Pioneering Asian American improv troupe returns Feb. 21 with “made up shenanigans”​

Cold Tofu, the nation’s first and longest-running Asian American improv and comedy troupe, is set to perform at Sierra Madre Playhouse on Saturday, February 21, at 8:30 p.m. as part of the theater’s multi-week Lunar New Year celebration.​

Founded in Los Angeles in 1981 by Marilyn Tokuda, Denice Kumagai, Judy Momii, and Irma Escamilla, the nonprofit troupe has been described as “the nation’s first – and longest-running – Asian American improv and comedy troupe.”​

“We are THRILLED to be back performing @sierra.madre.playhouse on Saturday, February 21, at 8:30 p.m.! It’ll be a night of made up shenanigans…,” the group announced in a social media post.​

Historical accounts say Cold Tofu offers “an alternative comedic narrative to mainstream stereotyping” of Asian Americans, and co-founder Tokuda recalled, “I think they were hungry for it. People were starving to see funny Asians, to see comedy.”​​

The troupe’s shows “blend short-form and long-form improv, sketch comedy, and audience-interaction,” and its mission includes promoting diverse and positive images of Asian Pacific Americans while developing multiethnic talent through education and performance.​​

Cold Tofu will run on Saturday, February 21, at 8:30 p.m. at Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre. For more call 626-355-4318 or visit https://www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/event/coldtofu2026. Tickets: $25.