Did you hear the one about the Polack who locked his family in the car? It took him an hour to get them out.

Tasteless. Crude. Insulting. The foundation of so much humor in America insults one group or another. Polish Joke, a hilarious play by David Ives, uses ethnic humor as a spotlight on how we all look at people who happen to be different. Presented by The Laboratory Theater of Florida, Polish Joke premieres on April 13 at the Kiwanis Hall in Fort Myers’ River District.

“This play is a funny, absurd and sometimes touching look at how we look at others, and consequently ourselves,” says director Shawn Holiday. “Through a series of unusual events, Jasiu Sadlowski embarks on a strange and wonderful journey to escape the ‘curse’ of being Polish.” The rollicking comedy comes on the heels of Lab Theater’s successful In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play. Artistic director Annette Trossbach says, “Polish Joke is a smart and fast-paced comedy that exposes the absurdity of ethnic stereotypes and finally celebrates Jasiu as he learns to embrace his heritage.”

Starring Adam Kazmarz as Jasiu, Polish Joke by David Ives will be presented April 13, 14, 19-21, and 26-28 at 8 pm at 1634 Woodford Avenue (corner of 2nd Street and Woodford) in Fort Myers, FL. There will also be a 2 pm matinee on April 29. Tickets are $20, $12 for students. Call (239)218-0481 or visit www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com .