COMEDY CENTRAL brings "The World's #1 Variety Show" to the U.S. with "Viva Variety," a new, original half-hour series premiering April 1st at 10:00 p.m. Created, performed and written by Thomas Lennon, Michael Black and Ben Garant of the sketch comedy troupe "The State," the series will showcase celebrity guests, novelty acts, musical performances, short films and remote segments. The series is hosted by Mr. Laupin (Thomas Lennon) and his ex-wife, the former Mrs.Laupin (Kerri Kenney), assisted by their loyal sidekick, Johnny Blue Jeans (Michael Black). See the press release (below) for more information.

"Viva Variety," Comedy Central's New, Original Euro-Style Entertainment Extravaganza Begins Production

New series written and performed by "The State" comedy troupe Thomas Lennon, Michael Black and Ben Garant set to Debut April 1 at 10:00 p.m. (Eastern/Pacific).

NEW YORK, February 3, 1997 -- COMEDY CENTRAL begins production February 11 in Manhattan on "The World's #1 Variety Show," "Viva Variety," a new, original half-hour series, to debut on April 1 at 10:00 p.m. Best described as a "Eurotrash Hee-Haw," "Viva Variety" is loosely structured after a typical European variety program, containing all the traditional elements presented in a totally new, bizarre way. Created, performed and written by Thomas Lennon, Michael Black and Ben Garant of the sketch comedy troupe "The State," the series will showcase celebrity guests, novelty acts, musical performances, short films and remote segments. The series is hosted by Mr. Laupin (Thomas Lennon) and his ex-wife, the former Mrs. Laupin (Kerri Kenney), assisted by their loyal sidekick, Johnny Blue Jeans (Michael Black). Each of the 13 episodes will be driven by a comedic backstory. "Viva Variety" will air regularly on Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m., with encore presentations on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Performers include musical guests "They Might Be Giants," "Marshall Crenshaw Band," "Rollins Band," "Moby," and "Shudder to Think" and celebrity guests Eartha Kitt, Walter Koenig (Star Trek) and Henry Rollins (of Rollins Band). Featured variety acts are "The World's Greatest Rolla-Bowla Balance Artist" - Tino Ferreiro, "The World's Only Contortionist Fiddle Player" - Yogi Baird, "The Human Torch" - Ray Wold, and, last but not least, "Scotland's Premiere Regurgitator" - Stevie Star.

Thomas Lennon, Michael Ian Black and Ben Garant have been writing and performing comedy together for the last eight years, as members of the critically-acclaimed sketch troupe, "The State," featured on MTV (1995 Ace Award Nomination: Best Sketch Comedy/Variety Series), and now with their new show "Viva Variety." The three met at the Tisch School of the Arts in New York. Production credits for "Viva Variety" include Jim Sharp as Executive Producer, Thomas Lennon, Michael Black and Ben Garant as Producers and Rich Goldman as Line Producer.

For free tickets to a live taping of Viva Variety in New York City, call (212) 722-6024.

all information, pics, ect. from www.comcentral.com