Stage Time Mag

I would like to invite you to check out StageTimemag.com, a new online magazine committed to stand-up comedy. The premiere issue is available and features and interview with yours truly!!!

The Biography of Stepin Fetchit

Mel Watkins, author of On The Real Side: A History of African American Comedy, has just released a new book: Stepin Fetchit: The Life and Times of Lincoln Perry.

Editorial Review From Publishers Weekly:
The name Stepin Fetchit evokes images of an African-American caricature, a lazy, cowering fixture in early films. Watkins, a former New York Times Book Review editor, details the story behind the stereotype, examining the life and career of actor Lincoln Perry (1902–1985), creator of Stepin Fetchit. Watkins makes a case that the character's "rebellious, folk-inspired subversiveness (avoiding unrewarding labor by pretense and sham) was subverted and, ultimately, perverted." Perry started performing in early 20th-century traveling minstrel shows and was part of the two-man act "Step and Fetch It." By the early 1920s, when he reached Hollywood, he'd gone solo but kept the name. After breaking into films and working with luminaries like Will Rogers, he fought for treatment and salaries similar to his white co-stars. He became a millionaire; Hollywood pegged him as a troublemaker. Furthermore, the black middle class opposed his profligate lifestyle. Once the Civil Rights movement demanded more positive black images in the media, Stepin Fetchit became an embarrassment. Although Perry received a Special Image Award from the NAACP in 1976, his film work is not easily available. Watkins does an excellent job of capturing the distinctive voice of a determined and savvy film pioneer. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Seeing Mr.Fabulous!!!

Tonight I had the rare pleasure of going out to see a fellow performer do his thing. The fabulous Keith Price did his one man show Ebony Chunky Love -- tonight at Don't Tell Mama's! I've have been trying to see this show for the last three weeks, and was lucky to catch his "final" performance. I put final in quotes, because I know a show with comedy, singing, dancing (y'all know how Keith can move it, move it on stage), soul searching and comedic candor can't really be over. Thanks for a great night, Keith!!!!

And to answer one of the show's burning questions: No, don't lower your standards!

Thank You For Being a Friend

That's right! I braved the Nor-Easter that whipped through the city today to get an autographed copy of the Season Three DVD of The Golden Girls!!!!!!! It was well worth the four hour wait. I got to Barnes & Noble in Chelsea at 10:30am, but some folks were in line at 6:30am this morning! I'm a big fan, but not that big.

Rue McClennehan (Blanche) and Betty White (Rose) were delightful. Bea Arthur (Dorothy) was a bit aloof. I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt though. At 82 years old, she is the oldest of the group and more than entitled to be a little cranky if she wants. :-) Estelle Getty (Sophia) did not attend.

The Chicks of Chicks & Giggles

Leighann Lord, Carolyn Castiglia & Nichelle Stevens

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, I had the pleasure of once again performing on Chicks & Giggles show at Mo Pikins. A wonderfully intimitate room in the East Village. After the show I was able to snag a picture with the show's producers Carolyn and Nichelle.

On Stage @ Mo Pitkins

Thanks Sorors!

Bigs Hugs to my Sorority sisters from my graduate chapter (Kappa Sigma, NY) who came out to see me at the Improv in a weekly show called Souled Comedy!

Thanks for the Sisterly Love!