PIONEER PLAYHOUSE

News release 

For the past several years, Pioneer Playhouse of Danville has hosted a special stand-up comedy weekend at the close of its regular summer play season. This year, the 68-year-old theatre is thrilled to bring back comedy legend, Jimmie Walker, to its historic stage on Aug. 24-26.

Walker rocketed to fame in the 1970s as JJ in the hugely popular and groundbreaking TV sitcom, “Good Times.” Developed by Norman Lear, creator of “All in the Family,” “Good Times” was one of the first shows to focus on an African-American family and their day-to-day struggles in a high-rise Chicago housing project. The show starred Esther Rolle and John Amos as JJ’s parents, and Ralph Carter and Bern Nadette Stanis as his siblings. From the very beginning, Walker’s character “JJ” became the breakout star of the show, and his expression “Dyn-o-mite!” quickly morphed into the catchphrase of the day.

Even before his stint on “Good Times,” Walker had been a highly successful stand-up comedian headlining such world-famous comedy clubs as LA’s The Comedy Store. His joke-writing team included young, future stars David Letterman and Jay Leno. According to his website, he was the first winner of the NAACP Image Award and was named “Comedian of the Decade” by Time Magazine. 

Today Walker tours 45 weeks out of the year, performing live, and guesting on game shows and late night television. Recently, Walker appeared with Robert DeNiro in the feature film, The Comedian.

Shows begin at 8:30 pm. A homemade, hickory-roasted BBQ dinner (pulled pork or pulled chicken) is available before the show at 7:30 pm. Reservations are recommended for the show; required for dinner.

Pioneer Playhouse is located at 840 Stanford Road in Danville.  Shows are moved to an air-conditioned indoor theatre in case of rain.

IF YOU GO

Jimmie Walker will perform 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday (Aug. 24-26) at Pioneer Playhouse for its returning comedy weekend. For tickets: pioneerplayhouse.com, (849) 236-2747.