By Shanika P. Carter
The city of Grand Rapids came out for The Big Comedy Show, a sold-out event which featured stars from MTV’s Wild “N Out show, at the DeVos Place Convention Center on February 26, 2022.
Comedians DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, Chico Bean, and Rip Michaels delivered plenty of laughs and entertainment to the sold-out crowd, along with the musical sounds of DJ Red and local talent, including comedian Brandon Queshawn who opened the show.
Theresa Randleman, Founder, CEO, and Owner of T. ROSE Incorporated, and her team have organized many successful events and fundraisers throughout the state of Michigan, and the Big Comedy Show in Grand Rapids was not an exception.
“I have worked with numerous productions that have come through Grand Rapids, but none that I could recall being as impactful as this one,” says Randleman. “To see the room so full and the varying age ranges all enjoying the show, was magical.”
Randleman acknowledges the Grand Rapids NAACP as a big support and contributor to the event, placing several community sponsors in the view of patrons to see and engage. Some of the sponsors of The Big Comedy Show included Crystal Robertson of State Farm, the NAACP, 103.7, Cherry Health, and Black Health.
As for the talent that provided the laughs throughout the night, the headliners are stars of the Wild “N Out comedy improv show, which has been on the air for 17 seasons. DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean are also known for the popular podcast The 85 South Show.
Although just as equally funny on their own individual sets, having all the comedians together for the show’s finale was pure joy to the audience.
The DeVos Place staff executed the vision of the show within their Exhibit Hall, developing a very comfortable space for everyone, with Corporate Live providing final enhancements, allowing patrons a clear view from the back of the room with a large screen.
Randleman looks forward to collaborating with other unique platforms for future productions offering opportunities for entertainment and engagement, such as The Big Comedy Show. “More than just a night of comedy, the evening was set for community engagement and laughter; a mental health break; a time to laugh and release.”
The events’ volunteers included members of Zeta Amicae of Detroit, (auxiliary of Beta Omicron Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.) of which Ms. Randleman is the President of. The Amicae helped all of the community organizations on-site as directed by Grand Rapids NAACP.
For more information about T. Rose Incorporated, visit www.t-rose.com.
