Those looking for laughs during Syracuse University’s Orange Central 2011 will not be disappointed.

Comedians D. L. Hughley and Dean Edwards will be featured in the ‘Laughing for Education’ stand-up comedy show Saturday night. The event is hosted by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and Omega Phi Beta sorority in collaboration with the Orange Central Planning Committee.

Hughley is widely recognized as a stand-up comedian, actor and radio personality. He was the star of the ABC sitcom ‘The Hughleys’ and was one of the featured comedians in Spike Lee’s film ‘The Original Kings of Comedy,’ according to Hughley’s online biography. He also exhibited his political wit while he served as host of the CNN late night talk show ‘D. L. Hughley Breaks the News.’

Hughley was invited to SU because he is one of the original comedic legends, said Andre Sadler, a marketing and finance junior and the president of Phi Beta Sigma.

‘Students and the surrounding community do not get the chance to see comedians of his stature often,’ Sadler said. ‘We knew that in bringing D. L. Hughley, we would give the audience a lot more than their money’s worth.’

The event is open to all and will be in Goldstein Auditorium at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students with an SUID and $15 for the general public. A portion of the event’s profits will be donated to Say Yes for Education, a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve inner-city education in Syracuse.

Richard Dubin, professor of television, radio and film, has had a long career in comedy writing and had several encounters with Hughley. He said he believes Hughley is a very experienced, entertaining comedian with a terrific show.

‘I’ve always been impressed by him and always thought he was a funny guy who had a great take on race relations and family life,’ Dubin said. ‘He’s well established and well respected as a stand-up comic.’

Dean Edwards, an actor, stand-up comic, musician and voice actor, made a presence in the world of comedy after joining the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2001. After completing two successful seasons, Edwards continues his career in entertainment, Sadler said. He is known for his numerous impressions, which include Eddie Murphy, Michael Jackson and Denzel Washington, among others.

Having been born in the Bronx and raised throughout New York, Edward’s travels have made it easy for him to communicate with all walks of life, Sadler said.

‘After dividing his college career between classes and a six-year term in the U.S. Army Reserve, Dean ultimately made the choice to devote his career to comedy,’ Sadler said. ‘Dean Edwards is one of the funniest upcoming stand-up comedians around today.’

Sadler said that because a percentage of the proceeds for the event will be donated to Say Yes, it provides a chance for SU to give back to the city.

Said Sadler: ‘An event such as ‘Laughing for Education’ gives us the opportunity to promote social action and education as we entertain, inspire and uplift the community.’

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Published on November 9, 2011 at 12:00 pm