Jeff Ross, the comedian known as the “Roastmaster General,” is bringing his one-man show “Take a Banana for the Ride” to Broadway following an eight-city summer tour at Hard Rock venues across the country.
The theatrical production, which marks Ross’s Broadway debut, will arrive in New York for a limited engagement after concluding its nationwide tour on July 27. While the specific Broadway theater and dates have yet to be announced, the move represents a significant shift for the comedian best known for his caustic celebrity roasts and comedy specials.
The summer tour will begin in Bristol, Virginia on June 27 and make stops in Cincinnati, Gary, Indiana, Rockford, Illinois, Atlantic City, Tampa, Orlando, and conclude in Hollywood, Florida on July 27.
In “Take a Banana for the Ride,” a title inspired by his grandfather’s travel advice, Ross offers audiences a rare glimpse into his personal life. The semi-autobiographical show chronicles some of the most poignant moments in the acclaimed comedian’s career and celebrates the lives of his grandfather, his best friends, and his dog.
“Ever since my Aunt Bess took me to see Jackie Mason on Broadway when I was young, I’ve daydreamed about performing my own classy and uncensored one-man show,” Ross said in a statement. “I’m honored and excited by the opportunity to share my origin story of how I became the Roastmaster General!”
The comedian promises an evening that balances his trademark humor with more personal storytelling. “This new show is designed to be a cathartic experience shared with others – I encourage you to bring friends that you care about, people that might be going through tough times. I will shake them out of it with an evening of uncensored jokes, uplifting stories, songs and even some live roasting of the bravest volunteers,” Ross added.
For those familiar with Ross only through his celebrity roasts, where he has taken aim at Justin Bieber, Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis, and former President Donald Trump, the show promises to reveal a different side of the comedian.
Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment and Brand at Hard Rock International, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying the show “exemplifies our commitment to bringing unforgettable experiences to our guests.”
This theatrical venture is backed by Broadway heavyweights Eric and Robert Nederlander Jr., alongside Marc Cornstein and Tony Eisenberg, with ShowTown Productions serving as executive producer. The tour is presented in association with Live Nation.
For New Yorkers eagerly awaiting Ross’s Broadway arrival, the summer tour offers a preview of what’s to come in their own backyard. Theater insiders note that Ross follows in the tradition of other comedians who have successfully transitioned to Broadway, including Billy Crystal, John Leguizamo, and Jackie Mason – the latter being Ross’s own inspiration for the venture.
Tickets for the summer tour are available through the official Jeff Ross website, with Broadway dates expected to be announced in the coming months.
