MIDWEST-MADE FUNNYMAN
Ricarlo Flanagan to headline Wiley’s Comedy Club Saturday, Feb. 3
At 6’3” with a deep voice to match his frame, Ricarlo Flanagan might seem like an imposing figure at a glance. But to hear the Cleveland-born, Michigan raised comedian tell it, his presence is simply the doorway to getting to know the real him. “I’m also fat or husky as they like to say, so my weight gives me a look (that’s) kinda jolly to most people,” Flanagan says. “That allows me to connect my personality to the crowd.”
Flanagan plans on bringing all his personality – and a collection of jokes – when he headlines Wiley’s Comedy Joint next month.
Joined by host Meldon Williams and feature act (and MostMetro.com film reviewer) Tabari McCoy, Flanagan takes the stage for two shows at 7:15 and 9:30 pm Saturday, Feb. 3. Flanagan, who gained national stand-up exposure in 2015 on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, has also ventured out into the acting world with roles here and there– his size often serving as a key component of his character.
That should explain why he enjoyed his roles a security guard on an episode of The Mick on Fox and as a bouncer on The Carmichael Show, he’s proudest of his recurring role as Davey, a new friend of Debbie (Emma Kenney) who always had some advice for her in a humorous fashion.
Calling acting a “great” experience overall, Flanagan sees his character on the show relationship to Debbie similarly to the way he approaches his act on stage.
“That’s kind of who I am as a person. I’m always saying something uncomfortable or let the air out of the room,” he says. “The things I may say may be uncomfortable, but there’s some good advice between that’s framed in a way you can enjoy it.”
Flanagan hasn’t “gone Hollywood” by any means, though, saying the biggest difference he’s notice between the Midwest and Los Angeles deals with the state of people’s mentalities towards their own image. “People in the Midwest seem to be at peace with aging with grace. People in LA want to look 21 at 60 – also it’s not cold out west; it’s cold as Jarred Kushner’s heart in Michigan.”
Now ready to play the oldest comedy club in Ohio, Flanagan appreciates the chance to perform again back in the Midwest.
“I can feel the history in the room. Some of the best have put 10 toes down on that stage and it inspires me to leave my mark,” he says. “People who enjoy comedy in its purest form should come out because I have every intention of leaving you with an experience that will stick with you for a lifetime.
Want to know what experience has stuck with Flanagan? It might not be what you expect – but it’s one he still appreciates.
“I saw (actresses) Nicole Ari Parker and Salli Richardson in the same day … A single tear comes out of my eye every time I think about it.”
THE FACTS
Who: Ricarlo Flanagan
Where: Wiley’s Comedy Joint, 101 Pine St., Dayton, OH 45402
When: 7:15 and 9:30 pm, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018
Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door
For tickets and more information: Visit Wiley’s website or call (937) 224-5653.
