Comedian Paul Mooney pulls no punches. The veteran comic is edgy, politically incorrect and blunt. And that’s the way he’s been since he started performing stand-up more than 40 years ago. The Los Angeles-based Mooney’s mark as a joke writer is all over comedy classics like Sanford and Son, In Living Colour and Chappelle’s Show. Those in the business are well aware of his talent, but most people have never heard of the guy. “I don’t care if everyone knows me or not,” he says. “No matter what, I do what I do. I speak the truth, and not everyone can handle the truth. That’s tough for people in this era, who are used to the PC. The spoken word is the most powerful thing in the world. Jesus proved that.” Mooney — who performs tonight at 8, tomorrow and Saturday at 8 and 10:15 p.m., and Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Improv (2000 Sycamore St., 216.696.4677) — is an unpredictable force when he hits the stage. His brutal honesty separates him from most of his peers. “You have to tell it like it is,” he says. “Or at least I do. I don’t mess around when I perform. I just go right at it when I get up there.” Tickets: $20. — Ed Condran
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