One big party, 'Bipolar Man' takes a rowdy, irreverent romp around mental health

Guy Richards Guy Richards is an impressionist, gymnast, boxer, diver, swimmer, skater, archer, stuntman and dancer.

He's also bipolar. And he's very, very funny.

Mr. Richards refers to touring his "Bipolar Man Comedy Show" from Palm Beach to New York as "taking my illness and bring it into a brighter light."

Still, he defers to the talent of his father, Sal Richards, an anchor in the industry. "I'm his sidekick, actually," he says. The father/son team appeared together on Broadway and toured in an original show, "Like Father Like Son."

In "Bipolar Man," however, Sal Richards opens for Guy. "This is the first time in our family history that my dad is in front of me," the younger Mr. Richards says. "He's earned his right to be the star."

"Bipolar Man" is comprised of an assortment of comedy, impressions, characterization, audience participation, jazz and dance. "I'm one big party," Mr. Richards says.

"My show is different every time. I mix it up for college towns, the Deep South, Las Vegas... I'm not too familiar with Naples, but I'll know (them) by the way the audience is dressed and how they sit. I expect to have fun."

Audiences can expect the same.

Mr. Richards received the bipolar diagnosis in 2000, after enduring a rough few years because of the disorder. "But now it's under control and I'm at an even keel. Instead of doing 40 things at once, I do 20. I can handle the 20.

"There's nothing 'wrong' with me," the comedian says, adding he hopes his comedy helps audiences understand that about anyone who has bipolar disorder.

Mr. Richards has appeared on TV, in films and on Broadway and theaters in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He's currently shooting the film "International Lovers" in South Beach and just completed an award-winning documentary, "Mr. Laughs: A Look Behind the Curtain." He's entering production of "Chicago Blues," a film starring William Forsythe, Daniel Baldwin, Michael Chinn and his dad, Sal Richards. Future plans include a reality show on TV.

Of manic episodes — the highs that accompany the lows of bipolar disorder — Mr. Richards says, "My desk is a wreck, like somebody dropped a bomb. But I know exactly where everything is." He's a master of ordered chaos. "Bipolar people are eccentric extroverts," he explains.

And like all great comedians, "We go out of bounds. Great laughter comes from great pain.

"Without laughter, there is no medicine."

.. If you go >>What: "Bipolar Man Comedy Show" >>Where: Big Cypress Market Place, 220 Basik Drive (on U.S. 41, four miles east of Collier Boulevard >>When: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 30 >>Tickets: $25, $35 for VIP seating >>Advisory: Must be 18 or older >>Info: 774-1690 or visit bigcypressmarketplace.com