It certainly isn’t everyday when a celebrity comes to Rohnert Park, but Wednesday isn’t an ordinary night. For one night only, the local restaurant, Sally Tomatoes, is bringing actor-comedian and three-time Tony Award nominee David Alan Grier to their restaurant for a three-hour standup comedy event.
“Grier is certainly known for comedy, he is most known for “In Living Color,” said Casey Williams, Sally Tomatoes event coordinator.
Grier certainly has quite a knack for comedy. He starred alongside Jim Carrey in the Emmy-winning Fox sketch comedy show “In Living Color,” for all five of the show’s seasons. The show gained plenty of fame for being a variety show starring primarily African-American actors. The show focused on poking fun at famous TV programs like “The Cosby Show,” as well as having live musical guest performances, which occurred during their second season with Queen Latifah.
According to the biography on his personal website, davidalangrier.net, Grier began his professional career on Broadway as Jackie Robinson in “The First,” for which he earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and won the Theatre World Award (1981). He then joined the cast of “Dreamgirls” before going on to star opposite Denzel Washington in “A Soldier’s Play,” for which both actors reprised their roles in the film adaptation.” Grier is a multifaceted performer that certainly dabbled in both the comedic and dramatic sides of performing.
His biography also mentions, “In 2009/2010 Grier starred in David Mamet’s acclaimed play “Race” opposite James Spader and Kerry Washington at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway for which he received his second Tony Award nomination. Only a certain performer can go from a fully comedic show like “In Living Color” to a serious play like “Race.”
For those unfamiliar with Grier, than perhaps they’ll remember his role in “Jumanji” as police officer Carl Bently. Grier recently starred in the CBS comedy “Bad Teacher.” Throughout his career, Grier has definitely stretched his comedic legs and proved that over his many years on-screen. With quite an impressive pedigree in film and television Williams reminded us and said, “He’s a standup comic too.”
In fact, Grier is no stranger to standup. He currently has a spot on the Comedy Central List of the 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time. Grier is not the only star who has performed at Sally Tomatoes.
“We have had Todd Barry from Louis C.K.’s show,” said Williams.
Sally Tomatoes is bringing some pretty big names for their comedy nights, and Grier is another addition to this growing list of stars.
“Rohnert Park and Cotati are a major hub for comedy in the Sonoma Area,” said Williams.
But Sally Tomatoes’ comedy nights don’t just stop at their list of Hollywood guests.
“We do a regular comedy showcase the first and third Tuesday of every month,” said Williams.
Not only are there these comedy shows, but also an event for first time stand-up comics called “So Your Friends Think You’re Funny.” This event is a competition in which several contestants perform stand-up for the first time in front of a panel of judges; the winner gets a prize of a $100.
The addition of Grier to Sally Tomatoes’ already impressive comedic pedigree is an event that stand-up fans won’t want to miss. Tickets can be purchased for online for $30. Grier takes the stage for one night only on Wednesday.
