STAGE TIME Magazine: Charlie Murphy Live

Comedy fans packed the Pittsburgh Improv to see one of the
year's most anticipated shows headlined by Chappelle's Show
star, Charlie Murphy. The former bodyguard/rapper's popularity
soared after his breakthrough performances in the "I'm Rick
James Bitch" and "E! True Hollywood Story" sketches. America
fell in love with Murphy's raw comedic talent and hilarious
storytelling style, which set a very high expectation for his
stand up. He is making the most of his newfound fame touring
the comedy club circuit and selling out shows, but unfortunately
struggled to produce laughs at the Improv.

Murphy headlined five shows in three nights; however, it was reported that the first two
nights did not go well as many guests demanded a refund, but it was the opening acts that
made the show worthwhile. Improv regular and host Billy Robinson brought the crowd to
tears and Chappelle Show castmate, Donnell Rawlings set the room on fire.

Later, Murphy takes the stage as the audience leaps to their feet. But suddenly the cheers
turn into impatience. His opening joke about how he is frequently stopped at the airport
while suspicious Iraqis walk by drags. No punchline. No laughs. He jumps around onstage
trying to divert attention away from the lack of laughter, making it obvious that he is
uncomfortable. An audience member did the inevitable and screamed, "Do the Rick James
thing," which invited further disruption as several people yelled "Darkness" referring to the
nickname given to him in the "Rick James" sketch.

Murphy's performance serves as a lesson that sketch and stand up are two different art
forms that require different skill sets. Murphy is clearly a better sketch performer than he is
a stand up. And unlike most comedians who perform stand up for ten years or more before
they reach stardom, Murphy is cutting his teeth in the limelight. Let's hope that he will fare
better with fans as he gains more experience.

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