Byron Coolie's "TYT 5" is a Hilarious and Moving Mic Drop from Beginning to End
Friday, June 21st, Los Angeles, CA
written by Entertainment Editor, Dan Ruth
“Subjugation,” Byron Coolie states in one of his throwback monologues, is a word that he learned in fifth period English, but minutes into his brilliantly funny solo/stand up show TYT 5, it’s clear that Coolie has learned the word from his own life experiences as a black man, a stand up comedian and an actor. From Atlanta, to New Orleans, to Charlotte, New York and Los Angeles, Coolie takes us with him on his journey, and with powerful and often tender threads of humanity, he never lets go. I, along with the rest of his sold-out house at The Broadwater Studio, was with Coolie at the edge of my seat. Your opinions on chicken restaurants may vary (I myself am with Team Coolie on this one) but over all, TYT 5 is very relatable, and when it isn't, you'll know why. Yes, I’m sparing you some spoilers because if you haven’t seen this remarkable show, you need to get a ticket now.
Through a series of vignette monologues, Coolie takes us through the ups and downs of his life in stand up comedy, a world ruled by the T-5, aka the “tight five,” in which you have five minutes to make your audience laugh; five minutes to bring your all and to make a lasting impression on them. Luckily, Mr. Coolie takes us on a Tight 55, starting with his school struggles as a young black teen, dodging bullies like his nemesis, “no-neck Josh.” Coolie doesn’t back down from any challenge as he takes on Josh in a hilarious dance battle at Atlanta’s Airline Skate Center, an epicenter for young, black culture in his youth. In Coolie’s world, he might not always win, but he seems to bask in the glow of progression, whether it’s as an actor, comedian or a human being. Using a minimum of prop/costumes, Coolie relies on his gifts as a master of character and transformation to take us into the racially erroneous world behind the curtain of professional theatre, or to the hellish nightmare scenarios of America’s streets. There’s much darkness in Coolie’s blistering story, but with every turn, there’s Coolie standing resolute, smiling back at us, his light shining for all to see. This show is incredibly moving and yes, if you have a soul yourself, parts will make you angry as hell, but if art isn’t here to change us, we’re all missing the point. In the end of this very tight 55, Coolie brings his audience in for a soft landing with a message that will fill your heart with joy, so thank you Byron for bringing this fine work to The Hollywood Fringe, you’ve made your lasting impression.
TYT 5 is a mic drop from beginning to end, with one exception; there exists not a trace of arrogance in Byron Coolie’s performance, and even while evoking a softer touch, it hits you in the gut with its brutal honesty over and over again. Luckily, your gut will hurt all right, but mostly from the laughter. I can’t wait until the world learns the name Byron Coolie, as it is energy and spirit like his, that makes this world a better place.
TYT 5 is directed by the superb Sidney Edwards and produced by Sacred Fools Theatre's Scott Leggett. It continues tonight at The Broadwater Studio at 6:30pm, with other dates as well, but don’t wait on this one, don’t miss your chance to experience this show.
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