The Shoe Fits

There’s an old showbiz saying -- that it only takes ten or 20 years to become an overnight sensation. But that was before American Idol reduced stardom to winning a talent show. Meanwhile, there are plenty of performers who understand the concept of hard work. Take Craig Shoemaker. Name doesn't ring a bell? Well, if the 43-year-old comic isn't a household name yet, he's certainly been working on it. In fact, you may have seen him during the course of an evening's channel surfing. His recent appearances include a role on CBS's Family Law, a stint on HBO's Comic Relief, and frequent guest spots on Hollywood Squares and ABC's The View. When he's not on TV, Shoemaker’s doing radio and stand-up shows, appearing on the big screen in films like Scream 2 and Safe House, running his charity (Laughter Heals), and writing children's books. Oh, and did we mention that Shoemaker’s a past winner of the American Comedy Awards “Comedian of the Year”? Hmm… maybe hard work does pay. Just don’t tell Simon Cowell. Shoemaker performs Thursday through Sunday at the Improv Paradise Live (5700 Seminole Way, Hollywood). Tickets cost $18.02 to $21.20. Call 954-981-5653, or visit www.improvftl.com.
May 11-14