The Famous Comedy Act Theater - once a haunt for everyone from Eddie Murphy to Dave Chappelle to Jamie Foxx - is returning to Leimert. At least according to this YouTube video (also embedded in the LP Beat's video section).

According to a Sept. 2000 NYT story: The seeds of the current comedy boom were planted at the Comedy Act Theater. Robin Harris, a comedian who died of a heart attack in 1990, was the... ''He changed everything,'' says Dave Chappelle, a stand-up who played there. ''He was really funny, and he would set you up, present you. Nearly every night, everyone was there, everyone who's a star now. Martin Lawrence, the Wayanses, Jamie Foxx, Bernie Mac, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker -- they all appeared at the Comedy Act Theater.''

"(Eddie) Murphy decided to more or less recreate the club as a television special and sold ''Uptown Comedy Express'' to (Chris) Albrecht at HBO in 1986. Murphy's real-life Uncle Ray was the host of the show, and the set was directly modeled on the look of the club on Crenshaw. ''Uptown Comedy Express'' was not turned into a regular series, but, in 1992, inspired by the show, Russell Simmons, the rap impresario, created ''Def Comedy Jam'' for HBO, and suddenly the locus of black comedy shifted from Crenshaw to cable TV."

Of course, the club at 43rd and Degnan (Crenshaw and King) in the village is described as "deep in the heart of South-Central."

But I degress. The YouTube video gives very little info: Founder, Michael Williams will re-open the doors for a Reunion on Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 pm at the club's original location, the famed Regency West, 3339 W. 43rd Street. No contact info. No price.

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Comment by Elise on July 10, 2008 at 8:54pm
are they having shows regularly now?
Comment by enhager on May 14, 2008 at 10:06am
UPDATE: Calll 213-706-4403 for more information. It's a personal phone and if you don't leave a message like I didn't, Michael Williams will personally call back and give you a run down on the comics that are booked so far, including Tommie Davidson. It's $25 and tickets should be available by Thursday from 5th Street Dicks. Shows will normally cost $15. "I've been away a long time," Michael said. "It's nice to be back."

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