By Samuel KnoxComedian DeAbre Triplett—better known as Sugah-Man—has been making audiences laugh for nearly 25 years. After taking a break from the stage due to health challenges and other personal matters, he’s now back and ready to shake up the comedy scene in Springfield.“I’ve noticed that Springfield has a different vibe from what I’m used to,” Sugah-Man said. “Most of what I’ve seen here has been white-collar comedy. I grew up with more of a hood comedy style. White-collar comedy never really clicked for me because I don’t do politics and all that. But when it comes to stories about real life in the neighborhoods I know, that’s where I shine. That’s the type of comedy I want to bring to Springfield.”Sugah-Man wants his shows to give voice to stories and perspectives from minority communities—stories about everyday life, family, culture, told with humor and heart.“I’m from St. Louis,” he said. “We grew up sitting on the front porch. From the porch, we watched everything—we knew our neighbors, the streets, the mailman. We’d braid hair, cook, talk, laugh. Everything happened on the porch. That’s the energy I want to bring to the stage.”His new show concept, Sugah’s Front Porch, is designed to feel like a porch gathering. Eventually, he plans to incorporate porch-themed skits into the show. “We actually have a porch backdrop,” he explained. “It looks just like the porches I grew up on.”
Upcoming Show: November 7 at The RiffSugah-Man’s next show takes place Thursday, November 7 at The Riff (1900 W. Sunset St., Springfield, MO).Headlining the show will be the legendary Honest John, a comedy veteran whose career spans decades. Honest John has appeared on Def Comedy Jam, BET’s ComicView, Showtime at the Apollo, and in films including The Wash. Known for his sharp wit and universal appeal, he can work any room—Black, white, Latino, Native American—it doesn’t matter who’s in the crowd; he connects and makes them laugh.Show details:
- Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.
- General Admission: $20
- VIP On-Stage Tickets: $40 (includes seating on stage with the performers and complimentary champagne)
- Food and drinks will be available
- Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite (search Sugah’s Front Porch: Honest John), on The Riff’s website, or via their Facebook page.
Featured PerformersThe lineup will also showcase a variety of talented performers:
- Sade Shine – returning to perform hits from her Queens of Soul production in Branson
- Mama Lou St. Sippy – a St. Louis singer with a soulful blend of blues, jazz, and an India.Arie/Erykah Badu vibe
- Katie Steel – a rising local comedian from Springfield
- Lady Mojo – a dynamic comedian from St. Louis
- Sugah-Man himself as the host
Audience participation will be part of the show as well, giving attendees a chance to win free tickets to future performances.Sugah-Man plans to host Sugah’s Front Porch shows every other month at first, eventually moving to a monthly schedule as the audience grows.“This is just the beginning,” he said. “I want to build a place where everybody can come laugh together—like family on the front porch.”
