NEW YORK CITY, June 16/PRNewswire/-- Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal teams up with the pioneering Producer and CEO of Codeblack Entertainment Jeff Clanagan to present the ALL-STAR COMEDY JAM series. Featuring some of the most celebrated stand-up comics, the series will provide sidesplitting, no holds barred hilarity on topics ranging from America's new president to shopping at Target.
The ALL-STAR COMEDY JAM series recaptures the spirit of the past successful franchises like The Kings of Comedy series, and features some of today's hottest urban comics. It also provides the up-and-coming comedians with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and perform alongside the stalwarts of comedy.
On his partnership with the NBA Legend, says Clanagan, "I am thrilled to collaborate with NBA's most distinguished athlete on these multi-star live comedy events. This partnership will help expand Codeblack's reach into television and further cement our desire to both develop and produce exciting entertainment projects from their inception as a live event through to their subsequent telecast."
Given Shaquille O'Neal's entrepreneurial aspirations this project marks a natural evolution of his brand. "I am excited to partner with a veteran like Jeff Clanagan and I am thrilled to be venturing into the comedy and television world."
At the inaugural show, filmed before a spirited crowd in Phoenix, AZ, the night before this year's NBA All-Star Game, the Original King of Comedy Cedric "The Entertainer" performs 30 minutes of his latest material in between comedy sets by fellow comedians such as Tommy Davidson (In Living Color), Kevin Hart (Soul Plane), Aires Spears (Mad TV), and DeRay Davis.
The ALL STAR COMEDY JAM series, directed by Leslie Smalls, premieres on SHOWTIME on Wednesday JUNE 17th, and kicks off Showtime network's LAUGH OUT LOAD comedy initiative that has become a hub for diverse, no-holds barred comedy for premium television audiences.
The highly anticipated second installemnt of the ALL STAR COMEDY JAM series will be filmed live at the 13th annual American Black Film Festival on June 26th in Miami and premiere on SHOWTIME in January, 2010. Comedy genius DL Hughley will host this stand-up special alongside some of the industry's most talented and sought after comedians - Earthquake, Arnez J, Lavell Crawford and Melanie Comarcho.
For more information on All-Star Comedy Jam, visit www.allstarcomedyjam.com. Shaquille O'Neal will be available for select interviews. To request an interview, please contact Marvet Britto at The Britto Agency (212)977-6772, marvet@thebrittoagency.com.