Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show

Most Recognized as “Mama” (Thelma Harper-“Mama’s Family”) heads to North Tonawanda for an unforgettable show Emmy Award winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence is one of the most beloved television personalities of her generation. Plucked out of total obscurity as a high school senior, Vicki went on to become part of the now-legendary cast of the “Carol Burnett Show.” “I went to the Harvard School of Comedy in front of America,” says Ms. Lawrence of her Burnett Show training.

In the seventh season, and hundreds of hilarious sketches later, at the ripe, old age of 24, Vicki created her most endearing character to date, Thelma Harper, or “Mama” as she is better known to her fans.

“Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show” will appear at the Riviera Theatre (67 Webster St., North Tonawanda 14120) Thurs. Sept 14th, 2023 at 7pm. Tickets are $72, $54, $44 and can be purchased online: https://rivieratheatre.org or call the box office 716-692-2413. This show is presented by Latshaw Productions.

After the Burnett Show, Vicki went on to star in “Mama’s Family,” which consistently topped the ratings for its entire six-year run of original shows. “Mama” has attained almost a cult status among her legions of loyal television viewers, who still enjoy her in reruns twice daily throughout most of the country.

Ms. Lawrence will take the stage first. “My new show will not be a retrospective,” she explains. “We are designing a show that is a mixture of stand-up comedy, music and my observations about real life.” The multi-talented entertainer is mostly known for her acting and comedic talents, but she also earned a gold record for the 1973 hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”

“I think people will get a kick out of the things Mama has an opinion about. We’re creating new material with a more modern and cutting edge. Where Mama is concerned, expect the unexpected. There’s really nothing she can’t do,” she says. “I hope people will be pleasantly surprised by a side of Vicki they may never have seen…I know they will be looking forward to Mama, and for her part, that crazy old gal will be up to the challenge.”