I enjoy a good comedy concert film. Seeing Steve Harvey, whom I’ve seen live twice before, I thought this will be good. For him to introduce a comic that is supposedly well known (yet I never heard of him until I received this screener), I figured I’ll be laughing out loud. If you can get past the shiny grey suit Smiley wears (reminiscent of the tracksuits worn in Tron), then you’ll chuckle at least to some of the jokes. The audience for Rickey Smiley Open Casket Sharp, which was filmed at the Atlanta Civic Center, certainly couldn’t get enough of Rickey’s brand of humor. For the entire 75 minutes, Rickey performed with lots of energy, his act wasn’t vulgar but wholesome in a way. It’s relatable—if you’re from the South. That’s the problem. I figured the reason I never heard of Rickey, being that I’m in New York and Rickey’s base is Dallas, TX by way of Alabama, is because his act is very targeted to Southern Black audiences. If you’re from the South, you’ll no doubt love Rickey’s comedy, and many people do. If you’re from anywhere else, his jokes will either go over your head or will simply tire of his non-stop references to all things Southern.
Who is Rickey Smiley (which I’m sure many are asking)? He’s a radio morning DJ in Dallas who’s best known for his prank phone calls and his impersonations. OK, if Wikipedia says so. Quite honestly, his deep grating voice never really changed when he attempted an impersonation. His singing isn’t bad, and he’s certainly not afraid to look foolish to get the crowd laughing, a good sign. And yes, Rickey is funny, just not mass appeal funny. For the entire length of the concert the themes of his jokes were lost on me. From his jokes about dance routines performed by Black college marching bands—a staple at most historically Black colleges—references to Master P—the New Orleans rapper who hasn’t been relevant on a nationwide level since 1999—and of course the pre-requisite inside jokes about the Church, just doesn’t cut it for a Yankee like me.
I love the South, its culture, the people, the history and the scores of talented comedians who have called the South home. But the ones who truly make it are the comics that can adjust their comedy that will have impact to and be funny for the masses; not just to someone from Selma, Alabama but also to someone living in Tacoma, Washington. Steve Harvey has national appeal because he doesn’t just rely on the South (where he’s from) as his prime source of material. He grabs material that is not just unique to the South but everywhere, and building his monologue from there. That’s why this King of Comedy can travel anywhere nationally and folks will come out and watch him perform. Rickey has a regional following at best, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. The South is where the market for Rickey’s brand of Southern charm comedy lies. If you have no ties to the South, this DVD isn’t worth your time. But if you’re proud to be from south of the Mason Dixon, Rickey Smiley Open Casket Sharp will be a treat to pick up.
DVD Bonus Features
There are two additional bonus sketches: “The First 48 With Little Darryl” and “The Church Lady.”
"Rickey Smiley Open Casket Sharp" is on sale November 8, 2011 and is not rated. Comedy, Concert-Film. Directed by Scott Montoya. Written by Rickey Smiley. Starring Steve Harvey, Rickey Smiley.
