It seems an inevitable career segue for successful comics to focus on the film and television opportunities that come with their standup popularity. For example, my production company is working on a movie project I'm really excited about: Gilbert Gottfried as Thomas More to Colin Firth's Henry VIII in a "Man for All Seasons" remake.

Comedian Mike Epps is also taking a calculated path to Hollywood stardom. One of the most popular punch-liners on the standup circuit, Epps has in recent years racked up a lot of cinema and TV credits. He's portrayed the title character on the "Uncle Buck" series and plays Julius on the Starz drama "Survivor's Remorse." Epps won the coveted role of Richard Pryor in an upcoming bio of that comedian, and he has parts in several films that will hit the big screen in 2017. Hell, Epps has even dabbled in rap!

It's cool, though, that Epps always enjoys a return to standup, and he brings an updated show New Year's Eve to the Grand Theater in Foxwoods. Expect new material and a coterie of hilarious pals.

Mike Epps, 9 p.m. Saturday, Grand Theater, Foxwoods, $45, $65; 1-800-200-2882.