Coball Kids Foundation presents
With a career spanning over more than 30 years, legendary comedian, actor, author, TV personality and award-winning radio host Rickey Smiley is just getting started. The two-time Marconi award winner and host of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show anchors the #1 syndicated urban radio program in the country reaching over seven million weekly listeners in 75+ markets.
As a stand-up comedian, the veteran who got his start on Def Comedy Jam and as a host of BET’s Comic View continues to light up stages across the nation, hitting comedy clubs and theaters on his stand alone tour, as well as all-star lineups like the Martin Lawrence headlined LIT AF TOUR, as well as Martin’s upcoming Y’ALL KNOW WHAT IT IS TOUR. His comedy specials COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS: RICKEY SMILEY and RICKEY SMILEY: OPEN CASKET SHARP have delighted fans for decades with clipable moments and evergreen jokes establishing Rickey as a true comedy force. His latest special, directed by filmmaker David Talbert and shot in Rickey’s hometown of Birmingham, AL comes to us over a decade later and is due to debut late 2024/early2025. Additionally, his live show Rickey Smiley Karaoke Night is a monthly treat that regularly sells out within days of going on sale.
Though Rickey is mostly known for his joke writing, he is also the author of two books: STAND BY YOUR TRUTH: AND THEN RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! which came out in 2017 as an ode to fatherhood and the principles that he was raised on which helped guide him in his life and career to become the success he is today. He is now passing on those principles to his own children and hundreds of young men and women in need of advice on how to better their own lives. The memoir acts as a painful prequel to the soon-to-be-published SIDESHOW: LIVING WITH LOSS AND MOVING FORWARD WITH FAITH in which Rickey recounts his journey from the painful experience of losing his eldest son to drug addiction in 2023 (September 17/Harper Collins). SIDESHOW delves deep into Rickey’s relationship with his son and showcases how through faith, love and understanding the healing process can begin. While the biography reveals stories from a very personal perspective, there are relatable themes for anyone who has loved someone who struggles with substance abuse, drug addiction, or losing a child before their time.
The Birmingham native continues to build on a passionate fanbase, amassing over 18+ million followers across all social media platforms. Generations of fans stretching across his career from the multiple movie appearances in movie favorites like FRIDAY AFTER NEXT and BAGGAGE CLAIM to his multiple TV series THE RICKEY SMILEY SHOW and RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL, continue to find Rickey’s wholesome family comedy a welcome reprieve to the stresses of daily life. His iconic characters including “Mrs. Bernice Jenkins,” “Lil’ Daryl,” “Joe Willie,” and “Beauford” as well as his classic Prank Calls live on in comedy lore as cult favorites laying the foundation for the legacy that Rickey continues to grow today.
Recommended age: 18 and older
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Age Recommendations
Recommended for ages 18 and over.
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Ticket Required to Enter
All patrons regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the building.
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Photography
No photography or videography is allowed during this performance.
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Walkers & Wheelchairs
Walkers & Wheelchairs: Due to (firecode), wheelchairs and walkers are only allowed in the accessible seating area and cannot be parked in the aisles.
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All Policies
To view all FIM Ticket Center & venue policies, click here.
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Security
FIM has implemented new security policies and protocols. To view all of our security measures, click here.
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No re-entry
No Re-entry. Once your ticket has been scanned, please plan to stay and enjoy the entire performance. Patrons will not be allowed to re-enter.
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Smoke/vape free zone
Smoke-Free Zones. All FIM venues are smoke-free. Per Michigan Law, Public Act 188, smoking is not allowed inside a venue or within 20 feet from the entrance to the building. Violators will be asked to leave. Vape-Free Zones. Vaping is not allowed anywhere within the venue. Violators will be asked to leave.
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Weapon free zone
Weapon-Free Zones. Firearms and weapons of any kind, including concealed weapons and pocket knives are prohibited.
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Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices are available at no charge. These devices are available from the FIM Whiting Auditorium lobby desk. A driver’s license, state-issued ID card or another form of security deposit is required.
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Familiarization Tours
Familiarization tours are offered to all patrons. Take a tour of the seating area and facilities before purchasing tickets. Guided tours for the visually impaired are available by appointment. Contact FIM Ticket Center to schedule your tour.
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Disruptive Patrons
Disruptive patrons, regardless of age, will be asked to leave. No refunds will be given.
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Program Content
Program Content Please note some performances may contain adult themes. Please check the event listing age recommendations prior to purchase or call FIM Ticket Center.
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Children & Families
All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the venue. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. For safety reasons, strollers and car seats are not allowed in the theatre. Regardless of age, disruptive patrons will be asked to leave. No refunds will be given.