Last night, I got to see Claudia Oshry at the Paramount Theatre as part of her Dirty Jeans Tour!
I started following Claudia on Instagram @girlwithnojob about two years ago. To be honest, I’m not auite sure how I stumbled upon her, but her account is hilarious — mostly memes and screenshots, but I’m all about supporting anything online that makes me laugh.
I started noticing her mention her show, “The Morning Toast”, which airs live Monday-Friday on YouTube, but is also available as a podcast. I’m much more of a podcast listener, so I added to it my running list of podcasts I wanted to check out.
Finally, at the beginning of this year, I started listening. It’s a show that covers news and pop culture, so I decided to jump right in and not start from the beginning. So far, that’s been working for me and I absolutely LOVE listening to the show every day.
Claudia hosts the show with her sister, Jackie, and their sister, Margo is also a part of the show. All three of the ladies are fun and hilarious, and the show is just funny with positive vibes. It’s a breath of fresh air!
So, when I saw her Dirty Jeans Tour was stopping in Austin, I bought a ticket as soon as they went on sale. I wasn’t entirely sure what the show would be like — sure, she’s funny on Instagram and on her podcast, but I wasn’t familiar with her standup. I know she’s a big fan of Joan Rivers, so I thought maybe she’d have some of Joan’s influence.
When I got to the Paramount, the audience was exactly what I expected: mostly millennial women, some of whom had brought their guys along. As soon as I sat down in my seat, the couple behind me was arguing about a non-existent situation: if the show was in Dallas, would he go? He swore he wouldn’t, and she said he would. Then, they proceeded to argue about what time to leave the event, because he didn’t want to stay.
Le sigh.
I had a similar couple next to me at the John Mayer concert in New York. They were constantly arguing so loud, it was difficult for me to concentrate on the show.
I am fully aware of two things: I go to most things alone, so I’m not distracted by the person/people I’m with, and I’m also making a conscious effort not to drink, so I don’t have the alcohol haze as a buffer.
Once the show started, the couple behind me talked the ENTIRE time, and I kept hearing people around me having to explain the pop culture references Claudia was referring to on stage.
I don’t understand why someone would see Claudia Oshry if they don’t keep up with pop culture/reality TV/Claudia’s Instagram. She’s not a political commentator, she speaks on pop culture and recaps reality TV (mostly on Bravo).
In fact, as soon as she came out on stage, she apologized to all of the straight guys in the audience because they probably wouldn’t know her references. Later in the show, she said she always wonders if she could live in the cities where she stops on tour.
She made a comment about how based on what she pays in rent in New York City, she would be living like a queen in Austin. And someone in the audience yelled out, “FUCK YOU!”
Like, really? I just don’t understand this.
I know I probably sound mean, or like a giant loser, and I get it. I remember my dad used to complain a lot about how annoyed he would get with other people when he saw a movie or went somewhere.
I don’t want to be that person that doesn’t do things just because I think I’ll get annoyed, but… let’s recall when I saw “Hamilton” in Austin a few months ago. The lady behind me was singing the entire time. How is that ok?
My friend said she just thinks people are self-absorbed and not paying attention to the people around them, nor the show/performance. I definitely think this is part of it.
There are times however, that I’ve been to shows and NOT been annoyed — anytime I’ve seen a show on Broadway and specifically, when I saw Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen in Austin.
So, I don’t know. Is it just me? Maybe I have bad luck or bad karma for all the times I used to drink and maybe I annoyed those around me. Maybe it’s just the certain shows I’m going to? Maybe it’s a sign of the times?
I know I sound like an old, grouchy lady and I apologize for that. But why spend money to see a show if you’re just going to sit and talk through it?
Anyway, I don’t want any of this to take away from Claudia’s show. She was really funny, and she sang a few songs, which was pure delight. I enjoyed all of the personal stories she told, and it just makes me that much more excited to listen to Monday’s episode of “The Morning Toast”!
One thing I really like about Claudia is that she’s funny, but she’s also very strong. She recently shared a story about being cancelled last year, which I knew nothing about (and I was surprised to hear about it). She was able to come back stronger than ever and stand up to someone who was trying to bring her down again and I really appreciate and respect that.
So glad I got to see her show!
To stay updated on The Bitter Lemon, be sure to subscribe to the blog (look to the right) and follow me on Instagram @Orangejulius7– where I share more of my daily life. Live in the Baton Rouge area? I’m teaching a Blogging Boot Camp this September. If you don’t live in Baton Rouge, you can always schedule a Creative Session with me!
The Bitter Lemon 