Jonesing for Humor

You know Orlando Jones, even if you don’t know Orlando Jones. The 20-year veteran of practically every entertainment genre imaginable is as recognizable for his successful run in Hollywood as for being the face of “Make 7-Up Yours” ads at the turn of the Century. His impressive resume includes starring in Fox’s short-lived Orlando Jones Show, leading comedic and dramatic roles in major movies, and being one of the original cast members of MADtv. And, yeah, the guy’s got eyeballs you won’t soon forget — they practically jump out of his skull. But if Jones’s look and long list of career achievements haven’t convinced you to catch his stand-up act at the Miami Improv, perhaps the prospect of original material will. The performer has never followed convention in his ascension to pseudo-stardom. His first gig after dropping out of college was as a writer on The Cosby Show spinoff A Different World. Then he produced shows such as Roc Live and The Sinbad Show, before taking a turn in front of the camera in the successful sketch show MADtv. He followed that with a string of major movie roles, including in The Replacements, Evolution, Say It Isn’t So, and Double Take. Yeah, the guy’s been busy. And when he makes a belated trip to the stand-up stage, expect a show that’s equal parts intellectual humor and slapstick comedy. Jones will headline the Improv beginning Thursday, and there are multiple shows through Sunday.
July 7-8, 8:30 p.m., 2011