Whitney Cummings is the definition of a women who can do it all. She is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer and director! Best known for creating and starring in the NBC series “Whitney,” she also co-created and co-wrote (with Michael Patrick King) the Emmy-nominated CBS comedy series “2 Broke Girls.” In 2019, Whitney launched her podcast titled “Good For You” and interviews guests (friends, comics, celebs, experts, weirdos) every week.
“Touch Me” is a play on hit comedienne Whitney Cummings’ most recent Netflix special, “Can I Touch It” and will destigmatize and celebrate the importance of being together again after months of isolation. The Touch Me tour will be a big ole’ party and celebration of LIFE! The material is deeply personal, reflecting on the changes the pandemic brought to Cummings’ life and her observations of today’s society.
Whitney spoke to Hamptons.com about her “Touch Me” Tour coming to the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on Friday, July 1st at 8pm.
You are hailed as “the reigning Queen of American stand-up”, how did you get started in comedy?
Bad childhood? That’s the only way I know how to answer this question. I don’t think you choose being a stand-up, I think it makes your life a ridiculous nightmare until you chose it.
What were some of the hurdles you faced at an early stage in your career?
Oh boy. Purses. I carried a backpack for the first 5 years, and I just went back to it. It’s like any job really, if you’re a woman you may have to work twice as hard to get half as far but that’s just human nature, which oddly I don’t blame humans for. I just blame nature which is way easier.
Also just being OUT so much, waiting for spots. I learned to use my time wisely. If I have 10 or 20 minutes here or there, I’m always the weirdo who is stretching or doing lunges in the hallway or on the plane or in the airport. You have to just get very amenable on how to self-care in public places due to all the travel.
What can fans expect on the “Touch Me” tour?
Oh boy. COVID? Kidding. I’m boosted and vaxxed – but you can expect a comedian to do jokes and not lecture people on how to live or vote – and not shame them into thinking Hollywood people are better than them – we are silly clowns and I like to make and keep that super clear – we are the respite from the dark times – not the people who are supposed to make you feel like shit.
You are known to cover everything during your sets, but what are some of your favorite topics?
Ooh – thank you for thinking I’m known for that – right now, I’m obsessed with fear of technology and how much anxiety 20-year-olds have. And ballet! I’m super obsessed and posted off about ballet.
Do you have a pre-show ritual, if so, can you walk us through it?
I really wish I did. Everyone asks and I wish I could say I like, eat a snake then drink snail’s blood, but I usually just talk to the venue about lighting and music cues, close my eyes to lock in new jokes I want to try, and shoot shame-filled yet shameless IG stories to try and make the being backstage life look cool
What were some of your favorite Lockdown trends?
Ooh – baking bread? All my gluten free friends baking bread was hilarious.
My friends finally hanging out with their kids? They’re like “whoah 8 hours a day with my kid is a LOT.” I was like yeah, I could have told you your kid is a lot dude – maybe pay teachers more?
Any favorite Hamptons Hotspots?
I have reservations at Il Buco. I love Sunset Beach. The lobster rolls. Ruschmeyer’s. Sorry I’m not that cool!
For more info, visit https://whbpac.org
