For nearly two decades, Anthony “Scruncho” McKinley has entertained comedy show lovers both on and off the stage. He has made several television appearances in shows and films like, “Watermelon Heist,” “For the Love of Money,” “Rude Boy” and “How High.” McKinley has also toured with big names in the industry like Dr. Dre and Eddie Griffin.
This year, fans will see a more serious side of the “King of the Underground” during his powerful stage play and one man show, produced by actress Sherri Shepherd “All I Needed Was a Hug.”
The show takes audience members on McKinley’s journey from hustler to comedian. Expected attendees will hear stories about his childhood, living with an alcoholic parent, getting in trouble with the law, his struggles with gangs and drugs to becoming a comedic veteran.
“My one man show was inspired by my life,” said McKinley. “When I was going through such a depression after my baby sister passed, I just felt like I needed to be therapeutic. I decided to take my energy and my passion and to put it with my gift. When you start digging into who you really are, you find out who you really is.”
McKinley goes on to say the show is more than just funny. It is also truthful, gritty and passionate.
“Because it is so real and so truthful, you get to tap into all your emotions. My job as an artist is to not only make you see what I see but make you feel what I felt at that time,” said McKinley. “When I need you to laugh, I need you to laugh. When I need you to cry, I need you to cry.”
In preparation of the show, McKinley worked with Shepherd whom he has known for several years. She refers to “All I Needed Was a Hug” on Twitter as, “an amazing one man show, a journey from prison to stand up.”
“You usually don’t meet genuinely nice people. She is a nice lady, she is generous, kind, funny and smart. She has found a way to maintain her humbleness,” said McKinley.
Aside from the debut of his one man show, McKinley is also working on a few upcoming projects with big names like Omar Gooding, T.I., Floyd Mayweather, Snoop Dogg and many others. His future plans include participating in action movies, directing and continuing to write scripts.
“I’m just grinding. I have a lot of new projects I’m about to start working on,” said McKinley.
To stay up to date with McKinley and his latest projects follow him on Instagram @therealscruncho and on Facebook @Anthony Scruncho McKinley. Fans can also visit his official website at http://www.scruncho.com/
Currently the show is taking place every Wednesday at 8pm at the Two Roads Theatre located at 4348 Tujunga Ave. Studio City, CA. Tickets for the show can be purchased at www.plays411.com/allineeded