Crossword Clue:

Dave Chappelle and Dane Cook or a literal hint to the answers to the eight starred clues

AnswerCrossword Clue
STANDUPCOMICSDave Chappelle and Dane Cook ... or a literal hint to the answers to the eight starred clues
DEARJOHNLETTERSThings used for dumping ... or a literal hint to the answers to the starred clues?
DOWNSIZEDiminish the work force ... or a literal hint to the answers to the four starred clues
RANDDCorporate division, informally ... or a hint to the answers to the eight starred clues
SUNRISESUNSETClassic Broadway show tune, or a hint to the word ladder revealed by the answers to the eight starred clues
ANTEUPPoker request, and a literal hint to what's hidden in the answers to the starred clues
BEONTHEBALLDemonstrate effectiveness, and a literal hint to the puzzle theme found in the answers to starred clues
ADDSALTRecipe direction ... and a literal hint to what you can do to the starts of the answers to starred clues