‘The Black Version’ Transforms Film at Largo

Ever wonder what “Speed” would have been like if Keanu Reeves would have been Eddie Murphy and Sandra Bullock Whoopi Goldberg? How about “Titanic” with Mekhi Phifer and Brandy? Now, what if those would have been comedies? That’s the idea behind The Black Version – an improv show featuring an all black cast redoing fan favorites and telling well, the black version of them. It’s been a hit for five years now, and it is now being performed at Largo.

Back in 2010, Jordan Black started something he thought was a good idea. The Black Version ended up being a great idea that sold out shows left and right since its beginning at Groundlings. The show was so popular that it’s even hit the road and been taken up the coast to San Francisco’s Sketchfest comedy festival and across the country to the Louisville Improv Festival.

Each show starts with the director asking for a movie title. It’s then the improvisers’ job to make the black version of it. The idea is obviously a winner, but it wouldn’t have lasted this long without a stellar cast. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele of “Key & Peele” were former members and have been known to pop in from time to time to take a walk down memory lane. Today Cedric Yarbrough, Gary Anthony Williams, Daniele Gaither, and Phil LaMarr take audiences to another level of laughter. Other than Key and Peele, other guests have included Wayne Brady, Niecey Nash, Jerry Minor and more.

Over the years, The Black Version has been praised across the board. From “Rolling Stone” calling it “hot” to the “LA Times” referring to it as “a winner,” it’s been clear from the start that this is one of the best shows going on in Los Angeles. 

The Black Version takes the Largo  stage Aug. 27.