Christy Eidson

Christy Eidson’s "Laugh or Die"
Submitted by Jessica Carter on Wed, 2011-09-21 www.NashComedy.com
Last weekend, I went to Murfreesboro to catch Christy Eidson’s one woman show Laugh or Die at Out Front On Main.
Prior to watching the show, I knew just a little about the subject matter she was going to cover in Laugh or Die. Christy had joined me on my radio show a few weeks earlier to talk about it, and her performance at Out Front On Main.
Just as the show‘s title implies, Laugh or Die is about death – particularly family deaths Christy experienced while growing up in Millersville, TN. However, the ‘laugh’ part is crucial in the title, as Christy also covers her dreams as a young woman of working in comedy. Of course, those dreams and aspirations were constantly shrouded in family death and family passive aggression surrounding her as a child. Her perspectives on life were permanently changed at a young age, and that can only lead to the results of becoming a very funny adult later in life.
Sounds like an emotionally heavy show, right? Yes. But, the laughter is always present to balance it out. Christy Eidson has been a working comic for several years now. She’s performed at comedy clubs all over the country and has television credits as well. In Laugh or Die, she uses her sharp wit to craft a potentially overwhelmingly sad story into a joke. Christy’s stories, jokes and observations are not only comical, but also force a quiet reflection on our own experiences with death. She also takes time to paint a comical and sometimes scary mental picture of her great-grandparents who raised her.
Her observations about family behavior during and after a death are dead on in the show. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) Her cast of family characters include: the vultures who come out claiming heirlooms, the nosey gossips, and the uncle who insists on taking a picture of the whole family at the funeral. I personally could really relate to that uncle, because everyone has an uncle who inevitably shouts at a funeral, “I just want one G.D. nice picture of the family! When are we ever going to look this nice and be all together again?”
At the next funeral no doubt – and all the characters will be there.
Christy is planning to develop the show even more, and these first few performances at Out Front On Main were definitely a productive workshop for her. I am looking forward to see the show grow, as I noticed several moments in the production that would benefit from even more elaboration.
Be on the lookout for another run of Laugh or Die in the near future, and check it out if you have a chance. There will be laugher, reflection, and more laugher for sure. To quote my friend Richard Browder, who came to watch the show, “I felt like she took me to therapy, but I laughed.”
- NashComedy.com

Clarksville, TN – Bonehead Promotions just plain outdid itself Saturday night with Magic at the Museum. Bringing together four total professionals to give stellar performances in a magical combination is no small effort. Hank Bonecutter did just that; every magician dazzled the audience with unique and fascinating illusions that were unforgettable. The comedienne kept everyone laughing and eager to hear what her next hilarious adventure would be.

Art Conn then introduced Christy Eidson, a Nashville native and comedienne extraordinaire. Christy has appeared on “Last Comic Standing,” “Nashville Star,” Los Angeles’ Comedy Store and Laugh Factory, Zanies (Nashville, of course), and numerous other well-known comedy spots. She was showcased in the 2007 Las Vegas Comedy Festival and was a Finalist in 2008 California’s Funniest Female Contest. She studied broadcasting in college and had a double minor in theater and English.

She kept the audience in stitches for the next hour with one after another hilarious anecdote. If you had been there, you would have been laughing too! Don’t miss another opportunity to hear her; many audience members vowed that they hadn’t laughed so long or so hard in years. (Hank Bonecutter says he’s going to bring her back so be on the lookout!)
- Clarksville Online

The past few weeks have seen a number of comedy acts and shorter productions at Out Front on Main. I had the opportunity to attend the appropriately titled Laugh or Die!, a one-woman show penned and performed by Christy Eidson. This intensely personal performance chronicles the playwright’s horrifically amusing adolescence. Laugh or Die! was an extended buffet of lightly sweetened schadenfreude.

Eidson’s stories, some of which are so fantastical that one would doubt their veracity were it not for her fearless recitation, deal with every aspect of coming of age in the waning years of the 20th century. From death and abandonment to the awkwardness of family connections to the fears of forging ahead on one’s own, Laugh or Die! reminds its audience that life is never without tribulation, but also that humor can be a balm for the soul.

Eidson is obviously a very adroit performer; her spontaneity and wit allowed an hour and a half to pass in what felt like the blink of an eye. She skillfully incorporated banter with the audience into her previously crafted routine. There were a few moments of repetition when the performance gave the impression of being under-rehearsed, but these were easily forgiven as Eidson’s winsome presence continued to hold the stage. I highly recommend that you seek out future performances of Laugh or Die! I assure you that you won’t be sorry.
- The Murfreesboro Pulse

Have a laugh
'Girl on Girl Comedy,' Nashville's newest comedy group, offers a platform for female and GLBT performers
by Blake Boldt
Christy Eidson, the producer of “Girl on Girl Comedy,” has been in show business for over ten years. She's founded a number of sketch comedy groups in Nashville, studied with the Groundlings in Los Angeles, and currently travels the country performing standup routines. Her success has enabled her to share the stage with such comics as Chris Rock, Nick Swardson, Ty Barnett and Mo Collins.
Notice the famous names listed in that illustrious roster, all male. Females are a rare breed in the world of comedy, and Eidson has set about doing her small part to correct that imbalance. "Girl on Girl Comedy," a comedy group for female and GLBT performers, has flourished since its humble beginnings last fall.
Eidson, weary from seeing recycled routines on the comedy circuit, felt it was her duty to support local female talent.
"I started the show because I was tired of seeing comedy shows that were primarily male driven with guys just doing jokes about masturbating and playing video games," Eidson says. "It seemed like the same old-same old with all the comics just blending into each other. I was also tired of how underrated female comics are. I set out to prove that females can go toe-to-toe with the boys and to prove that females are good comedians not just 'comediennes.' The only males that are allowed to perform must be gay."
“Girl on Girl Comedy” has introduced an element of community service to their series by producing benefit shows as well. In May, they hosted “Girl on Girl Comedy presents: Doggie Style!” The event benefited Nashville Pittie, an organization that provides free spay/neutering in Nashville. All performers in the show were pit bull owners.
The response to this endeavor has been rewarding for Eidson, who believes her performers are speaking to a niche market that isn't always addressed in the world of comedy.
"I've been so surprised with how well the show has taken off," Eidson says. "I think it's servicing an audience that has until now been untapped. It's a great forum for the gay community as well as a fabulous girls' night out."
Free from the constraints of big business, Eidson is allowed to push the envelope with the show's material.
"This show is able to get away with more than we would at a typical comedy club," she says. "It's a bit more raunchy than other standup shows and a lot more fun, so we are giving all our shows an R rating. I like to think of it as the 'Ab Fab' of standup comedy."
For more information on "Girl on Girl Comedy," visit their new website at www.GirlonGirlComedy.net, featuring shows, photos, promo reel, and more.
- Out and About Nashville

Christy Eidson to perform at Comedy on the Cumberland
By Hank Bonecutter | October 25, 2011 |
Clarksville, TN – One of Nashville’s hardest working comics is set to perform at Comedy on the Cumberland , December 6th at the Roxy Regional Theater. Christy Eidson presents a southern fried sense of humor with a pinch of sass and a hilarious dose of attitude.
Creating colorfully visual stories from her distinct southern point-of-view, she’s a strong female comedian who doesn’t like to be labeled as just a “Female comic.” Christy recently performed at Magic at the Museum , introducing Clarksville fans to her “in your face” style of comedy.

Christy Eidson performing at Magic at the Museum


Christy is currently performing in and producing the very successful comedy series, “Girl on Girl Comedy”, which she plans to take on a regional tour and has filmed for Sundance Channel. She has performed in such places as the Improv, the Comedy Store, and Zanies in Nashville. She showcased at the 2007 Las Vegas Comedy Festival, and was a finalist for the 2008 California’s Funniest Female Contest.
“Christy is funny, and a joy to work with”, said Hank Bonecutter, President of Bonehead Promotions and Wjzm radio. “I’ve worked with her before and she’s a tough act to follow.”

Keith Alberstadt
Joining Eidson December 6th will be two of Comedy on the Cumberland’s favorite comedians, Brian Kiley, and headliner Keith Alberstadt. Both performed at this event last year to overwhelming response.
Comedy on the Cumberland is a clean stand up comedy, charity fundraiser, supporting various charities in the Clarksville area. Presented by F&M bank and sponsored by Wendys and Wyatt Johnson, this event will benefit the Downtown Kiwanis club and their children’s Christmas party and gift giveaway. Last years headliner was Henry Cho.
The Roxy Regional Theater is once again the venue for Comedy on the Cumberland. Media sponsors include Clarksville Online , Discover Clarksville , Wjzm radio and CDE lightband. Comedy on the Cumberland is another event presented by Bonehead Promotions. Tickets go on sale in November.
For more information visit, www.comedyonthecumberland.com , www.boneheadpromotions.com , www.wjzm.com , or www.clarksvilleonline.com.
Mark your calendars for December 6th, at 7:00pm, for Clarksville’s favorite night of comedy.
Comedy on the Cumberland. Using laughter to change our community

- Clarksville Online

"you made my day. now, don't drink and drive." - Dave Attell

“Holy shit that was funny. We laughed hard, often, and both agreed that you were among the best performers of the night! Congratulations. Thanks for the invite, and we'll be sure to support you again but only because your shtick is for real!” – Christian R.

“You have a new fan right here.” – Sam N.
"...thanks for inviting me the other night! You were definitely the star of the show... its nice to see you doing your thing and doing it confidently... and funnily!" - David P.
"Just wanted to let you know I thought your set the other night was INCREDIBLE… And you're ALWAYS great, but man you were hot as rabbit in August! Way to let loose and be in the moment… You lit up the room, doll. Keep it up! :)" – Chuck P.
- www.myspace.com/christyeidson

December 18th, 2007 Written by: Matt Hanson •
http://www.la.cityzine.com/front-page/interviews-front-page/qa-with-a-comedian/#more-1339

You may or may not be wondering just what goes on inside the head of a comedian. In my personal experience it can be both a dark and scary place; or a colorful and hilarious new page on which to draw from. As luck would have it, today we found a happy place.

I’m sitting here with up and coming comic, Christy Eidson, from Millersville, Tennessee, who also happens to be a personal friend. Christy is 35 but if anyone asks she’s 27, pasty white don’t crack. She’s been doing Comedy for several years now and was influenced by Eddie Murphy, Andy Kaufman, Bill Cosby, and SNL. Plenty more but I won’t list them all.

So let’s get down to it…

How does being a female affect your comedy?

I don’t think of myself as female comic. I don’t know why we separate male and female comedians. Can’t we all just be equal? My material isn’t female oriented. The main selling point of comedy is connecting with the audience. I’ve done well with all types of crowds.

Your accent clearly gives you away as being from the South. How does that play into your act?

People from the south are different; we say what we mean. We live in a society where everyone is trying to be Politically correct. I’m proud of where I’m from. I won’t try to offend anyone on purpose, but when I’ve got something to say, it’s going to get said.

You and I share a favorite club, care to comment?

Yes, the Improv. There are a couple of reasons for me. It has the best atmosphere, best name, best reputation, and it seems like the audience is always rooting for you. I also like when the Celebrity comics come in unannounced. Just tonight, Joe Rogan and Nick Swardson stopped in and had the crowd rolling with some great stuff.

Just for you, what are some pros and cons of being a comic?

Well, I love the instant gratification. Making an audience of unknown people laugh is indescribable. It’s like a really good drug that you can take over and over again, without any bad side effects. On the other hand it’s a tough road. I think of comedy as a really long college program. You think that you’ll never graduate and most of the tests just don’t make sense. You just have to keep plugging away.

Not the club, but improv itself is really in right now. What’s your take on it?

I wouldn’t say I’m particularly good at it. But it’s definitely a valuable tool to have. One of my best shows ever, I only did about three minutes of prepared material. Some girl’s cell phone rang, and I totally called her out on it. The audience loved it. Then some guy in the back of the room dropped his drink, and I called him out, too. The rest of my set was just me improv-ing off those things, and the crowd loved it.

What’s the worst show you ever had?

I walked out on stage one night to do a sketch show, and there was only one man sitting in the audience. I tried not to let it get to me and treat him like a bigger audience, but that was pretty rough.

Ok final thoughts. What does the future of stand up hold for you, and in general.

Hmmm, (pondering). For me personally, I just want to start getting paid more. With the Internet and Myspace, self promotion is becoming a lot easier. It’s good because people all over the world can get exposed to it. However, there are a lot of people who think that they’re funny and are making it difficult for the rest of us. I think society as a whole is trying to be way to PC. In the end that will come back to bite us, if it hasn’t already. Stop worrying about hurting every little group or organization’s feelings. You can’t keep track of them all, so stop trying. I also believe that since parents have stopped disciplining their kids, trouble has tripled. These kids today are just out of control. When you were whupping your kid, ADD didn’t exist. Now don’t hear me wrong. I’m not saying it’s ok to beat your children. But if the little suckers are acting stupid, don’t be afraid to Karate chop’em in the throat. Trust me; they’ll stop misbehaving so much.

There you have it folks, Christy Eidson says it’s ok to spank your kids.

Damn right.

If you would like to hear more from Christy or just want to drop her a line, you can reach her out at christyeidson.com or check her out on MySpace.

Just for the record, this interview took place right before Christy went on stage. Also for the record, she killed em.
- LA Cityzine.com

The New Joke Depot Show
Saturday at 8:00pm 1/5/08
@
Cafe Europe


SHE WAS AMAZING LAST NIGHT!

Amazingly Hill-Larry-Ous! CHRISTY EIDSON did her fabulous Oh! One Woman Show with knock out drop dead funny last night and knocked ‘em dead with da funny.
And yep, she gots da funny last nite @ THE NEW JOKE DEPOT SHOW.

ALSO ALSO ALSO if that wasn’t enough to take our breath away with laughter, her warm up folks were just funny and entertaining before her show.

STARTING AT 8PM IT WAS:

LORI WEISS, CANDICE THOMPSON, TESS BARKER, JOSH DI DONATO,

DAVID CORRADO, MELANIE RENO, TRISH OSTROSKI, ROZ BROWNE, HUGH MOORE

NO COVER THAT'S RIGHT ALL THAT TALENT AND NO COVER

THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED AND THIS IS MY FIRST REVIEW OF THE SHOW...

REVIEWED BY PAUL CANDICE
7701 SANTA MONICA BLVD
W.HOLLYWOOD
- Paul Candice