Robert Townsend has a fascinating history and he’s really, really funny. Known as one of the pioneers of independent film-making, his first feature “The Hollywood Shuffle” was financed on credit cards and shot for $100,000. It grossed over $8 million. As a stand-up performer, his Hollywood stories are very entertaining but he also shows us the frustration of so many actors of color as they seek to transcend the stereotypical roles offered to them. You can only audition so many times to play a pimp.
We loved Townsend’s stories about growing up on the west side of Chicago, the lessons he gained from wonderful teachers, his move to Hollywood with Keenan Ivory Wayans and his informal initiation into the rat pack by Don Rickles. His performance of Shakespeare through an African-American perspective is amazing. Not everyone knows that Townsend directed Eddie Murphy’s classic “Raw. We loved the bit about meeting with the censors to whittle down the almost constant foul language in that film.
This is a very respectful man. Perhaps this is what we love best. And he makes us laugh out loud.
It’s a short run, so hurry over to Berkeley for a fun evening, filled with cool stories, and while you’re laughing you’ll learn something about the most basic lesson of Hollywood: “Just keep working.”
RATINGS: ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼
The San Francisco Theater Blog loves this show. Robert Townsend is as good as it gets. FOUR STARS.
Robert Townsend: “Livin’ the Shuffle”
The Marsh Berkeley
2120 Allston Way, Berkeley
EXTENDED Through Through Dec. 15
$35-$100
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