Fresh off receiving the Kennedy Center’s annual Mark Twain Prize for American Comedy, the conic comedian made a triumphant return to the Nation’s capital on Saturday, September 14, for a weekend of sold-out shows at DAR Constitution Hall. Hart’s latest tour carries the title “Acting My Age.”
Since Hart will put this special on Netflix or Peacock at some point, I’ll keep my review brief and spoiler-free. The show started with a bang as Hart’s longtime friends, ‘The Plastic Cup Boys,’ each delivered a solid set, setting a high bar for the rest of the show. Hart then took the stage in casual attire, which harked back to his early days.
One of the first things Hart mentioned was he wanted to bring this show back to somewhat smaller venues as opposed to the arenas and coliseums he’s used to selling out. I’ve always felt that Kevin Hart’s stand-up performances exemplify the art of merging comedy with genuine storytelling. In his most recent show, Hart displays his trademark energetic style, captivating the audience with personal tales and clever insights into daily life.
From the moment he arrived on stage, his charisma was undeniable. Hart’s talent for engaging the crowd was extraordinary. He quickly drew us in with familiar situations—like overly enthusiastic family members’ blunders and the ridiculousness of gas station male enhancement products—while delivering rapid-fire punchlines that landed effectively. His physical humor, defined by lively gestures and animated facial expressions, amplifies the laughter, allowing even straightforward jokes to strike a chord.
A particularly memorable part of the performance featured Hart discussing interactions with one of basketball’s legends. His playful jabs at this former NBA star were amusing and reflective, highlighting the ups and downs of fame. Hart’s self-mocking humor also stands out; he openly jokes about himself, whether addressing his height or previous errors in judgment, which makes him all the more relatable. His approach to delicate subjects with comedic skill demonstrates his exceptional abilities as a performer.
While it’s evident at this point in his career that Hart is a comedic rock star, “Acting My Age” validates that his stand-up routine will continue to evolve.
Final Grade: B
Growing up in the nineties, movies aimed at a melanin audience often featured soundtracks that had to be just as flavorful as the films themselves. This week, for Slow Jam Saturday, I want to take a trip back to 1993 and highlight one of the slow jams from the soundtrack of “Menace II Society”.
Last week marked two significant anniversaries for one of the greatest artists of all time, Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson. It’s only fitting that I show him some love for Second Listen Sunday. The first anniversary was on the 21st, commemorating nine years since his passing. The second anniversary was on the 22nd, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day.”
One of my most significant decisions late last year was to pledge to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. At the time of this writing, I am in Atlantic City for my fraternity’s Regional Conference, where I will represent my chapter, Beta Alpha Omega. In that regard, I believe the perfect song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is “The Best Man I Can Be.”