Out gay comedian and Pennsylvania native Corey O’Brien brings his comedy stylings to Helium Comedy Club on March 24 for a show that is part of “The Red Tour.” Appearing in red states, he plans to provoke and amuse audiences with his pointed humor that addresses politics as well as being gay.
O’Brien spoke with PGN about what folks can expect from his upcoming show.
How did you get into comedy, and why did you choose stand-up?
I have always just loved talking shit. I love having an audience. I’ve been a performer since I was kid. I started with musical theater, gymnastics and dance. During the pandemic, I wanted to find different ways to express myself, so, like everyone else, I downloaded TikTok, and I started showing different facets of my personality. I wanted to get on the stage and have a fun gay night. I have loved making people laugh since I was kid.
How would you describe your act and your sense of humor — which may not be the same thing.
Outlandish. Everything that I talk about on stage once brought me a lot of pain and sadness. I’ve taken all of that and turned it into my power, to find ways to make fun of not only myself, but what I’ve been through. I make fun of people in the crowd, but I bring these walls down because I start with making fun of myself. My sense of humor is just like my show. You never know what is going to happen.
What can folks expect from your show at Helium?
This is part of “The Red Tour,” where I am going to all red states. I want to bring people from opposite ends of the spectrum together for an hour and a half to create some laughs and joy, and create some uncomfortable discussions or awkward jokes. My dad is a Trumper, so I have spent the past 33 years having these conversations.
“The Red Tour” is meant to go to the heart of the red state — and Pennsylvania is a red state these days — but you’re performing in the very liberal, 80% democratic Philadelphia, not in Bucks County, which is 49%. Are you focusing on queer areas?
I’m from the Chester Springs, PA area and have family in Reading and Lancaster, so whether I’m going to a primarily blue area, I still have red connections. I want to make sure I am pandering to my community as well. I want queer individuals to know that they belong and feel welcome.
Do you get a lot of Trumpers at your shows?
Besides my dad? I feel my following is very much like-minded, like me. Comedy is comedy. If I can make the biggest Republican laugh, versus the biggest Democrat, then I’ve done my job. I’m there to entertain everyone. With “The Red Tour,” I want to talk about things that are politically charged.
You use words fiercely to disarm and provoke. What can you say about your style of humor?
I’m straight to the point. My style of humor is completely and unapologetically myself. It is very much storytelling. My shows start with me as a kid up until now and there are all these different facets that brought me here, whether it is addiction, or growing up in a small town in PA, or my sexuality. I am very pointed in what I say, and I make sure people get the point — whether they want to or not. The best type of comedy makes people uncomfortable, but it also makes them think.
What can you say about the delivery of your comedy?
I want it to feel like a one-on-one conversation with everyone in the audience. I move somewhat fast — people turn around and think, “What the hell did he just say?” Or it throws them off guard. I hit with a one-two punch. They are not expecting that.
Where do you come up with your material, and how long does it take you to develop your act?
Everything on stage is real. That is something I take pride in. I’m pulling from every part of my life. That’s how I develop my act. I can’t get up on stage and talk about something I have no relation to. Developing “The Red Tour” took time because I do my research so that what I am talking about still feels true to me and my community. It can also be a learning tool for people who can’t relate to me.
In “The Red Tour”, I talk about being a liberal and Democrat and my own thought process and beliefs and trying to find a common denominator between Republicans as well. I try to be patient and have understanding, but the understanding goes out the window when disrespect comes in.
I’ve had many straight people come to my show, and I talk about growing up gay, my first time dating or having sex as a gay man, and they think I am speaking in a different language. We’ve all had our first time. Just because I’m gay, it’s not any different. It’s just that [my partner] is of the same sex.
If I can ask about your personal life, you are partnered with R. K. Russell, a former pro football player. Can you talk about your relationship with him?
It has been such an incredible life lesson. What I dreamt of as a little gay boy in Pennsylvania is what I have now, and I never thought that it was possible. It has been amazing to watch him grow, and to be part of the journey of someone coming out, making history, changing minds — and the way the NFL treats LGBTQ+ individuals and athletes. I am proud of him and grateful to be next to him.
I understand you feature audience participation in your act. What should folks be prepared for?
That it’s going to be a night of fun. If you feel you are going into a comedy show afraid of being made fun of or getting called out, then it’s not for you. We are there to laugh and when we are about to laugh at ourselves, we all win. That is why I disarm everyone by making fun of myself so much throughout the show. I want people to let go. I don’t want there to be Republicans, Democrats, gays, straights — I want there to be gays, straights, you can do whatever [laughs] — I want you to come and have fun. I want to make you laugh.
You have worked on YouTube and TikTok and want to change minds and make people laugh. You want to get your message across in a way they hear it. Can you discuss that?
I can’t expect to change anyone’s mind that is not open. If you bought a ticket to my show that means you are willing to hear me out. I’m not expecting to change anyone’s mind. If I can’t change my dad’s mind, believe I can’t change Bob from Lancaster — but I’m going to try.
Corey O’Brien will perform on March 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Helium Comedy Club,2031 Sansom St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit philadelphia.heliumcomedy.com.