The Come Out Laughing tour was started by Jason Dudey in 2008 after he decided to launch a gay, gay-friendly, who-cares-whoyou-are-or-who’s-in-your-bed comedy show in Southern California. Because the regular monthly show in Long Beach at the world famous Laugh Factory has gained so much
success and national acclaim, three of the regular headlining comedians– Jason Dudey, Dana Goldberg, and Ian Harvie–decided to join forces to launch a national tour that will bring the country a show that they have
never seen before.
Jason, Dana and Ian represent some of the best LGBT comedians on the circuit today. They have headlined clubs, theaters, festivals, universities and colleges all over the country and abroad. They have been seen on LOGO, Comics Unleashed, and Wisecrack. Each comic brings his or her own style to the stage, but the cohesion and brilliance of the show plays off of each
comedian’s strength and delivers an edutaining slant on the LGBT community that will open your minds and your hearts and leave your sides hurting from laughter.
Audience members gay and straight alike are raving about Come Out Laughing.
If you love a sassy, sophisticated, quickwitted woman with something to say, then you may just fall in love with comedian Dana Goldberg. Dana built her career in comedy in her hometown of Albuquerque, NM and currently lives in Los Angeles where she’s heading into her 11th year as a stand-up comedian. Recently voted one of the Top Five Funniest Lesbians in America by Curve Magazine readers, she’s also competed in The Advocate’s STAND OUT national comedy competition and was one of the winners among 80 participating from around the country. And like most lesbians, she has a degree in Physical Education. I bet you’re wishing she was your gym teacher now, right?
I had the pleasure of watching Dana perform live for the first time in Pittsburgh in November for her Crossing The Line tour. As a relatively new comedian myself, I’m always intrigued to learn about other comedians and the paths that have lead them to their dream. So when I saw Dana was giving a meet-and-greet after her show I immediately grabbed my friend’s
VIP badge and jumped in line. I thought, “Oh, I’m going to talk to this funny broad.” And that I did. After jumping into her arms while posing for a photo, I found her to be hilarious, accommodating and extremely down to earth. She agreed to an interview with Equal Magazine, and whether you’re a fan, an aspiring comedian, or sitting in your pajamas, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Do you feel it’s difficult being a female comedian? What are the challenges of being a woman in comedy?
DG: I definitely think there are still some challenges for women in comedy. The stigma is that men are just funnier… which isn’t true. There are some great male comedians, but there are also some REALLY bad ones. The same goes for female comics. I don’t think it’s difficult being a comedian at all; male or female. What is difficult is getting headlining gigs at comedy clubs and places like that. More than not, the headliners are male comedians and they might have a female feature. There’s a few female headlining comics around the country that are working consistently, but in comparison, it’s a small number. That’s usually why I try and create my own work outside of the clubs. There are a lot of good producers and bookers out there who want to bring strong female comedians to different cities. You just have to find them. I was lucky enough to hook up with Nat Bookings and Productions who will be producing the Come Out Laughing Show that will hit Pittsburgh on Jan 24th. She’s been amazing.
Who was your comedic inspiration?
DG: Growing up I used to listen to tapes– yes I said tapes–of Robin Williams, Steven Wright, and a few other guys. I thought I just liked listening to comedy, but I think I was studying on some level. I loved watching old “Saturday Night Live” shows with Gilda Radner. She was so brilliant. Now I’m inspired by my colleagues. I love watching Erin Foley perform; she’s so good at her craft. There are so many talented men and women in my field and I’m honored to share the stage with them.
Do you have any superstitions…in general or before a show?
DG: I’m not a very religious person, more spiritual, but before each flight I “pray” to whatever higher power there is to get us safely on the ground at our destination city. I also have a Jameson on the rocks with two limes either during or right after my show depending on the venue. I’m not sure
how that started, but it’s been really fun to continue that little tradition. I don’t think I’ll have a bad show if I don’t do it or anything like that. In fact, my liver would probably appreciate if I forgot a time or two. (I’m sure
my mom loved reading that. ;))
What do you think of right before you walk on stage?
DG: I usually give myself a little pep talk back stage, look at myself in the mirror and say, “They are already here to see YOU so go out there and do what you do best! (outside of a bedroom). Just go out there and have fun!” Someone usually walks back stage right when that’s happening.
Did you get to spend any time in Pittsburgh last month when you were in for your show? Did anything stand out? …Or freak you out?
DG: I didn’t get to spend a lot of time in Pittsburgh when I was here last time. It was a quick trip. But I had SO much fun at that show! Cruze Bar is a fantastic performance space. I’m glad Rick Santorum was out of the state and last time I was here, your giant rubber ducky had just left the state as
well. I’m not going to lie; I would have liked to have seen that thing floating down the river. I would just be messing with people that were high. “Giant yellow rubber duck?? I definitely don’t see it; you need to lay off the weed.”
Is there any random info you’d like to share?
DG: This coming year is actually going to be fantastic! I just launched my new website and have to thank fellow comedian, Ian Harvie for that. I also released my new CD “Crossing The Line.” Those are available for download on my website and will be in hard copy soon. I’ll have some at the show
in Pittsburgh. I think one of the things I’m most proud of though is my charity work to help raise money for foundations across the country. Over the last four years I’ve helped to raise over a million dollars for the Human
Rights Campaign.
And ladies, don’t forget, she likes Jameson on the rocks. Two limes.
