Rickey Smiley: Open Casket Sharp

Comedian, television host, and syndicated radio personality Rickey Smiley performs a standup act before an adoring Atlanta audience in this special. Smiley's material proves a mixed bag, opening strongly with a bit about a scene-stealing bassist for pop-soul group The O'Jays, followed by an extended sequence about a grandmother—touching on multiple prescriptions and her tendency to fall asleep while in the middle of criticizing a family member, among other things. The show goes downhill from there as Smiley talks about the smell of an airplane after a long flight, and his jokes turn towards the obvious with a lame account of a little person's funeral. But the program ends on a high note with Smiley's memories and observations about playing gospel piano in church, recalling how he once deliberately irked his pastor by embellishing the ends of songs with unnecessary flourishes. Finally, Smiley's contrasting impressions of white folks and black people singing “Amazing Grace” is priceless. DVD extras include bonus sketches. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)