Marlon Wayans isn’t blind to the fact that the modern world is much different from the early ‘90s, when he, along with his siblings, entered the world of comedy on the sketch show In Living Color.
In recent years, the actor and comedian has found people to be more sensitive and less inclined to take a joke. That’s why, on his current Microphone Fiend Tour, he’s shifting the focus off current events and the public at-large, and poking fun at someone he knows won’t get insulted: himself.
Ahead of Wayans’ Aug. 12 stop at Parx Casino’s Xcite Center, The Times caught up with the stand-up star, who shared details on what attendees can expect at the performance, the pros and cons of tour life, and his love for Philly-area crowds.
When asked to elaborate on the focus of the show, Wayans said he hopes that, by roasting himself, audiences can relate to his struggles and mishaps, and ultimately, laugh at themselves.
“I’m not here to pick on the world. I’m not here to pick on people. I’m here to pick me apart and find out what’s wrong with me, what’s funny about me and the things I go through, and hope it’s relatable because we’re all humans and we all go through the same things,” he said. “It’s just a reminder of, when the joke’s on you, it makes you less sensitive. It disarms people when they can laugh at themselves, because that’s what we have to do.”
Wayans isn’t fazed by the pressure of social media, which has the ability to raise someone to fame or cancel them overnight. At this point, he’s a veteran, and sees any chance to make the masses laugh as a positive thing.
“The more platforms to get comedy or for me to do comedy, it’s great,” he said. “I’ve been doing this professionally for 30 years, right? So I’ve learned to navigate all of it. I’m not here for a moment, I’m here for a lifetime.”
The Microphone Fiend Tour kicked off on Aug. 3 at Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Stress Factory, and continues until Oct. 28 at the Columbus Funny Bone in Columbus, Ohio. Wayans might be a comedy veteran, but hitting the stage never gets old, even when doing it for months at a time.
“I just feel like I’m really blessed in terms of doing what I love. So I just go have fun for however long my set is supposed to be. That’s my therapy, that’s my safe place up on the stage,” said Wayans. “There’s no such thing as a bad show. I love every show.”
This Big Apple native is particularly excited to come to Bensalem, as Philadelphia and its surrounding areas always remind him of home.
“I love Philly crowds. They’re like New York crowds,” he said. “They laugh, they laugh hard and they’re just out for a good time, and that’s what I’m gonna give them.”
Aside from the tour, Wayans foresees himself working on another comedy special in the future. He’s filmed several over the years, including Marlon Wayans: God Loves Me, his third for HBO Max that sees him reflecting on his life and career through the lens of the infamous 2022 Oscars slap.
As an actor, who is known for the Scary Movie franchise, White Chicks and more, he’s supporting the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. Until that’s settled and he can move forward with fresh projects, Wayans is excited to bring some levity to people’s lives, even if it’s just for an hour or so each night.
“Come laugh,” he said of the Microphone Fiend Tour. “Joke’s on me. Come have a good time at my expense. We all need laughter.”
If you go: Marlon Wayans’ “Microphone Fiend Tour” is coming to Parx Casino’s Xcite Center, 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at parxcasino.com/bensalem/xcitecenter.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
