Thursday, May. 28, 2009

Cedric 'The Entertainer' brings comic relief from down times

Cedric “The Entertainer” insists his tour includes a full-fledged circus.

That’s how he begins his interview with the Ledger-Enquirer, instantly proving that yes, he really is that funny.

It’s a reassuring moment.

Comedians are supposed to make us laugh until our faces turn red. Until we can’t see straight. Until milk drips out of our noses.

“There is always this expectation to be always cracking a joke,” Cedric says.

But he emphasizes even funny people aren’t immune to the occasional life setback, the same cloud of gloom that makes audiences seek refuge in comedy shows.

Cedric, known for roles in films like “Barbershop” and “Johnson Family Vacation,” comes to the Columbus Civic Center Friday.

Citing big, diverse crowds at recent performances, Cedric is aware he’s tossing out jokes at a time when people want to laugh.

His craft — humor — is an antidote in a struggling economy that’s made a smile a valued commodity.

“Everybody’s just dealing with so much negativity,” he says.

Stage and screen

In Friday’s stand-up show, Cedric will deliver the same brand of candid commentary he’s showcased on programs like HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and BET’s “ComicView.”

“I’m really just out on the road having a good time,” he says.

Sometimes, that means drawing parallels between places like Columbus and the small Missouri town where he was raised.

But just as importantly, he wants to help people travel outside the realm of the familiar: introducing new places, new stories, new ideas.

“I think it’s my duty to take people on a ride,” he says.

He tackles race. Culture. Even politics, when the time is right.

In 2005, Cedric performed at the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner.

His quip about the dual personalities of Condoleezza Rice — straight-laced “Condi” and loose-lipped “Leeza” — remains popular online.

In addition to touring, Cedric has a variety of projects in the works, including a possible comedy pilot for ABC.

The comedian is critical of the lack of cultural and ethnic diversity on the current TV sitcom landscape.

“Especially on the major networks — there’s hardly any,” he says.

Advice for beginners

Throughout his career, Cedric has remained an influential force in African-American entertainment, impacting young comedians in particular.

He founded a charitable organization designed to improve the lives of inner-city youth and their families.

Cedric, one of four entertainers featured in Spike Lee’s “The Original Kings of Comedy,” tells aspiring comedians it’s all about dedication.

“The main thing is just to continue to develop your craft,” he said.

The advice becomes more relevant as overnight YouTube sensations change the entertainment climate.

Comedy requires more than one joke or one lucky moment, Cedric added.

And to conquer laughter’s world, you don’t need a circus — just a lifelong passion.

“Always want it,” he said.