Cedric The Entertainer’s 80s Pop Ritual Before Broadway Stage

Before the lights dim and the curtain rises, signaling the start of another demanding Broadway performance, Cedric the Entertainer engages in a specific, almost sacred, pre-show ritual. It's a routine that grounds the 62-year-old actor, comedian, and producer, preparing him for the intense demands of live theater, particularly in a profound August Wilson play.

The ritual begins with a stretching session, a physical preparation for the role. But it’s the auditory component that truly sets the tone: a carefully curated playlist dominated by 1980s pop music. Artists like Tears for Fears and Spandau Ballet are staples in his rotation, reportedly helping him tap into the precise energy needed before facing a live audience. While the exact song selection might shift with his mood, the decade remains constant, a nostalgic sonic backdrop to his dramatic transformation.

Cedric the Entertainer is currently gracing the Broadway stage in the revival of August Wilson's seminal work, *Joe Turner's Come and Gone*. The production officially opened on April 25, 2026, following preview performances that began on March 30, 2026. Staged at a Shubert Theatre, this run marks a significant return to serious dramatic acting for the star, known predominantly for his comedic prowess.

In this powerful play, Cedric embodies Seth Holly, a boarding house owner in 1911 Pittsburgh. His character navigates the complexities of providing shelter and community to Black travelers journeying north during the monumental Great Migration. Sharing the stage with him is acclaimed actress Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Bertha, Seth's wife. This production notably marks Henson's Broadway acting debut, although she previously served as a producer for the Tony-nominated *Jaja's African Hair Braiding*.

The revival is under the direction of the celebrated Debbie Allen, a formidable figure in Black performance. Allen herself made her Broadway debut as an actress in *Purlie* back in 1970, bringing a wealth of experience and cultural insight to the current production.

While some initial reports suggested this was Cedric the Entertainer's Broadway debut, he actually made a previous appearance nearly 17 years ago. He was part of the 2008 revival of David Mamet's *American Buffalo*, making his current role in *Joe Turner's Come and Gone* a welcome return to the New York stage after a considerable hiatus.

Born Cedric Antonio Kyles on April 24, 1964, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Cedric the Entertainer has built a distinguished career spanning several decades. He first gained widespread recognition as a stand-up comedian, captivating audiences as the host of BET's *ComicView* from 1993 to 1994 and *Def Comedy Jam* in 1995. His comedic talent later translated to television, where he famously starred as Cedric Jackie Robinson alongside Steve Harvey in *The Steve Harvey Show*. He was also a pivotal member of the legendary Original Kings of Comedy tour, solidifying his status as a comedic titan.