American drama about addiction is dark and droll and, frankly, depressing. Comedy is not usually the vehicle for such serious stuff. Enter stage left — Chris Rock. HBO’s resident Emmy Award-winning comedian began a limited 15-week Broadway engagement in the stage play, THE MOTHERF**KER IN THE HAT, written by playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis. The story links five New Yorkers through lust, addiction and symbolism — the hat. Rock’s character is Ralph D — an AA sponsor with a skewed moral compass. Ralph D sponsors Jackie played by Bobby Canavale. Annabella Sciorra takes a turn at the role of Jackie’s love interest Veronica. Parolee, Jackie, is clean and sober. Veronica? Not so much. But, in love since the eighth grade, only misplaced haberdashery can threaten the union.
On the April 3 segment of CBS’ “Sunday Morning,” Rock told Harry Smith, “I’m just trying to learn and get better,” in response to questions about the low profile he has assumed since his 2005 Oscar hosting gig that met with less than rave reviews. Last year, Rock starred in the African American remake of the British film, Death at a Funeral, and contributed hilarious spoken word on the Kanye West single, “Blame Game,” from the album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Rock’s first documentary, Good Hair, won the 2009 Sundance Special Jury Prize and was named one of the Top Five Documentaries in 2009 by the National Board of Review.
Rock spoke frankly about the most important thing any performer can accomplish: remain relevant. Rock also told Smith why he always encourages young comics to keep it clean. “I swear, I tell them all the time. ‘Cause the money’s not in cursing, you know? I mean, I’m doin’ fine, I got a big house, but Ray Romano would laugh at my house,” he said. “Ray Romano would [be], like, ‘Are you kiddin’? You want me to live in that?’ ”
Which furthers the discussion about the viability of African Americans in the entertainment industry. Is it enough to dance, sing and act? Is it simply enough to be beautiful or handsome, having the camera love every centimeter of a nose, jaw line, or fabulous weave? No, not if one is to have longevity. Rock’s many forays into directing, live performances, television producing and writing is a classic example for any African American who wants to be in the “bizness” and survive it. Simply, diversify. Amazingly, his post-Oscar endeavors, while slowed, have been more focused, thoughtful even. Upon returning from his sabbatical in Africa, Dave Chapelle said on Bravo’s “The Actor’s Studio” that the public thought Martin Lawrence was weak when his show ended and he fell prey to heat exhaustion while jogging in Los Angeles. (Lawrence was in a coma for two weeks.) He also cited public opinion with Mariah Carey’s post-Sparkle depression. But, Chappelle disputed the notion that either were in any way weak. His proof? Each came back from trying periods with stronger careers. Much like Chris Rock, they have longevity.
