“The Comedy Explosion” features top comedic talents at the Terrace Theater

The Comedy Explosion, presented by Rainbow Promotions LLC, features four of today’s top standup comedians at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach as they ignite their audience into bursts of uncontrolled laughter on Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m.

Comedy Explosion headliner Rickey Smiley is a comedy legend and joining him on stage are two of his comedic “Friends,” Special K and Michael Blackson. Then Tommy Davidson takes the stage to make sure the audience never cools down as he proves why he is one of today’s greatest comic artists.

Rickey Smiley

From a humble beginning in Birmingham, Alabama, Rickey Smiley began his 25-year career in comedy and entertainment performing as opening acts for industry greats such as Steve Harvey, George Wallace and Carl Strong. During his meteoric career success, Rickey created a personal entertainment empire with prominent roles on radio, TV, film and live stage performances. In 2000 Rickey starred as the headlining host of BET’s “ComicView” and was the only comedian honored by hosting two consecutive seasons and attaining the show’s highest ratings in its history. BET then signed Rickey to host “The Way We Do It,” and he made unforgettable appearances on “Showtime at the Apollo,” “Uptown Comedy Club,” HBO’s “Def Comedy” and “Snaps.”

In 2007 Smiley brought his comedic magic to radio, hosting the “Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” one of the funniest shows in the country. Based in Atlanta, with over 65 markets and continuing to grow, the show is a hilarious mix of social issues, celebrity news and non-stop laughter. Millions of fans listen daily and some of Rickey’s most popular bits are his zany prank phone calls. Rickey also conducts clever celebrity interviews and witty social commentary laced with unpredictable humor. In partnership with Radio One, the most respected urban broadcasting conglomerate in the world, the show is paired with other nationally syndicated radio personalities and airs weeknights on FOX affiliates.

Rickey continues to perform sold out shows to diverse audiences. Fans are delighted with his original characters such as Mrs. Bernice Jenkins, Lil Daryl, Joe Willie and Beauford. With these signature characters Rickey headlined “The Laugh and Shout Experience” tour featuring Rickey as Minister Joe Willie.

Rickey’s entertainment accomplishments are awe inspiring. He performs on sold-out tours, hosts a wildly successful radio show, has two television platforms, recorded 8 best-selling CDs, including iTunes #1 Best Selling Comedy Album and has appeared in major feature films.

When asked about being one of the busiest and most successful comics in the world, Rickey said, “I love what I do and enjoy getting up every day with the express purpose of bring joy into the lives of others through laughter.”

Joining Rickey Smiley on stage are his “Friends,” Special K and Michael Blackson.

Comedian/Writer/Radio Personality/Actor Karl “Special K” Douglas is a regular on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show. He is heard by millions of devoted fans in over 65 affiliate markets. He is also the sole comedy writer for the morning radio show and the point man for sharp political analysis. Special K is a multi-talented writer, comedian and actor and serves as a writer and actor on the TV One sitcom “The Rickey Smiley Show.” He is also a writer and contributor to Fox TV’s highly rated nightly show “Dish Nation.”

Michael Blackson is considered one of the most original stand-up comics in the country, and his performances never fail to leave the audience laughing. Dubbed “The African King of Comedy,” Michael has been entertaining in the U.S. and around the globe for a decade. Inspired by the comic style of Eddie Murphy, Michael honed his talent in the harsh comedy clubs of Philadelphia. His big break came in LA when Ice Cube caught his standup performance and asked him to read for a movie. Michael’s outstanding performance in the smash hit comedy, “Next Friday,” drew critical praise and enthusiastic fans. He soon released his top-selling sketch comedy CD, “Modasuck, Welcome to America.” His rise to fame continued with special guest appearances on music videos and TV shows, including “P. Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy” on HBO and a starring role in a commercial for “The Chappelle Show” on Comedy Central. Clad in his signature Dashiki as “The African King of Comedy,” Michael is constantly in demand at comedy clubs, universities and special events, bringing his “must see” standup routines to audiences around the world.

Tommy Davidson

Tommy Davidson is one of the best known and most celebrated standup comedians in the country, performing to sold out venues all around the U.S. and internationally. Tommy was one of the original stars in the cast of the incredible hit TV show, “In Living Color,” where his comedic, acting and musical talent earned him his reputation as an extraordinary performer.

Tommy began his standup career in Washington, DC comedy clubs, where as a young, cutting-edge comedian with a unique point-of-view he gained a large following of enthusiastic fans. Concert promoters who caught his act were soon booking him as the opening act for major touring stars, including Patti LaBelle, Kenny G and Luther Vandross. Soon he was in Hollywood performing standup on the LA comedy club circuit, where he met Robert Townsend, leading to his first national television appearance in “Partners in Crime.” Keenan Ivory Wayans offered Tommy the chance to audition for “In Living Color,” his outrageously out-of-the-box TV comedy show, where Tommy made TV history along with Jamie Fox, Jim Carrey, Keenan and Damon Wayans.

Tommy’s debut leap to the big screen was in “Strictly Business,” opposite Halley Berry, followed by roles in high profile films, including “Woo” with Jada Pinkett Smith, “Booty Call,” Spike Lee’s “Bamboozled,” and a pivotal cameo in Jim Carrey’s Ace Ventura II: When Nature Calls,” which is now a cult favorite. Tommy has been featured on three Showtime specials and as one of the hosts of Fox’s popular “The NFL Show,” alongside football greats Michael Irvin and Tony Siragusa. Tommy’s voice also stars as one of leads in Disney’s animated TV show, “The Proud Family,” and also portrays the lead in Will Smith’s animated series, “Young in’s.” Other appearances include Showtime’s “I Am Comic,” the spoof comedy “Black Dynamite,” and the award winning documentary by Ahmed Ahmed, “Just Like Us.”

On stage, Tommy’s amazingly funny and right-on impressions of Sammy Davis, Jr., Michael Jackson and other entertainment icons are crowd pleasers. His perfect timing, hilarious characterizations and sharp comedic style never fail to keep his audience laughing and coming back for more.

Tickets can be purchased here.