By Jenet Krol

Krol@hometownnewsol.com

CAPE CANAVERAL - Comedian Ted Holum said he never expected having a clean comedy show would be a hook.

When he started as a comedian 30 years ago, dirty and vulgar comedy shows were the novelties.

"I remember when there were one or two guys that would do a really vulgar show, and that was their draw, because not many others were doing it," he said.

Nowadays, it seems like everyone has gotten into the dirty humor act.

"I've been at comedy clubs in Orlando and some of the guys in front of me had really vulgar topics. Even the emcee would go off on dirty topics. There is a place for that, but it's not for everyone and a lot of people get turned off," said Mr. Holum.

So, Mr. Holum, who is now a resident of Merritt Island, and his old friend, ventriloquist Peter Hefty, got together to create the Laughing Tiki Road Show, a "clean" comedy show the whole family can enjoy.

Their first show on Oct. 12, which was originally meant to host 100, attracted 240 audience members.

"Everyone can relate," said Mr. Holum. "Adults and children enjoy the show, not just because it's not dirty, but because it's funny. There is a lot of observation humor and one-liners. I think we've hit a real niche here."

Having worked on cruise ships for more than 12 years, Mr. Holum had plenty of experience with family-friendly comedy.

He said he and Mr. Hefty wanted to bring their show to the Cape Canaveral area because there isn't much family-friendly nightlife.

"Unless you want to go to the port and drink or hit the bar scene, there is not much to the do with the family," he said.

Mr. Hefty said their show proves that even older comics who have been around for a while still have something funny to say.

He and his troupe of ventriloquist dummies, which includes Hoodoo the mind-reader, Justin, a dinosaur who used to teach children how to brush their teeth at a dentist's office, 93-year-old Percy, and old-timey entertainer Mr. Mushi, delight audiences with their humor and tricks of ventriloquism.

Mr. Hefty has been performing as a ventriloquist since he was 6, when he got hooked on making people laugh.

"I helped my uncle who was a magician and was always goofing up tricks. I got more laughter and just kept coming up with ways to make people laugh," he said.

Audiences can expect a lot of variety and personalities with distinctive voices during his act, said Mr. Hefty.

And while the show is suitable for children 13 and older, it's not just for kids, said Mr. Holum.

"It's also for adults who appreciate funny, clean humor," he said.

The Laughing Tiki Road Show is scheduled for 8 p.m., Nov. 14 at the Radisson at the Port, 8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral.

Tickets are $10 and must be reserved by calling (321) 298-1001.