Fantasy Springs Improv weekly from Saturday, January 17, 2009

Story by Lisa Robyn Lawrence
Photos by Cathy Jardine and Yvonne Scott

What? You've never been to the Improv? Well, what are you waiting for? Get off your butts. and go! If you don't, you will miss one of the best comedy shows around. Besides I dare you to say that in these hard times that we all don't need a good laugh. Get down to the Improv club at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and get a comedy fix, you won't regret. Laughter is the best prescription for feeling better in tough times or when you are down.

This past weekend kicked off the 2009 season for the Improv at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The opening acts are three very talented people who will entice you and even dare you to laugh. The emcee of this weekend's entertainment is the acerbic straight-man, Frazier Smith. Frazier is joined by Shayla Rivera, an ex-rocket scientist (true fact) and one pistol of a Latina Mama. She has a "no holds barred, say it like it is," attitude with her comedy that had the audience erupting in fits of laughter.

This weekend's headliner, James Stephens III or "The Cat in the Hat" as he is better known, is the king of clean, "in your face," fun. Stephens, a Georgetown University graduate, keeps his act clean of profanity and yet hits you with a direct blow of belly laughing funny. (What is it with the smart, educated ones going into comedy?) Stephens is not only "the up and coming" comedy talent, but he is an accomplished musician who plays five instruments. His musical talent ranges from classical to country/western. If that is not enough, Stephens also does some right-on impressions of famous personalities such as Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Bill Cosby and Michael Jackson just to name a few. Interwoven in his repertoire are music, ethnicity and just lots of fun.

James Stephens started the James Stephens III Foundation, based in Cary, North Carolina, which provides three college scholarships each year based on academic achievement, financial need or personal hardship. Stephens is a frequent speaker at public schools. He uses his humor as the inspirational medium to reach children on the importance of education and the dangers of drugs.

Stephens' dedication to reaching out to kids led him to become the, rightfully proud producer of "Santa Claus Ain't Comin'," an anti-drug music video co-starring his friend Cuba Gooding.

Stephens sells t-shirts, CDs and a book of funny "yo mama" jokes ($20 each) at his performances to raise money for his foundation. Last year alone he raised more than $500,000. These items are available for sale on the James Stephens III Foundation website store along with many other very cool items. You can find out more about the JSIII Foundation by visiting the Web site.

You can sample nine minutes of laughter with this "funny guy" on YouTube.

What a great night of great "laugh till your sides ache," entertainment, don't miss it!

Many thanks to the visionary Improv creator Budd Friedman, Fantasy Springs for being the hot spot for comedy and to the impressively talented performers this weekend, emcee "irreverent straight man" Frazier Smith, sassy Latina "hot mama" Shayla Rivera and "da funny man" "The Cat in the Hat," himself James Stephens III.

For more Cathy Jardine photos of the Improv event, click here.

For more Yvonne Scott photos of the Improv event, click here.

For more information about Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, click here.

For more information about Frazier Smith, click here.

 For more information about Shayla Rivera, click here.