Modi gay
Modi's Mission to Amuse the Jews, Gays, and Gentiles
Modi Rosenfeld, commonly known as Modi, eschews political involvements. His Jewish identity and homosexual orientation are prominent facets of his persona. His comedic career is paramount. Does he consider himself political?
&8220;Absolutely not,&8221; Modi affirms. &8220;Not in the slightest.&8221;
Despite this, the Israel-born, Long Island-raised Modi navigates the political landscape with adeptness, as evidenced by his appearances roasting renowned figures for Commentary magazine. During the Trump administration, one such event featured former Senator Joe Lieberman as the honored guest. A particularly incisive barb was directed at one of Lieberman's colleagues during the Senate confirmation hearings for Trump's Supreme Court appointments.
&8220;Tonight, we welcome Lindsey Graham,&8221; Modi observed to his audience. &8220;Senator Graham, a fervent aficionado of roasts and laughter, often seems undeterred by self-consciousness. Remarkably, this self-deprecating quality seemingly does not extend to victims of assault.&8221;
Modi refrained from targeting the recently departed Lieberman, and Joe reportedly enjoyed the proceedings. When his turn arrived, he expressed appreciation for Modi's comedic talents.
&8220;Modi was incredibly amusing,&8221; Lieberman declared to the assembled roasters. &8220;I've been surprised by my own amusement at a &8216;Hitler-Goebbels-Shabbat elevator&8217; joke.&8221;
Subsequently tasked with roasting by Commentary, Modi took aim at right-wing pundit Ben Shapiro.
&8220;Fellow attendees, tonight's lineup is, to say the least, peculiar,&8221; Modi began, rhetorically questioning whether Shapiro was &8220;that adolescent Bar Mitzvah boy routinely featured on talk shows, a source of endless irritation for others?&8221;
He then delivered a devastating roast: &8220;You've actively contributed to the advancement of anti-Semitism more than Bernie Madoff and Jeffrey Epstein combined. At least Epstein had the dignity to end his life.&8221;
Despite the sharp wit, both Lieberman and Shapiro seemed to find the proceedings entertaining. For Modi, the focus is on laughter, not politics.
While Washington is the heart of American politics, Modi is enthusiastic about bringing his &8220;Know Your Audience&8221; tour to the iconic Kennedy Center in the nation's capital.
This stop concludes Modi's extensive tour, which commenced in January and spanned twelve venues across the country. Despite the extensive travel, Modi describes himself as invigorated rather than fatigued.
&8220;I'm energized by this experience,&8221; he asserts. &8220;This tour has been meticulously planned by Leo and my manager. Thankfully, our target audience is a Jewish community that favors Wednesday and Thursday performances. Venues are appreciative of this. Who's seeking a Wednesday evening show? I'm able to return home between performances, which is wonderful. I'm traveling to Cleveland tomorrow, then returning for the weekend before resuming the tour. I'm overjoyed by the tour.&8221;
Modi profoundly values his husband, Leo, who serves as his producer. Partnership preceded their official union, and they formalized their partnership during the pandemic.
&8220;We connected through Zoom with the county clerk,&8221; he recalls of the 2020 ceremony. &8220;We submitted our IDs, received the documentation, and were married. That was our wedding. No celebrations, no attire purchases, no travel arrangements. We digitally exchanged vows.&8221;
Incorporating Leo into his act, Modi has developed material drawing comedic comparisons between Leo (a millennial) and his (Gen X) sensibilities. This humor was not born from their marriage. Modi's mother has contributed to this material since the start of their relationship.
&8220;During his first visit to my mother's nine years ago, he encountered a picture of my graduation,&8221; Modi explains. &8220;My mother quipped, &8216;That's when he was your age.'&8221;
While Modi prefers discussing family to politics, he might touch on his frequent flyer miles (&8220;Diamond, Platinum, Medallion -- I'm racking up the miles! Sounds like a stripper. 'Help me welcome Diamond Platinum!'&8221;) despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Modi and his husband were actually in Tel Aviv on the day of the Hamas incursion into Israel, the beginning of recent hostilities. Modi attempted humor about staying in the same hotel as a famous singer, hoping to deflect press coverage away from him, but the humor felt inadequate. Modi seemed to wish humor could more effectively address the world's problems.
Modi recalled a show in Long Island where several women wearing hijabs were in attendance.
&8220;They were laughing,&8221; he noted with happiness. &8220;This is the solution. Laughter fosters camaraderie and peace. I genuinely believe humor is the answer to all problems.&8221;
Modi brings his &8220;Know Your Audience&8221; tour to the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater on Thursday, April 11, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $139. Visit kennedy-center.org.
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