Erratic and disoriented could be two operative words to describe Katt Williams return to the comedy stage at the Chaifetz Arena Friday night. Behind a heap of legal woes – such as alleged gun possession, burglary, assault, and most recently a custody battle – one was unsure what Williams would bring to the table. However, with a routine that had a more serious tone than usual including politics, religion, and yes even Armageddon, it seemed as if Williams may be in the midst of a mid-life crisis.
Time seemed to drag on waiting for headliner Katt Williams to take the stage. Not only were there several supporting acts but there was also an unusual 15-minute intermission before the man of the hour took the stage. Williams, whose signature permed hair and animated nature first gained notoriety in films like Friday After Next and Norbit, barely addressed his headlining personal troubles and focused mainly on questions of faith. Initially entering the stage in a white fur coat, he disrobed revealing a suit, tennis shoes, and a mink Kangol hat. As he oddly paced the stage he warned about 2012 saying, “You better believe in something because it’s the end of the world.” As sweat immediately drenched his face, it seemed like the comedian was instantly exasperated.
The lack of congruency was evident as he made sharp jumps from religion, to wealth, and then NASA, without making very clear connections along the journey. His on-edge showing even saw him jump down into the audience to confront a person taping the show. “I can’t just stand there and let you tape the show on this small phone,” he stated before jumping back on stage. He then made his foray into politics as he addressed his concerns regarding President Obama, the unemployment rate, and Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain. However, even in that he couldn’t keep focus as he backtracked back into religion with an anti-atheism rant and his disapproval of troubled religious leader Eddie Long. Such a confusing trek sent the audience slowly rolling out moments before he ended his routine that lasted only nearly thirty minutes.
Although carrying a disheveled headliner could have sent a show down in flames, the openers single handedly saved an otherwise frustrating night. Billed as the Outlawz of Comedy, the show was originally advertised as having Charlie Murphy and Faison Love on the bill. However, after a myriad of mostly unknown comedians as opening acts, Murphy and Love were nowhere to be found. Revealing what might perhaps be some bad blood, Williams mentioned Love in his closing remarks saying “Not even if Faison Love died on stage would he be able to sell out the Chaifetz!”
The lack of name recognition didn’t stop the replacement opening acts from easily upstaging the headliner with more grounded and consistent showings. With Red Grant as host, comedians Clayton Perkins, Chaunte Wayans (niece of the famous Wayans Brothers), Ashima Franklin, Ms. Pat, and Wil Sylvince – although in raunchy form – garnered a steadier stream of laughs and kept the crowd’s attention. Grant was a highlight in hosting duty as he provided upbeat and energetic observations, like how Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” can make grown men cry.
