A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Improv

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to The Improv

I was invited and put on the guest list for the Hollywood Improv by my friend Roberto who was scheduled to do a set there tonight. I wasn't really in the mood for comedy but I wanted to support him and I've been wanting to see his set.

I took my seat in the crowd of about 125-150 people approximately 20 feet from the stage and ordered the first of my two drink minimum. However, Roberto didn't get to perform tonight. The host came out and did some warm up jokes and then warned against using any recording equipment including cell phones during the show. Then he announced, "Ladies and gentleman, we have a special guest tonight. Please welcome to the Improv stage.... Dave Chappelle!"

I had heard of Chappelle doing surprise long rambling sets in NYC and LA and that his set was very raw and not "stand up". While other celebrity comedians who show up unannounced at clubs hope to try out and refine new material in front of a smaller crowd, I had heard that Chappelle's sets were more off the cuff, conversational and unprepared.

Indeed, his set started off slow. He was speaking quietly and made some funny comments but his timing was awkward. Any other no name comedian probably wouldn't have gotten the laughs he got, but we were all excited and caught off guard at his appearance so we were more inclined to laugh. He was equal parts carefree entertainer and paranoid genius. He made veiled comments about his bad experiences after the Comedy Central show and a couple of not-so-subtle jabs at Charlie Murphy and Chris Rock . He told the crowd that we didn't want to know the truth he knows about how the world works and how his whole perspective changed once he saw how the rich truly controlled everything. There were moments of awkward silence but there seemed to be an underlying truth to a lot of what he was saying. After a bit, he asked the crowd for things to talk about and then completely unprepared talked about the suggestions - everything from Sarah Palin to traveling the world to what he's been doing and what he has planned for his career. (He hadn't heard that Palin resigned as Governor today but made a wise observation about how "they will make her the right-wing Oprah... just watch.")

About 2 and half hours into his set, things got interesting when a young African-American comedian named Reggie who had just done a set at a bingo hall down the street (no joke) kept talking to Dave from the stage - offering to open for him on tour, asking to be an intern, etc. Finally, after checking with the crowd and club, Dave invited Reggie up on stage to do some jokes while he sat at the stage piano and listened. Reggie was visibly nervous but confidently launched into a joke about radio advertisements. Certainly not innovative, but impressive for his bravery and drive. Dave bluntly, but kindly, critiqued his joke. Chappelle really played well off of the kid's energy, offering some pointers then thanked the kid for inspiring him with his enthusiasm for the craft of stand up. Reggie told a few more jokes and Chappelle was gracious and mentoring. It was an amazing moment and made me think this is what Dave needs to be doing, using his experience to help up and coming comedians. Trust me, it would make intriguing reality TV.

At one point just after the 3 hour mark, Chappelle made a comment that was funny because it was very true. He said "You all are still here for the same reason I'm still here: We're both just waiting for some REALLY funny shit to happen,". Sure enough, his, and our wish, was granted when the club manager handed Dave a note that read "4 TMZ papparazzi out front". Dave went on a rant about TMZ but then had an idea... He found a look-alike in the crowd, gave him a hoodie, sunglasses and a fake girlfriend and spent 45 minutes staging a way to fool the photographers waiting outside. It was genius. He gave random audience members lines to say like "You still got it, Dave!", showed his stunt double how to walk and what to say and asked him to get in his car once the driver pulled it around. He said if this ended up on TMZ's website or TV show it would be hilarious and then filmed a video with his iPhone for his wife just in case it did air. He started off, "Baby, this is not me. I'm trying to fool TMZ." It was a very real and endearing gesture. The whole crowd was in on the stunt and once the host said goodnight we all cheered and walked out the door with Dave's doppelganger. It seemed to kind of work while Dave signed some things then snuck out the back door of the venue.

It was fascinating to see someone who has reached such celebrity sincerely want to connect at a more direct level with real people. After seeing Dave Chappelle tonight, I'm convinced he will make a comeback someday. However, it won't be as a stand up comedian or a sketch artist. I think he has more to offer at this stage in his life and career. I was privileged to see a little bit of that up close tonight.