J.B. Smoove set to ‘bring the ruckus’ over three nights at Punch Line comedy club
Writer, comedian and actor J.B. Smoove is hitting the stage of Punch Line comedy club with five shows through three nights as part of his Lollygaggin’ Tour.
Smoove’s career spans a number of comedic milestones from performances on “Def Comedy Jam,” writing and acting for “Saturday Night Live,” to his current role as Leon Black on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” as the freeloading and philosophical house guest of Larry David. His TV role has gained notoriety for his questionable advice and off-the-wall sayings, or, Leon-isms, which circulate through the fandom.
The comedian recently split his time between touring, a role in “Spiderman: Far From Home,” as well as filming for Curb’s 10th season, which premiered in January.
Smoove said he has built a familiarity with the character, which lends to the invention of his frequently parroted lines.
“What I do is, I try to concentrate on telling Larry something new about Leon that he never knew. Even with my acting, I always try to figure out in the moment if I’m going to have Larry’s back or if I want to go against him, which is always fun too. I always try to give the scene some legs,” said Smoove.
“Everybody is waiting for what Leon is about to say to Larry. His good, bad advice is always helpful. I love good, bad advice because you can either choose to take it or let it go. And I find that to be the most fun about the character Leon.”
Smoove said that throughout his decades-long career, which includes previous stops in Sacramento, he has “probably done thousands” of standup shows. He recalls shows where the likes of former Kings players Mike Bibby and Chris Webber graced the audience.
Smoove, known for using his physicality as well as his vocals in his comedy, says that his standup shows carry much of the improvisational vigor found in Curb.
“I don’t plan my shows. My shows are generally a free-for-all of fun things going on on stage. I don’t fully plan my show, of course I’ve got bullets in the holster, but I like to make it personal to each city I go to,” Smoove said.
“See, it’s about me, but it’s really about you. I listen to my audience very intently, because every audience is so different. They want me to improvise more? Do they like my mannerisms? Do they like my delivery? What is it about J.B. Smoove today for this audience. And that entertains me, as well as entertaining you. So that’s a J.B. Smoove show.”
The comedian’s upcoming projects include roles in a Big Lebowski spinoff film “The Jesus Rolls,” and a Harley Quinn animated series. The actor is also excitedly pitching his own show.
But in regard to his upcoming Sacramento dates, Smoove utilizes one of his trademark Leon-isms.
“Why not bring the ruckus, man? That gets people’s attention because they don’t know whether to call the cops or what,” Smoove said.
If You Go
J.B. Smoove’s Lollygaggin’ Tour
Where: Punch Line Sacramento Comedy Club, 2100 Arden Way
When: Feb. 27. 8 p.m. Feb. 28 and 29; 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Cost: Prices start at $25 for General Admission
More info: (916) 925-5500, punchlinesac.com
