Versatile comedian Wayne Brady, whose improvisational skills, musical talents and hilarious characters have made him a standout star on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," hosts and stars in a new comedy/variety series, "The Wayne Brady Show," which premieres as a one-hour special on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET; its normal time slot thereafter will be Wednesdays from 8:30-9:00 p.m., ET), on WCHS-TV8.

The creative team of Bernie Brillstein ("The Blue Brothers," "Prime Time Glick with Martin Short"), Don Mischer ("Barbra Streisand: Timeless," "The Kennedy Center Honors") and Wayne Brady present this new show in the style of popular star driven entertainment series like "The Carol Burnett Show" and "The Flip Wilson Show " -- with a twist. Wayne and his gifted comedy ensemble troupe not only act and sing in the show's comedy skits and musical numbers, but also add improv, with audience participation and suggestions playing a major role.

The talented cast includes Brooke Dillman, Jonathan Mangum, J.P. Manoux and Missi Pyle. A 16-piece orchestra -- led by Peter Michael Escovedo -- and dancers add to the variety show style. Each week special guests, featuring stars from all facets of the entertainment industry, break the mold and join in on the fun by also performing improvisational routines with Wayne and the cast.

Whether spoofing the current boy band craze or performing dead-on impersonations of such talents as James Brown or Stevie Wonder, Wayne's inimitable style of comedy breathes new life into the variety format and launches it into the 21st century.

From Brad Grey Television and Don Mischer Productions in association with Touchstone Television Productions, LLC. Bernie Brillstein, Wayne Brady and Don Mischer are executive producers.

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