Kevin Smith to perform at Carnegie Hall

LOS ANGELES, April 16 (UPI) -- U.S. filmmaker and storyteller Kevin Smith has been booked for a live performance at New York's Carnegie Hall, the show's producers said.

Smith, best known for writing and directing such feature films as "Clerks," "Dogma" and most recently "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," regularly performs live at major venues across the United States and in Canada, but is appearing for the first time on the venerated New York City stage June 17.

"This country must truly be in a desperate financial crisis," Smith said in a statement. "How else to explain Carnegie Hall allowing someone with so little talent onto their hallowed stage."

David J. Foster and Jared Geller are producing the 3-hour show, entitled "Silent Bob Speaks: An Evening with Kevin Smith."

During his appearance, Smith will engage in an unreserved audience Q&A, a feature of his appearances which has gained cult status among his fans, a news release said.

Tickets are to go on sale April 20.