Out comic Jessica Kirson brings her New York style to L.A.

by Lesley Goldberg

After conquering her native New York, out comic Jessica Kirson brings her unique brand of self-deprecating sarcasm, wit and humor to navigate L.A.’s sun and surf — or surf and turf — on Jan. 24 to benefit the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center. With routines typically including bits about failed diets and often incorporating her love for singing, the “big, fierce and feisty” Kirson was named New York’s best female comic, receiving the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs 2006 MAC Award. Having appeared on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and Last Comic Standing, Kirson brings her latest show, “My Cookie’s Gone,” to L.A. audiences as she continues her quest to find the missing dessert.

You once said that you ate Jared from Subway. Was he more of a main meal or just an appetizer?

He was an appetizer ... he’s thin now. I ate his whole family.

Speaking of eating Jared, dieting is often a frequent topic of humor in your act. You mentioned that you followed the Atkin’s diet but went over the top and ate the whole farm—tractor included. Have you branched out from “eating farms”?

Well, the Atkin’s diet didn’t work. After the 100th farm, I cheated.

Tell the truth, when you sing “Happy Birthday,” you’re the one in the back who’s auditioning for American Idol, aren't you?

No, my mother actually is. She belts it out ... all of the dogs in the neighborhood come to the door.

You also often write letters to people who piss you off and mentioned once even writing to your ass. Have you written any letters to your body parts lately? Is your ass still stalking you?

My ass will always stalk me. I wrote a letter to my brain telling it to shut up.

How do you like Los Angeles compared to New York?

I like L.A. I like the weather. It’s just such a scene. Everyone in the business seems so desperate, and it’s hard to have a real conversation. New York is much more real; it’s also the best place to do comedy.

Why’s that?

It is the best place to do comedy because the audiences are so diverse and more upbeat. There is a certain energy here.

What kind of support have you experienced from comics within the gay community?

Gay comics are extremely supportive. We refer each other all the time. We have a blast hanging out.

How much of your fan base comes from within the gay community?

A lot of my fan base comes from the gay community—they are so loyal. No one supports me like the gay community.

Your performance Jan. 24 is being filmed for Logo—how will your act be different for gay audiences?

I add more gay jokes; I can be more free.

Seriously, is the cookie from your CD title My Cookie’s Gone a sexual metaphor?

Yes it is. It is a statement that says, “I am a whore.”

The Details

Jan. 24
Renberg Theatre
1125 N. McCadden Pl., Hollywood. Tickets: $25
lagaycenter.org/boxoffice