If America ever becomes a ยpost-racialย society, comedian and TV host D.L. Hughley will probably be out of a job. Donยt get us wrong, his stand-up credentials are above reproach ย his skills earned him a place as one of the Original Kings of Comedy, and his stint in the early ย90s as host of BETยs Comic View provided some of the best material that program ever produced. Itยs Hughleyยs taste thatยs often questionable, as evidenced by his latest venture, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News. Since CNN launched the faux-news show in October, D.L. has striven for new heights of lowbrow racial humor, with jokes about Obamaยs gold-grill-providing health plan and a character named Freddy Mac who, in reference to the 2008 election, remarked, ยPimps up, hoes down.ย (See also: Soul Plane.) But if youยre in the mood for a little well-crafted tastelessness, Hughley will be happy to oblige; Obamaยs nascent presidency should give the masterfully outrageous comic plenty to work with. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, 7, 9 and 11 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The Improv, 7620 Katy Freeway. For information, call 713-333-8800 or visit www.improvhouston.com. $30.
Fri., Feb. 6, 8 & 10:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 7, 7, 9 & 11 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m., 2009
This article appears in Feb 5-11, 2009.