DALLAS – Host Robert Powell III (center left); and special guest judges, Michael Shawn (far left); Marlon Wayans (center right); and J. Anthony Brown (far right), congratulate local comic, Keisha Hunt, winner of the 2013 Miller Lite Stand Up It’s Miller Time Dallas semifinals. Hunt, who competed against three Dallas-area comedians selected via online votes, will advance to the finale for a chance to win $10,000. Prior to Dallas, Marlon Wayans helped select finalists in Charlotte and Chicago, and will continue on to New Orleans before selecting a grand prize winner in Atlanta on Aug. 29.
The competition was exciting and the energy between the judges and the host was fun to watch. All four contestants were great but the clear winner — from both the crowd and the judges’ perspective — prevailed.
Rolling out had a chance to chat with Marlon before he sat down at the judges table. Here’s what he had to say:
“The tour has been fantastic. I love what Miller is doing for comedy. They have been in the game for a while now. Some of the great ones like my brother, Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac and the likes have competed in this very competition. This platform can be the beginning for the next generation of comedians, and so far we have experienced some strong talent in every city.”
Wayans is a jokester by trade but he is serious about his business. When asked what to expect from him as a judge, he put all jokes aside and went in. “I just keep it real, I keep it classy but keep it clever. I’m not here to tear anyone down but more so build them up and help them realize their true talent. I’m looking at where can they be off the stage. How can they develop into TV stars, develop into a brand, and it takes more than telling a joke to do that. The joke and how you represent yourself on the stage is simply the precursor, it’s only one dimension on the road to success. So I’m looking for someone who has more than just jokes and those are the people who win — at least in my book,” he said.
His advice to young comedians?
“… How long you will shine is determined by your commitment. My family, we work hard and have a lot of fun doing it. Leave the ‘crazy’ at home and only be crazy about your work,” he said.
The next stop is New Orleans. See below for details:
Host: Uptown Angela
Judges: Marlon Wayans, Donnell Rawlings & Bob Sumner
Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013
Doors open to public: 8 p.m.
Comedic performances: 9 p.m.
The CIVIC Theatre
510 O’Keefe St.
New Orleans, La. 70113
To RSVP for tickets go to: www.standupitsmillertime.com
Click gallery to see great photos courtesy of Miller Coors, Clifton Henri
