Program of An Evening of Comedy with Jackie Moms Mabley and Her Ladies, 2003

Clarice Taylor (1917-2011) was an actress who appeared on televisions shows like The Cosby Show, Sesame Street, and on stage in The Wiz and Purlie. She won an Obie Award in 1987 playing “Moms” Mabley. Jackie “Moms” Mabley (1894-1975) was a stand-up comedian who began her career on the vaudeville stage. From 1919 until 1975, “Moms” cultivated a successful career performing on the Chitlin’ Circuit, at the Apollo, on The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. As a comedian, she touched on edgy topics and influenced many well-known comics who followed in her footsteps.