If the economy has you down or you’re still sad because you didn’t have a Valentine, a good laugh might be what you need.
No matter how dismal life might seem, comedian and actor Ralph Harris can trigger a smile and laugh while discussing life issues to which everyone can relate.
He is being featured in a series of shows at Crackers Comedy Club in Broad Ripple through Sunday of this week.
The visit marks the beginning of Harris’ new “MANish Boy” comedy tour, which will also stop in cities such as New York, Pasadena and Phoenix.
Harris has been a professional comedian for over 25 years, and although he has had successful television appearances, he continues to thrive off of his hilarious stand-up routines.
“I’m still pushing, and doing a bunch of shows in the next few months,” Harris said. “I’m criss-crossing the country with an extended show.”
The MANish Boy routine allows Harris to introduce a variety of characters, and provides a comedic way to examine the question, “Does a boy always become a man when he leaves home?”
Many of the sketches are based on Harris’ own journey through manhood, which he admits was punctuated with many sidesplitting experiences.
Harris hasn’t yet reached the status of a universally known superstar, but by many accounts he is well on his way.
A native of Philadelphia, Harris later moved to Los Angeles, where his stand up career hit its stride and earned him guest appearances on television shows such as “Last Comic Standing,” “Seinfeld,” “Living Single,” “Parenthood” and “In Living Color.” He had the starring role of Josh Jericco in the ABC ’90s sitcom “On Our Own.”
In 2007 he released “Hickey Head,” a CD of his comedy routines.
Inspired by comedic greats such as Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy and Jonathan Winters, Harris has also landed his own cable specials on Comedy Central and HBO.
However, he is perhaps best known for his brief role in the 2006 film “Dreamgirls” where he portrays the MC who introduces Jamie Foxx to the Dreamettes. He also appeared in 2007’s “Evan Almighty” with Steve Carell and Wanda Sykes.
Chris Miller, manager of Crackers Comedy Club, said Harris has the kind of engaging comedy that keeps audiences coming back.
“We’re glad to have Ralph Harris join us because once people have seen him, they want to see him again,” Miller said. “He is definitely a popular draw and a skilled comedian.”
Harris said he has been looking forward to his five-night series of performances in Indianapolis.
“I’ve been trying to make it back to all of the places where people have said they want to see me again,” he said. “It takes the fans putting pressure on the clubs and venues to bring the talent that they want see. To all of the fans that have supported me, I say thank you and get ready for a good show. Love ya’ all!”
Get ready to laugh!
Who: Ralph Harrisπ
Where: Crackers Comedy Club in Broad Ripple, 6281 College Ave.
When: Friday March 5 and Saturday March 6 at 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., and Sunday March 7 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: Regular seating is $13 on Friday and Saturday and $8 on Sunday; preferred seating is $18 on Friday and Saturday and $10 on Sunday.
For more info: Call (317) 255-4211, or log on to www.crackerscomedy.com.
Did you know
Ralph Harris has appeared on the Indianapolis based Bob & Tom Show® a nationally syndicated radio program on WFBQ-FM.
Established in 1980, Crackers Comedy Club has been visited by many stand-up comedians who are now stars, such as Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, Ray Romano and Larry the Cable Guy.
