December 14, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Looking for Someone with a Sense of Humor?

Mike Epps anf Friends Bring Comedy to The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – More comedy is set to take the stage at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center! What better way to start the New Year than with a night of laughter. Mike Epps and Friends, featuring Mike Epps, Rickey Smiley, JJ from BET ComicView and Nephew Tomey, will be performing at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center on Sunday, January 15. Tickets for this show go on sale Friday, December 16 at Noon – so secure a weekend night of fun and buy your seat now.

He may not be a household name…yet, but you might recognize Epps if you’ve seen “All About the Benjamins”, “Friday After Next” or “Next Friday”. Epps is a self-described troublemaker and reformed juvenile delinquent who made his start in the world of stand-up comedy when he won a comedy contest in his home state of Indiana.

Success in the Midwest gave Epps the confidence to strike out on his own and move to Atlanta. After establishing himself at the Comedy Act Theatre, Epps moved to New York to develop his act at the age of 21. Breaking into Manhattan’s comedy clubs proved to be more difficult than Atlanta, but with the help of the Def Comedy Jam phenomenon, Epps earned recognition in the underground black comedy scene.

Epps has toured on the Def Comedy Jam tour, starred in two of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam broadcasts, appeared in an episode of “The Sopranos”, and was cast by rapper-actor-producer Ice Cube, to play the part of Day-Day Jones in the “Friday” sequels. Epps has made a return to stand-up, successfully touring the comedy circuit.

One friend accompanying Epps on this tour is Rickey Smiley. Smiley is the host of BET’s popular nightly comedy showcase, “ComicView”. The show has consistently been one of the network’s highest rated programs and has been the starting point for many recognized comedians, including Cedric the Entertainer.

Smiley began his career at the amateur comedy clubs in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. His big league performances include: Showtime at the Apollo, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and Snaps, Comic Escape, and finally BET’s own ComicView, where he competed in the show’s notorious Grandstand. Unlike many of his BET colleagues, Smiley’s comedic material is ‘clean’, which has won over audience members from age eight to age 88. He is a versatile character performer and seems to particularly enjoy focusing on ‘Southern’ and church humor.

Tickets for Mike Epps and Friends featuring Mike Epps, Rickey Smiley, JJ from BET ComicView and Nephew Tomey at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center, Sunday, January 15 at 7PM are $34.50 and $39.50 and GO ON SALE Friday, December 16 at Noon at all Texas Box Office Outlets (includes H-E-B stores in Austin, Bastrop, Bee Caves, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Round Rock, San Marcos, Taylor and Temple; Ft. Hood Bldg. #136 and Renaissance Records in Killeen), charge-by-phone at 512/477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or order on-line at TexasBoxOffice.com. Convenience charges may apply. All information subject to change. The Frank Erwin Center is a smoke-free facility. Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and University lots. For more information, call 512/471-7744. uterwincenter.com.

Interviews, color art and additional press materials are available upon request.

Media Contact: Leslie Lyon @ 512/471-3678

Back to 2004 Press Releases

Frank Erwin Center
1701 Red River
Austin, TX 78701

(512) 471-7744
FAX (512) 471-9652

Send us a comment:
comments@erwin.utexas.edu