Former local comedian to open at State Theatre

By Garret Schuelke
Western Herald

Western Michigan University alum and Hollywood comedian Skyler Stone will be performing at the State Theatre tonight.

Along with attending school, developing his performing skills, and DJing for local radio stations WRKR and WIDR, Kalamazoo native Stone, known for his stand-up and his short-lived Comedy Central show “Con,” worked at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, passing out flyers during the ‘90s.

Stone will be opening for fellow comedian Ralphie May at the show tonight. 

Having been friends for a few years now, both thought it would be a good idea for Stone to open up for May in his hometown, according to Stone.

“I would tell [people] every time I took a flyer that I would have my own HBO or Showtime comedy special here someday,” Stone said. “Now I am just one step closer.”

Born in St. Louis, Mo., Stone attended Portage Central High School and Western Michigan University, according to a biography on his official Web site.  

Stone got his first experience in stand-up when he snuck into the Whistlestop to perform at an open mic night, and started his career after opening up for comedian Jay Mohr.

Since then, Stone has performed in clubs and colleges across the country and has starred in films such as “Waiting,” “The Rules of Attraction,” and “The Island.” 

He has also done work on television shows such as “CSI: NY” and “Dollhouse,” along with voiceover work in videogames. 

His most recent role is playing the character Frank on the television show “Rules of Engagement.”

Currently a resident of Los Feliz, Calif., Stone has plans to do more in Kalamazoo than have his own stand-up special at the State Theatre – namely, his own television series called “The Zoo.”

Produced by Practical Pictures, according to Stone’s official Web site, “The Zoo” would star Stone and focus on his early life in Kalamazoo.

“It was like a long, crazy adventure,” Stone said of his life in Kalamazoo, which he compared to the 1979 war film “Apocalypse Now.” 

“Kalamazoo was such a loving place in the ‘90s,” Stone added. “It attracts these really eccentric, Jack Kerouac-types [of people]. It’s just a blast to live here.”

Stone is confident that the series will be well received in his former hometown.

“Kalamazoo is a hotbed for comedy because everyone has a great sense of humor,” Stone said.

More information about the show can be found at the State Theatre’s Web site at kazoostate.com.

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Posted by heraldstaff on Mar 10 2010. Filed under A & E, Weekend Scene. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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