Carmen Lagala, a comedian with nearly 15 years of experience, confronts challenging topics with humor in her performances. Despite today’s tense climate and heavy news, Lagala chooses to tackle dark subjects, believing in the importance of destigmatizing pain through laughter. She acknowledges the risk of losing an audience when jokes delve into sensitive areas, such as politics or personal struggles, but feels compelled to address them.
Lagala began her comedy journey in Burlington, Vermont, where she ran the city’s first comedy club, Levity. After moving to New York City, she gained traction, making her TV debut on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” Her comedic style often revolves around uncomfortable subjects, including her recent special, “Sweet Batch,” where she humorously navigates personal themes like sexuality and mental health.
In discussing her own experiences with anxiety and medication, Lagala emphasizes the power of sharing vulnerabilities. She finds that audience members often resonate with her honesty, creating a sense of connection in addressing mental struggles. Through her performances, she aims not to provide solutions but to foster dialogue, reassuring people that they are not alone in their experiences.
As Lagala prepares for her homecoming shows at the Vermont Comedy Club, she acknowledges her nerves, particularly about performing in front of familiar faces. Her comedic approach seeks to shine a light on uncomfortable truths, making them more approachable through laughter. Ultimately, Lagala advocates for embracing and discussing difficult subjects as a means of reducing their stigma and encouraging open conversation. Tickets for her shows can be purchased at vermontcomedyclub.com.
