Luenell: The Original Bad Girl of Comedy brings truth and laughter to FIM Capitol Theatre

FLINT, Michigan — It’s 7:00 a.m. on the West Coast, and Luenell is wide awake. The comic — famous for her booming voice, fearless honesty, and no-nonsense stage presence — has already wrapped up a prior interview before this. However, whether sunrise or sunset, Luenell is unapologetically herself. “I can’t be fake if I wanted to,” she said, her candor cutting through the phone. “I can’t even fake my expressions on my face. You’re gonna know what I’m thinking. I give it to you straight, no chaser.”

That raw honesty is what Flint audiences can expect when the “Original Bad Girl of Comedy” steps onto the stage at the FIM Capitol Theatre on Friday, Sept. 12, at 8 P.M. For nearly 30 years, Luenell has been keeping audiences in stitches with comedy that defies categories and dismisses fear. “In such a world full of lies, people know they’re going to hear authenticity from me,” she explained. “I don’t pull no punches. I’m not scared of being canceled. I don’t buy into any of that.” For Luenell, comedy is more than entertainment — it’s a responsibility. 

She insists that her success comes down to more than hustle. “This is a gift,” she states boldly, reflecting on her ability to connect with strangers in any city or country. “Richard Pryor didn’t go to school to learn how to do what he did. Joan Rivers didn’t read books to learn how to be funny. Just like singing, you can be taught a little, but you can’t be taught how to SANG — it’s in you. There’s a difference between people going through the motions and people who have the gift.” That gift has taken her everywhere — from small clubs to international tours — and still, she approaches each stop with joy. 

Though she began her career with dreams of Broadway, Luenell discovered that comedy gave her a unique outlet. “You can mask a lot of pain through comedy,” she said. “Before I was an entertainer, I was a regular person. But when I became an entertainer, I still remained a regular person. I’m always fighting for the underdog.”

Her sharp perspective on life means she doesn’t shy away from tough subjects. Politics, sex, relationships, religion, and ageism all find their way into her act and something Flint audiences can experience firsthand. With bravado, she states that her shows are “for everybody — gay, straight, Asian, Black, Latina, fat, skinny. I got something for everybody.”

That honesty extends to her personal reflections, including the challenges of being a Black woman in the comedy industry. “I’m a representative for women, for Black women, for older Black women, for older, chubby Black women. And there’s a whole nation of us out there,” she said. “Part of being a great comic is being honest and venting. I speak on all these things, and I don’t bite my tongue about it. It’s very difficult for a woman and a mother to be in this game.”

That inclusive honesty is also what keeps people coming back during dark times. She thought no one would come to comedy clubs after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and yet people found solace in her comedic “ministry,” likening it to “healing work.” 

Her career highlights reflect the weight of that ministry. In 2023, she released her Netflix special Town Business, produced by Dave Chappelle and directed by Stan Lathan, which she’s “extremely proud of.” In 2024, her long-held dream of performing on Broadway came true. She performed in the musical Chicago with the help of talk-show guru Tamron Hall. “It was a wonderful experience, and I’ll always be indebted to Tamron Hall for giving me that opportunity,” she said, reflecting on the moment with gratitude.

Still, no matter how big the stage, Luenell hasn’t forgotten what it takes to survive in the industry. And she doesn’t sugarcoat it for those hoping to follow in her footsteps. 

“If you need a pat on the back, if you need somebody to hold your hand in this business, you don’t need to be in this business,” she warned. “If you like sleep, if you want to spend every birthday or Valentine’s Day with your family, this isn’t the business for you. You can’t find a lot of men who stand beside women in this game that I’m in. They’re insecure. Fool around and become successful. These are the sacrifices you’re gonna have to make.”

Yet, before signing off, Luenell turned her attention to Flint directly. Her tone softened but carried the same conviction. 

“What has happened to y’all is egregious, and I’ve been mad for years about it. If the water had gone out downtown or up in the burbs, they would’ve fixed it much quicker. It’s like a Katrina situation. I’m not stupid just because I’m out here in Vegas. I have empathy for Flint,” she said. “I’m coming there because you deserve me. I’m coming there because you need me. I’m here to feel you. I’m riding with y’all.”

For Luenell, comedy is more than laughs — it’s truth, survival, and a mirror for the times we live in. And when she arrives in Flint, she’ll bring all of that with her: the honesty, the grit, and the unapologetic humor that have made her a legend.

To purchase tickets for her show, visit FIM’s website. To learn more about Luenell, visit her website.