Having already set foot on The Wilbur stage before, Chico Bean knows what it means to have the opportunity to perform in the legendary venue. But with his first solo attempt at bringing the room to an eruption of laughs, he’s wildin’ out in a whole new way.
Making his way back to Boston on Saturday (November 19) for his first stand-up gig at The Wilbur that isn’t part of any of Nick Cannon’s Wild n’ Out tours or that of his podcast, The 85 South Show, Bean is feeling a totally different level of purpose and excitement ahead of the big night. As a student of comedy, the Washington D.C. native is keeping in mind all of the legendary talent that come out of the Boston scene, and is truly humbled by the ability to display his talents in the same spotlight, and paint a more personal, unique picture of who is as both a comic and a person.
“Last time, it was in a group setting, but this time I get to stand up there and present my personal story and material, and my own personal perspective on everything around me,” Bean tells Vanyaland. “You definitely can get a glimpse of that when it’s a group setting, but this time is just different because it’s all me, so you’ll be able to get a detailed look into my mind, in a sense, and see how I, as an individual, see things in a comedic way.”
Wielding his unique perspective and drive to provide “thought-provoking laughter” and quality comedy, Bean has brought his art to rooms of all different sizes from clubs and theaters to arenas in different capacities, and while he’s treasured those opportunities that he considers “comedy potlucks” (where he’s serving up the dish he’s perfected over time), the chance to venture out into The Wilbur to work on a new “dish” of sorts has given him the chance to feel essential growth in finding a deeper understanding in how his mind works as a comedian.
“I’ve had a very unique life up to this point, and hopefully I have a lot more living to do, but I feel like my perspective on things is different from a lot of people. My father was killed when I was two years old, so when I think about that as an experience and my whole vantage point on the world is pretty different, because where most people joke about having deadbeat dads, my dad was just dead for real,” says Bean. “All of those life experiences that go along with all of that encompass my perspective, but right now, I would say I’m at a point of growing where I’m starting to really understand my superpowers and the things I’m able to do based on my journey up to this point. I’ve always felt like I had a unique perspective, but now I’m starting to come into the understanding as to why I feel the way I feel, so I’m just excited to explore that more on stage.”
Over the years, and as he’s worked his way up the ranks in the comedy world, Bean has made a highly conscious effort to use his celebrity in a way that not only puts forth a message of positivity, but to also inspire those who listen to him on his numerous content platforms. As an example, he grew out his hair during the pandemic, regardless of the fact that he’s missing it up front to show that he isn’t bothered by what people think of him. He only hopes that his perspective and his words can be an extension of that gesture, and to be able to do it in progressively bigger spaces is a dream come true for the comedy vet.
“I try very hard to utilize my own platform to motivate people who watch me by saying ‘if something makes you happy and feel good about yourself, who cares what anybody else thinks?’ and to be able to have that platform and proudly wear that the way I am able to, it’s exciting,” says Bean. “I like to think I use the full scope of my celebrity for that purpose, but when I can do that on stage, it feels even better.”
CHICO BEAN :: Saturday, November 19 at The Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St. in Boston, MA :: 7 p.m. :: Tickets are $30 to $40