Rickey Smiley to perform in Cape next week

Comedian Rickey Smiley has performed on various stages, from small comedy clubs to Madison Square Garden.

He's bringing "Rickey Smiley and Friends" to Southeast Missouri on March 29, and Josh Hanlon, marketing director of the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, is thrilled.

When it comes to booking entertainment in Southeast Missouri, Hanlon said, "You try and hit different genres." The Show Me Center recently has hosted gun and knife shows, New York Times best-selling author Nicholas Sparks and a Christian music concert, among other events.

Now, it's time for some laughter.

"Students are here in March, and we do like to bring comedians here on occasions, and everything worked out," Hanlon said.

Adding to the appeal of Smiley, a native of Birmingham, Ala., is his reputation for "clean" comedy, which makes his performances appropriate for all ages.

"There's something to be said about someone who can be funny without having to curse." Hanlon said, "Bill Cosby is somebody everybody likes."

Smiley's ability to keep things clean, therefore, is conspicuously remarkable in today's culture.

"You can have fun and have laughs without having the vulgar side of it," Hanlon said. "No one is off-limits with [Smiley's] comedy ... from grandparents on down to children."

Known for breathing life into alter-ego characters such as Sister Bernice Jenkins, who hilariously gives church announcements, and Coach McClainy, whose ability to inspire leaves much to be desired, the comedian keeps his audiences in stitches.

Other personas made popular by Smiley on stage and on his television program, "The Rickey Smiley Show," are gospel crooner Joe Willie; Rickey's Southern Baptist church leader, Pastor Watkins; Lil' Darryl, a boy in Coke-bottle glasses who's been in the fourth grade for nearly 12 years; and Clarence the Janitor, a Birmingham-area school custodian who wears an elevated orthopedic boot to combat his uneven leg condition and claims to be a professional soft-shoe dancer, according to Smiley's website, rickeysmiley360.com.

"Rickey Smiley and Friends" offers two ticket options for the Show Me Center show: $37.50 and $27.50. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and doors open at 6:30 p.m.