If you’re 18 or younger, don’t even try to get in the door at the Tivoli Theatre on Thursday to see comedian, actor, writer and singer Rodney Carrington, said TAPA president David Johnson.
“He’s definitely for mature audiences,” Johnson said, describing the entertainer as funny but extreme. “He’s also popular. This will be his third or fourth visit to Chattanooga, and he nearly sells out the house every time.”
According to Carrington’s Web site, he has recorded eight major-label comedy albums, selling more than 2 million. He starred in his own TV sitcom, “Rodney,” which ran for two seasons on ABC. He also co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature film “Beer for My Horses.”
Pollstar ranks Carrington as the fourth-highest-grossing touring comedian of 2009. He regularly performs to sold-out crowds.
“The Tivoli seats 1,762, and Carrington’s audience is at least 1,500 or more,” Johnson said. “He’s got a lot of fans who really appreciate his humor. He’s a mixture of Carrot Top and Gallagher with a little Foxworthy thrown in. He’s a real mix of cutting-edge humor.”
Comparatively speaking, comedy shows are profitable in Chattanooga, Johnson said.
“It, of course, depends who the artist is. When we first brought blue-collar humor to Chattanooga, we set a standard because that market had not yet been tapped,” he said.
“(Jeff) Foxworthy, for example, redeveloped the country market for comedy, and Rodney Carrington benefited from that,” Johnson said. “Carrington’s comedy is a little bit more out there than Foxworthy’s. Carrington is an edgy comedian who pushes the envelope.”
If you go
* What: Comedian Rodney Carrington.
* When: 7 p.m. Thursday.
* Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.
* Admission: $41.25.
* Phone: 642-8497.
* Web site: www.ChattanoogaOnStage.com.