D.L. Hughley arrives, brings comedy, laughter to station residents

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kenneth Trotter Jr. | Comedian and entertainer, D.L. Hughley, star of such hits as the television shows “The Hughleys,” “The Original Kings of Comedy,” and former host of Black Entertainment Television’s “ComicView,” works his way through the crowd at the Iwakuni Ballroom here Jan. 12 during the “2012 Laugh Campaign.” Hughley’s sharp wit touched on a variety of topics including marriage and childrearing.  

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

01.12.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Trotter Jr. 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Japan - Laughs filled the room when renowned comedian D.L. Hughley stole the show as part of the “2012 Laugh Campaign” at the Iwakuni Ballroom here Jan. 12. Hughley is star of the former hit sitcom “The Hughleys,” the hit movie, “The Original Kings of Comedy” and former host of Black Entertainment Television’s comedy show “ComicView.”

To get the crowd hyped for the entertainer, fellow comedian Daniel Dugar set the tone for those attending, offering his own brand and take on everyday life to the crowd before the headline act came out.

Hughley was treated to a thunderous round of applause as he took the stage. The fervor of the crowd was a welcome sight to him.

“I’ve had a wonderful time,” said Hughley. “I’ve been to a lot of bases before, generally Army and Air Force, but Marine bases are the best. It’s amazing to see so many young cats who are professional in what they do and how appreciative they are to anybody who comes and invests time in them.”

Hughley joked about the location of the station in comparison to other bases he has visited on his numerous tours.

“Y’all are far, I’ll give you that,” said Hughley. “I’ve never been anywhere this remote. Y’all ain’t got [nothing] out here. I asked what there was to do around here, and they said we can go get sushi off base!”

Hughley’s style of gut-busting humor hit home with many in attendance; the laughs never ceased during the night. No topic was safe from the sharp-witted and quick-on-the-draw Hughley as he discussed relationships, marital woes, racial issues and even the military ranks in his act.

He called out several individuals on their respective jobs within the service, even going so far as to tell one individual who couldn’t answer what he actually did that he must be an “officer.”

Hughley said he feels service members got a kick out of his show, because much of his material is relatable to anyone, regardless of whether they are in the military or civilians.

“I think Marines like real [stuff], and they appreciate the material,” said Hughley.

Those who found themselves in the front row during the show were treated to Hughley’s distinctive style of humor as he called out Marines.

One Marine who found himself on the receiving end of a string of jokes was Sgt. Roderick R. Beachum, station air terminal non-commissioned officer in charge, who took the verbal jests in stride and was appreciative of the opportunity to see Hughley perform live.

“It was amazing,” said Beachum. “There were a lot of laughs and group participation. I had a good time. It was just like one of his standup acts.”

Several in attendance also hoped Hughley would be the first of many comedians who Marine Corps Community Services would be able to bring to the station to perform events such as this.

“I think service members would like to see Marine Corps Community Services get other big name comedians to come here and spread the love, like Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Hart or Katt Williams,” said Beachum. “I don’t think they’ll get Katt Williams to come here, though. He’s a little too x-rated!”

Others shared the hope that seeing more famous comedians would grace the station, as events such as this do not happen very often.

“We don’t get as many opportunities to see things like this,” said Christiana M. Sanders, Headquarters and Headquarters squadron commanding officer’s secretary.

“We need to capitalize on [these events]. When you’re in the states, you have to pay out of pocket and try to find good seats.”

One comedian in particular who Sander hopes MCCS is able to get is Kevin Hart.

Sanders said the turnout of on-base residents to see Hart perform live on the station would possibly necessitate the need for the even to be moved from the ballroom to the Iwakuni golf course.

“Kevin Hart definitely needs to come here,” said Sanders.

• Date Taken: 01.12.2012
• Date Posted: 04.26.2012 01:37
• Story ID: 87353
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP