Moms always seem to have the funniest stories, and as the Gen-X Mom, Kristen Toomey’s got plenty of them. Just for fun, we got together with Kristen before the holidays to find out what’s new in her life and what drives her to be so damn funny.
What is the funniest thing you’ve seen lately?
Probably something my mom said yesterday. I brought up the drones, and she said, “It’s the
aliens. They’re leaving.” Then she went back to whatever she was doing. It was the last thing I really laughed at.
What was it like growing up in the Chicago suburbs in the 90s?
We hung out in the 7-Eleven parking lot. Got into trouble a lot. Out with your friends, breaking rules and breaking laws and nobody paid much attention. It was good.
What do you think – big venues or intimate venues?
For comedy, I would say about 150-seaters is great. That’s really the sweet spot. I did The
Chicago Theatre and that was awesome. One hundred to 200 people is great.
What advice would you give to young comics looking for their big break?
Don’t worry about a big break, just worry about getting really good at this. If this is something you want to do, this is going to be the rest of your life. Focus on what you can control, and just do your best every time you get out there, and enjoy the process.
What are your thoughts on the state of the comedy industry as a whole?
I think it’s kind of tired to be talking about. “I can’t say this word or that word.” If you need any certain word to be funny, you’re not funny. There are new comics renting a U-Haul and doing a show out of it. You need the young guns and breathing life into the scene. I think it needs that kind of energy and revival.
Cubs or White Sox?
My dad is a Cubs fan, and I grew up going to Cubs games with him. I have an uncle who’s Sox, but we don’t talk about that…
Kristen will dish about stuff like this and more at Comedy Plex on New Year’s Eve, so be sure to get your tickets now and get ready to sing Auld Lang Syne with her and the Comedy Plex crew. Check out Kristen’s socials like Instagram and X for more humorous anecdotes.
Take 5: KRISTEN TOOMEY