“I have the worst taste in men,” says comedian Lisa Landry. “If you know a good man with a job and a sensitive vocabulary, I’ll ask if he’s got an unemployed brother with a substance abuse problem.”
The Louisiana native has culled material from her tumultuous relationships since her early stand-up days on the New York comedy circuit, and it’s been a successful formula. Landry was the first woman ever to place in the top three on Comedy Central’s annual “Stand-up Showdown.” She has starred in her own half-hour special, “Comedy Central Presents Lisa Landry,” and she’s made appearances on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” and “The Bonnie Hunt Show.” She’ll perform in Asheville as part of Funny Business at The Millroom on Friday, March 20.
Landry’s most recent recording, Use This Against Me, delivers frank insight into her acrimonious divorce. With her signature self-deprecating humor, the sweet girl-next-door used her wit to transform an agonizing situation into hilarious comedy. But long after the album release, her painful journey continued. She’s spent the past three years at the whim of what she describes as a maddening, outdated institution, commonly referred to as family court. “I thought women in Saudi Arabia would be driving before I got out,” Landry quips.
With her divorce behind her now, the comedian is ready to start anew. She recently relocated to Las Vegas, which she claims is quieter and more peaceful than her previous residence, Los Angeles. It’s also easier to get to the airport without all the traffic, a big consideration for a comedian on tour. “Everybody loves Vegas,” Landry says. “Except the tourists who lose all their money.” For now, she’s focused on the comedy circuit, being a single mom and working on her next album. She’s even reconsidered her wardrobe: because she’s been performing in a lot of cold-weather cities, she’s traded in her miniskirts for now.
Landry will be performing sassy new material for her Asheville debut, but if you catch her at a restaurant or bar after the show, don’t be surprised if she’s toned down from her bubbly, outspoken onstage persona. “Some comedians are always on. I’m not one of them,” Landry says. She’s more reserved offstage for good reason: “Nobody appreciates quiet like a mom.”
WHO: Lisa Landry
WHERE: The Millroom, ashevillemillroom.com
WHEN: Friday March 20, 7 and 9:30 p.m. $15 advance/$17.50 at the door
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.