Michelle Buteau to Make History with Comedy Special at Radio City Music Hall
Michelle Buteau is making history as the first Black woman to record a comedy special at Radio City Music Hall. We discuss it here!
Michelle Buteau, dressed in attire by Keia Bounds, graces the New York premiere of Netflix's "Survival Of The Thickest" at Metrograph on July 11, 2023.
Photo Credit: LEV RADIN/SHUTTERSTOCK
By: Joshua Martin
Uber talented comedian and actress Michelle Buteau is set to make history later this summer with the filming of her upcoming comedy special. ‘The Survival of the Thickest’ creator will become the first woman to film a comedy special at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
Buteau revealed at this year’s 2024 NAACP Image Awards that she will be the first woman, Black or otherwise, to tape a special at the historic venue.
“I have another special coming out. We’re going to be filming it at Radio City Music Hall on June 6. I will be the first woman and woman of color to be taping a special there, so that’s why I’m saying these things matters. You got to lay the groundwork for other people to come and think they can do it and know that they can do it.”
She also teased what's next for her on screen character, Mavis Beaumont, in the second season of the hilarious Netflix hit ‘Survival of The Thickest’.
“It’s bigger, Blacker, bustier, bi**hier than before. All the B-words. It’s adulting next level. So, I feel like whatever you connected to, I just can’t wait for you to see what has happened.”
In addition to her ongoing comedy series and upcoming special, Buteau will star alongside Ilana Glazer in a new comedic film entitled ‘Babes’. Eden, portrayed by Glazer, gets pregnant from a one-night stand and has to rely on the help of Dawn, played by Buteau, a married mother of two for support. The film is set to premiere on May 17.
Buteau also captured the award for ‘Outstanding Breakthrough Creative’ in television at the 55th edition of the NAACP Image Awards.
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Celebrating 29 Years of The Wayans Bros
On January 11, 1995, a television show from the minds of two Wayans Brothers premiered during one of TV’s heydays for black sitcoms. We discuss it here!
On January 11, 1995, a television show from the minds of two Wayans Brothers premiered during the heydays for black sitcoms. Starring Marlon Wayans, his brother Shawn, and the late John Witherspoon, the show itself is packed with moments of outrageous comedy while centering on the importance of family support as one chases a dream. The series ran for five seasons before its end in 1999. I have many fond memories of this series; it is one of my top 10 shows ever.
Clip | Wayan Bros | Warner Archive
Here’s a fun fact that’s important to note because you never will hear about it. The Wayans Bros was one of the top shows 29 years ago. It set the tone for WB when it was all black content. It even had better numbers than NBC’s top show, Friends. The Wayans bros have even joked about never getting the respect to do a final episode after a five-season run. But what they did get was the respect and love from their audience. The show turned the two brothers into movie stars. They went on to do many other projects together as a top dynamic duo. Movies such as Mo Money, White Chicks, The Scary Movie Series, and Little Man have all been box office successes.
The Wayans Bros series continues to inspire new generations and provide laughter throughout families down a line of many generations. Creating art like that goes a long way on the road to building a memorable legacy, which the Wayans family has done forever and continues to do. Cheers to them for creating amazing content that is still consumed and remembered 29 years later.
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Dave Chappelle to Air New Netflix Special Two Years After 'The Closer'
Dave Chappelle, renowned for his comedic genius, reveals a highly anticipated New Year's Eve stand-up comedy special on Netflix, marking his seventh exclusive release, amidst anticipation and acclaim. We discuss it here!
Dave Chappelle preforming a comedy set. (Evan Agostini, Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
By: Joshua Martin
One of the most brilliant comedic minds of this generation, Dave Chappelle, will release a brand new stand up comedy special on New Year’s Eve to continue a string of a strong run of specials for the streaming service. The news was announced on “X”, formerly known as Twitter, with the streaming giant’s official “Netflix Is A Joke” account posting a short teaser clip with the caption: “Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special will launch globally on Netflix, December 31st.”
Dave Chappelle's latest comedy special will launch globally on Netflix, December 31st pic.twitter.com/zucnnpKPVV
— Netflix Is A Joke (@NetflixIsAJoke) December 6, 2023
The teaser video shows his iconic “C” logo lit up with neon lighting, with Dave Chappelle’s voice thanking a roaring crowd in the background. The video is capped off with famed actor Morgan Freeman stating proudly, “He’s back, folks!” The phrase “Dave Is Back” appears followed by the release date.
Dave Chappelle preforming a set on Netflix. (MATHIEU BITTON/NETFLIX)
Though untitled, this latest special will be Dave’s seventh with Netflix. A successful run that began in 2017 when he released four specials that year. The Age of Spin, Deep in the Heart of Texas, Equanimity and The Bird Revelation were then followed by Sticks and Stones in 2019 and The Closer in 2021. The latter special gained Chappelle a Grammy for Best Comedy Album earlier this year.
The Closer also landed the hot-button funny man in a bit of a controversy with members of the LGBTQ+ community and the many claiming that the comedian's jokes were transphobic. Netflix continued to stand behind Dave claiming that the special was never meant to cause harm.
“With ‘The Closer,’ we understand that the concern is not about offensive-to-some content but titles which could increase real world harm. Last year, we heard similar concerns about 365 Days and violence against women. While some employees disagree, we have a strong belief that content on screen doesn’t directly translate to real-world harm.”
It remains to be seen when and where the special was shot. Dave has most recently been touring the country as a part of this fall’s Dave Chappelle Live comedy tour.
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Kevin Hart Named 25th Recipient of the Mark Twain Prize For American Humor
Comedian Kevin Hart has been selected as the recipient of the Mark Twain Prize by the Kennedy Center, honoring his lifetime contributions to American humor. We discuss it here!
Kevin Hart poses during a photoshoot. (Brian Bowen Smith)
By: Adonis Armstrong
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts revealed on Wednesday (Nov. 15) that Kevin Hart is set to receive the 25th Mark Twain Prize For American Humor. Respected comedians such as Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, and Dave Chappelle have previously been honored with this prestigious award.
Hart, 44, started his career during his teenage years by showcasing his talent at places like The Laff House in Philadelphia, adopting the moniker Lil Kev. Reflecting on those early stand-up gigs, he described a series of tough setbacks, including facing repeated booing from the audience and even, as he recounted, having food thrown at him, like a piece of chicken, during a performance.
“I’ve been doing comedy since the inception of this award 25 years ago. To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal. Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life — I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture. I can’t wait to celebrate!”
Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter also conveyed her thoughts on Hart's upcoming recognition. “For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy and relatable narratives,” she stated. “An accomplished writer, producer, actor and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center.”
As disclosed by the Kennedy Center, 11 of Hart’s movies premiered as the top-grossing films at the box office. The Hartbeat Productions head has also accumulated over $4.23 billion in global earnings. In July, he made a comeback to stand-up with his eighth special, Reality Check, exclusively streamed on Peacock. Scheduled for 2024, Hart is set to star in two movies, Lift and Borderlands.
Beyond his entertainment ventures, Hart extended his influence into the food industry through his plant-based restaurant chain, Hart House. By the way, Hart House is pretty good—keep striving for excellence, Kev.
Hart is scheduled to accept his award at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on March 24, with the ceremony's broadcast date yet to be announced.
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Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com