Ep 36: Cedric Yarbrough (The Black Version/ Reno 911/ Speechless)
In this episode we talk to Cedric Yarbrough, who might be hands down the nicest guy in Hollywood, and what us Jews call a real Mensch. We talk about his love for Musical Theater, his memory of working with Bernie Mac, being razzed by Dustin Hoffman, what it was like to wear a large prosthetic ass, and how he had a dream come true when he got to work with The Muppets. It was such a pleasure for me to get to talk to such a funny, smart, and talented performer.
I highly recommend if you are in L.A to check out his live show The Black Version.
The Black Version is a completely improvised show that started at the Groundings Theatre in Los Angeles in 2010 to sold out crowds and great reviews. Rolling Stone magazine calls the show “Hot” and the cast a “Comedic A-Team”. LA Weekly says the show is “Red Hot” and “Scores more than its share of belly laughs” while the LA Times calls the show “A Winner”.
The all African American cast of regulars includes show creator Jordan Black along with other comedy veterans Cedric Yarbrough, Gary Anthony Williams, Daniele Gaither, Phil Lamar, and Nyima Funk all under the direction of Karen Maruyama. Special guest performers include Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele of Key & Peele (former original cast members), Wayne Brady, Maya Rudolph, Tiffany Hadish, Niecey Nash, Jerry Minor, Angela V. Shelton, Misty Monroe, and others who come and perform in the show from time to time.
This talented cast has vast film and television credits ranging from Mad TV and Saturday Night Live, to The Boondocks and Reno 911. The show begins when the director asks the audience to suggest a popular film title and then the cast, right there on the copy, improvise the “Black Version” of that film. The show regularly performs at the Groundlings Theater and the Largo at the Coronet.
https://www.theblackversion.com/
Songs used
Richie by BJ Snowden
https://bjsnowdenmusic.com/
I Never Feel Alone (Instrumental)
There Was a Light (Instrumental)
https://www.stephenbluhm.fun/
Vintage Annals Archive Website
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The Jewish Vintage Annals Archive
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Interviewed and edited by Richie Wexler
Sponsor
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