Anjelah Johnson’s Howdy to Houston

“That’s how weeee do itttt,” Anjelah Johnson proclaimed throughout the night as she entertained a nearly sold out show at the Verizon Wireless Theatre on June 27, 2009.

From couples on ”date night” to groups of high-heel clad females on a “girl’s night out,” Houstonians came out in flocks prepared to laugh and be entertained by the 27-year-old comedian and former MAD TV cast member.  Known for impersonating characters such as “Tammy,” the Vietnamese nail salon lady and Bon Qui Qui, a rude fast food worker, it’s no surprise she appeals to diverse crowds of all ages.

Dj Angie Vee from Los Angeles definitely created a party atmosphere by paying homage to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. She spun favorites, such as “Billie Jean” and “Rock with You.”  The all-female Beat Freaks from America’s Best Dance Crew hyping the crowd with their signature hip hop moves made you almost forget that Johnson was filming her first special for Comedy Central.

Within seconds of stepping center stage with her contagious smile, the San Jose, Calif. native wasted no time mentioning Houston’s blistering summer heat saying  ”It is not right,” and compared the Bayou city to her dad on how she loves the support but only gets to see him twice a year.

The audience was entertained when she talked about the frugality of her family and how looking back at childhood pictures she had the same outfit from the age three to age seven.  She also mentioned how her dad doesn’t buy anything without a coupon, including Tampax tampons with Pearls.

Johnson’s talent spans way beyond telling jokes and impersonations.  She not only showed off her beat boxing skills during the show, but surprised the crowd with her energetic moves when she joined the Beat Freaks in their closing number.

It was obvious her impressions of various guys that have approached her in the past were a spectator favorite judging by the audience laughter.  There was the one Mexican guy that tried to get her attention by making animal noises to the Black guy that cat-called her by a description such as “ponytail” and “blue shirt”, its no surprise her comedy sketches on YouTube have already been viewed by millions.

Although the one woman show won’t be back in Houston anytime soon Johnson is scheduled to perform in Dallas at the House of Blues in August.

Here’s Season 13 episode 8 of a MadTV performance below.

© 2009, Jennie P.. All rights reserved by Sub Urban Media Group.