By Tasha Harris
Who says women aren’t funny? The New York Improv hosted the second preliminary round of the Ladies of Laughter Competition where over 20 comediennes produced roof-raising cheers from the audience. Kim Cea, the 2002 New Winner, emceed the contest that showcased funny women from the New York area who competed in the amateur and professional categories. Outstanding performances included seasoned pros Jane Condon, Carmen Lynch, Karith Foster and Lisa Kaplan.
Condon was the unanimous crowd favorite. The Connecticut native generated the most belly laughs with bits about her two boys and rapper 50 Cent. “I love 50 cent. He has that song ‘I don’t know what you heard about me, but you can’t get a dollar out of me.’ That’s exactly what I tell my boys!” Condon discussed laser surgery. “I saw my doctor and he told me about a vaginal laser surgery. And I asked him — what does that have to do with my eye?”
Lynch was exceptionally laugh-out-loud funny. She talked about her imposing height and dating shorter men. Foster’s performance was equally refreshing as she went against type with a routine about people who question her blackness. “I’m like a Huxtable; I know who my father is.” Laureen Farnsworth and Leanna Conley also delivered solid performances.
However, the ladies competing in the newcomer category struggled to keep the audience’s attention due to long-winded setups without punch lines, but Pro comic Sheila Ratner came to the rescue, producing huge laughs.
The winners in the Pro category were: 1st Place – Jane Condon, 2nd Place – Lisa Kaplan, 3rd place – Sheila Ratner. The winners in the New category were: 1st place Laura Manino, 2nd Place – Catie Lazarus, 3rd Place – Katrina Rossotti.
The winners will advance to the semi-final round August 5 at The New York Improv. The finals will be held at The New York Improv August 14. As the finals draw near, the funniest comediennes competing in Ladies of Laughter are removing any doubt that women are funny.
This review was originally posted on TwoDrinkMin.com, August 2004.