First Stage Alums to host comedy fundraiser

Joel Boyd, First stage alum and Milwaukee native, to bring “The Martin Luther Kings of Comedy: The Roast of The Last Supper” show Sunday, Sept. 9, 6:30 -- 8 p.m. at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.

Photo provided by The MLKs of Comedy

The purpose of the show is to raise funds for the CHURCH Inc. Martin Luther King Scholarship and First Stage’s Kid 2 Kid Scholarship Fund, and the comedy show is geared for all ages.

“The Roast of The last Supper comedy variety show is about to be a citywide turn-up event for the whole family,” Boyd said. “… I’m just giving back to the organizations that helped make me.” 

Boyd is a founding member of The MLKs of Comedy, a collective of comedians whose mission is to spread love, social consciousness and hope. The group has been traveling throughout the U.S. and producing shows for nearly three years, working with Donnell Rawlings, of “Chappelle’s Show”, Chris Redd, of “SNL” and more.

Photo provided by The MLKs of Comedy 

As a kid, Boyd got his start with First Stage’s Theater Academy, where he fostered his odd, comical talents.

“First Stage is the place that really gave me a chance to be myself,” Boyd said. “I’ve done four First Stage productions, and I almost cried when awarded the Lois Lowry Scholarship. Man, I miss those days. The early 2000’s were easy.”

Boyd will not be the only First Stage alum present for Sunday’s show. “We got a great group of Mil-Town native guys involved,” Boyd said. “Josiah Williams, fellow First Stage alum, will be our musical guest as well as, Jeremy Tardy, First Stage alum and co-producer for Netflix’s ‘Dear White People’.”

He shared the audience is in for a great show with an amazing cause. “Whether you buy a ticket just to donate or actually come see the hilarious madness, it’s going to change some kid’s life,” Boyd said.

Photo provided by The MLKs of Comedy