On Nov. 19-20, the actor, comedian, and producer gave three shows at the Madam Walker Legacy Center.
INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — Mike Epps, an Indianapolis native, will perform at the historic Madame Walker Legacy Center in November.
Epps spoke with 13News on Wednesday about finally filming a Netflix comedy special in his hometown and why Indianapolis will always be home.
No one can tell him Indianapolis isn’t the best city in the world; it is, Epps remarked.
And the world is going to see why the hometown’s favorite comedian, actor, and producer is about to prove it.
‘There’s no place like home,’ people usually say. He finds so much calm and serenity in Indianapolis, not to mention humor, according to Epps.
Returning to Indianapolis is like recharging his batteries; he returns, gathers all of his jokes, and then travels the world talking about Indianapolis. He may not mention Indianapolis or the people who live there, but he is talking about Indianapolis, according to Epps.
It’s easy to see how Epps’ funny approach has been impacted by the Circle City.
The Netflix comedy series “The Upshaws,” starring Epps, is about a working-class African American family managing everyday life while aspiring for a better one. The show has just received a second season renewal.
Bennie Upshaw, played by Epps, is a car mechanic who is raising a blended family.
It is a symbol of the common guy. It is a representation of ordinary folks. “The ordinary family,” Epps remarked, adding that he still feels a part of it. He’s in show business, but you know, he can’t live like he’s in show business all the time. That is why he returned to his native state of Indiana. Epps made a remark.
Epps, on the other hand, is about to bring some of that show business home to the folks who know and love him best.
“That shows how much he and the fans adore one other.” Epps laughed as he remarked, “He’s in love with the fans, too.”
Both of Epps’ upcoming gigs on Nov. 20, 2021, sold out in just two hours. A second date, Friday, Nov. 19, has been added to the schedule.
Is “Mike Epps: Indiana Mike” based on a true story?
This is an original series by Netflix. Mike Epps, an Indianapolis native, is always ready to call out his hometown when the spotlight is fully on him, whether he’s wearing head-to-toe Pacers clothing or making jokes about being the “Idris Elba of Indiana.”
When he films his second Netflix comedy special from Madam Walker Legacy Center this fall, Epps will continue to represent his hometown.
In a statement, Epps said, “He is eager to not only film his Netflix special in my city, but also at the historic Madam Walker Theatre, where there is so much Black history.” It’s only appropriate that he brings attention to his hometown.
On Nov. 20, Epps’ third Netflix special, which has yet to be named, will be taped over the course of two shows at Walker Theatre. At 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., the shows will be taped live.
“Don’t Take It Personal” and “Only One Mike,” his prior Netflix specials, were released in 2015 and 2019, respectively.
In a statement, Madam Walker Legacy Center President Kristian Stricklen said, “The Madam Walker Legacy Center is excited to host Mike for what is likely to be a remarkable concert.” Mike is well-liked in Indianapolis. It’s fantastic that he wants to include our neighborhood and our historic building in the television show.
The new program will add to Epps and Indianapolis’ successful year on the world’s largest streaming platform.
Epps celebrated the debut of “The Upshaws,” an original Netflix comedy set in the Circle City in which he stars as well as serves as executive producer.
Epps plays Bennie Upshaw, the father of a working-class family who owns and operates Bennie’s Garage in an undisclosed neighborhood of Indianapolis. Netflix has already renewed “The Upshaws” for a second season.
Epps was honored for both his professional accomplishments and his generosity in the Indianapolis community during the November event.
Epps will be honored into the Madam Walker Walk of Fame, marking the organization’s first induction since the renovations to the structure began in 2018.
Mike didn’t hesitate to indicate he wanted to tape his upcoming comedy special in his hometown when they discussed the site, according to local promoter Amp Harris. According to Amp Harris, he wanted to bring Hollywood to Indianapolis while also making history.
Tickets for the general public went on sale on Friday, Sept. 24 at 10 p.m. Ticket prices ranged from $59 to $99 and were available at the Madam Walker Theatre box office and on Ticketmaster.com.
The event organizer required that all guests be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and follow the following rules:
All attendees were required to be completely immunized against COVID-19 (at least two weeks after the final dosage) and provide digital or paper proof of immunization that matched their legal identification.
Within 48 hours, each audience member will be forced to undergo fast testing or show documentation of a negative PCR test.
If a customer is satisfied, they will be refunded, along with the rest of their party.