In arguably the most successful comedy family in showbiz history, Keenen Ivory is the big brother, Damon is the most independent, and Shawn and Marlon Wayans are the runts of the litter. After playing inept hoods in Keenens 1988 cult classic, Im Gonna Git You Sucka, the two youngest Wayans have stuck together even when they take on the industrys most solitary gig: stand-up comedy. But that doesnt mean theyll be onstage together at the Miami Improv. Each will do his own set, beginning with Thursdays show at 8:30 p.m. and continuing with performances though Sunday.
While some of their TV (The Wayans Brothers) and film work (White Chicks, Little Man, the Scary Movie franchise) leans toward modern-day blaxploitation, their humor varies from crass to intellectual. Shawn countered Jeff Foxworthys You Might Be a Redneck If... bit with the book 150 Ways to Tell Youre Ghetto. It includes signs of ghettoness such as you can read your haircut and you take a bubble bath with dishwashing liquid. Though Marlon has impressed with dramatic turns in movies such as Requiem for a Dream, hes best known for his slapstick, so expect a routine heavy on physical comedy. Both Wayans brothers insist that standup is the most challenging and rewarding of comedic pursuits, citing Charlie Sheens recent flops as evidence.
May 26-29, 8:30 p.m., 2011