BWW Interviews: Richard Lewis Appearing on 12/7 at SOPAC

Richard Lewis has the distinction of being named by Comedy Central one of the top 50 stand-up comedians of all time and GQ Magazine's list of the Twentieth Century's Most Influential Humorists. And now, New Jersey audiences have the opportunity to see his hilarious live show at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in South Orange on December 7th at 8:00 pm.

With scores of diverse guest acting appearances in TV series and films, the closest to his heart was his four year run in ABC's critically acclaimed series Anything But Love, co-starring Jamie Lee Curtis. Lewis also co-wrote and starred in the cult classic film Diary of a Young Comic, which first aired on NBC in the Saturday Night Live time slot at its highest ratings period.

Lewis is well known to the late night audience as he has appeared well over 100 times with David Letterman, Jay Leno, Konan and many others. He commented about the difference of doing a live comedy show to being on talk shows. "I love my craft. It's very different in concert than on talk shows. One appearance on, let's say, Letterman, is like playing three shows a night in a theater for fifty years. The millions that watch you on TV in eight minutes so each appearance is like prepping for the Super Bowl. It also leaves me open to ad-lib and allows the host to shine."

When asked who his personal mentors were, Lewis identified the famous Philadelphia comedian, David Brenner who mentored him from day onE. Lewis said, "He guided me through my first paying gig, my first tour, my Tonight Show audition etc. and taught me how not to foolishly burn bridges and to be relentless in honing my craft." He also said that other mentors are famous artists, not just comedians "like Bruce and Pryor who set the bar in the heavens." Lewis said, "When I watch or read their works or, whatever art form they use, I know I must be on a mission to really succeed in the best possible way."

Even with his incredible talent, Lewis still admires and enjoys the work of other comedians. He said that there were too many to name but was able to discuss a few, "There have been none funnier than Jonathan Winters, Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner."

Lewis told us about his current projects and his plans for the future. I'm creating a TV pilot and just wrapped a film Squirrels to the Nuts. The great cast includes Jennifer Anniston, Owen Wilson and Will Forte. I'm playing a redneck husband married to Cybil Shepherd, and beside that I'm constantly on my Tracks of My Fears tour.

Lewis looks forward to appearing at SOPAC in the Garden State where he says he likes "the diverse community of people." When we asked what the audience will most enjoy about his performance, he said with his signature sense of humor, "That they aren't in my skin."

For information on the South Orange Performing Arts Center, for tickets to Richard Lewis on 12/7 and other performances, visit their web site at www.sopacnow.org or call their box office at (973) 313-2787.

Photo Credit: Phil Provencio

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