skills and friendships has continually impressed us and is the reason why we are dedicated to this wonderful organization.”
Pre-show entertainment features Beatles cover band The Fob Four. Food trucks Whole Sam and Kona Ice will be on-site selling their food. All tickets include hosted wine and beer.
Doors open at 6 p.m. General admission pre-sale tickets are $25; walk-up tickets are $30. Tickets are available online at http://bit.ly/CTgilmoregirls. For more information about Cold Tofu Improv, visit www.ColdTofu.com.