David Mann to bring 'An Evening of Laughter' on Nov. 13

David Mann said he was in fourth grade when he first realized he could make people laugh.

"I've always liked entertaining people," he said.

He learned how to use that skill and has become a big name in comedy, having co-starred with Tyler Perry in his "Madea" movies, playing the role of Deacon Leroy Brown, the father of Madea's daughter.

His part as Mr. Brown, as he is called in the films, has led to other opportunities, such as starring in a syndicated television sitcom, "Meet the Browns," based on the character.

The seasoned comedian is working on another project, a reality show called "It's a Man's World," that revolves around his life and that of his family.

David Mann and his wife Tamela on the set of their lifestyle and cooking show, "Hanging with the Manns." (Submitted photo)

"We put the fun in dysfunctional," Mann said.

That show is not too different from the comedy routines he does when he's touring, much of which are taken from real life.

Cape Girardeau area residents will have the opportunity to witness his brand of comedy Nov. 13, when he will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Arena Building.

Although the act is headlined as "An Evening of Laughter with David Mann," the audience will be in store for much more than a stand-up comedy show.

"When they come to see me, they can expect the unexpected," Mann said. "I talk about children, life and church. I take you on a journey about life."

There also will be some singing in the show, he promised.

"There's singing; there's dancing; there's comedy," he said. "I like to just give the audience an experience. I love to take them on a David Mann ride."

It was his love of gospel music that drew him into show business, when he joined the Grammy-winning group Kirk Franklin and the Family and toured throughout the U.S.

In 1996, Mann appeared in his first national stage play, "He Say, She Say, But What Does God Say."

His big break came in 1999, when he went to an audition held by a young, up-and-coming writer, Tyler Perry.

"I never could have imagined that the character and the whole Tyler Perry series and franchise would take off and do what it's done," Mann said.

He said being a part of it has been a wild ride.

"You know it's one of those rides you go to the state fair, and you say, 'I want to ride that again. I don't want to get off,'" he said. "That's my experience with doing that show."

Although his upcoming show will not revolve around the Mr. Brown character, he said the audience will see some of that.

"I infuse a little of Mr. Brown in there, because we are one-in-the-same guy," Mann said. "For the most part, it's David Mann, with a little Mr. Brown sprinkled in."

He said he wants members of the audience to forget about their own lives during the show, and hopefully leave feeling better.

"I believe in the healing power of laughter," he said. "Laughter is medicine for the soul. I bring that medicine."

Mann also is involved in a sitcom called "Mann and Wife," in which he plays opposite his wife of 27 years, Tamela.

He has worked with his wife many times; she plays the role of Cora in the Tyler Perry "Madea" film series.

"Mann and Wife" premiered in April on Bounce TV.

Tickets to the upcoming show are $40 in advance and $55 at the door. For more information, call (469) 418-4655.

Pertinent address:

Arena Building, Cape Girardeau, Mo.