MARK CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE TOPS COMEDY BILL AS DOWNEY THEATRE DEBUTS ANEW
By The Downey Patriot
DOWNEY—After years of debate, discussion and anticipation, the Downey Theatre will begin the next chapter in its nearly 40-year history Friday night (Jan. 21) with a show featuring six nationally-recognized comics—led by Martin Christopher Lawrence, a regular on the “Chuck” television series.
The production, which H & E Entertainment is calling “A Comedy Night,” will be the first in the Downey Theatre since the city approved a 5-year contract with theatre management company VenueTech in November. The hope is that professional management will reverse the fortunes of the 738-seat theater, which for seveal years has been costing the taxpayers nearly $400,000 annually.
“We’re the guinea pig show,” acknowledged Gary Head, 57, vice-president of H & E Entertainment. “We’ve got HBO comics coming and we want it packed. It’s geared towards everyone—G-rated comedy for ages 5 to 90. Come out and have a real great evening. Support the arts in Downey, support the Downey Theatre.”
The 7 p.m. show will feature comedians Lamont Bonman, Jimmy Burns and Gilbert Esquivel, ventriloquist act Willie Brown and Woody, impressionist Scott Wood and actor/comedian Mark Christopher Lawrence, who currently stars in NBC’s ‘Chuck.’
Caged Comedy, a local improv group founded by Gary’s son, Jared, will also perform.
CONTINUE READING IN THE DOWNEY PATRIOT
A COMEDY NIGHT DOWNEY THEATRE • 8435 FIRESTONE BLVD • DOWNEY • 90241 • 562.923.1714 • HEENTERTAINMENT.COM • FRI 8PM • $40 ADULTS; $30 UNDER 12; $25 BALCONY• JANUARY 21
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“When you take that bus, YOU GET THERE.”
-Mark Christopher Lawrence in “Fear of a Black Hat”