Jeff Allen grew up an atheist on Chicago’s South Side and often took the Lord’s name in vain during the years he spent working nightclubs as a comedian. At 40, he became a born-again Christian, a switch that could have killed his career. “It’s not an embraced lifestyle in Hollywood,” Allen, now 55, said by phone last week from his home in Nashville.
Allen chose to begin marketing himself as a Christian comedian. He’s since appeared at an inaugural gala for President George W. Bush and at the National Prayer Breakfast — twice! A majority of his gigs are in front of congregations. He is scheduled to appear at 7 p.m. Monday at Crossroads Church, 3815 Dutch Mill Road, in Madison. Tickets are $15 and available at the door.