BY CANDY PARKER
Lesbian.com
The first time I saw Poppy Champlin perform was about six years ago during a Queer Queens of Qomedy swing through the Washington, D.C., area. At this point, I couldn’t tell you one single joke from her set, but what I continue to vividly recall is that I left that show with the muscles in my face aching from smiling and laughing so much. Seriously. I’m not even kidding.
I also remember the ease with which Poppy took the stage for second, spontaneous mini-set, a move necessitated by one of the other “Queens'” flights being delayed. Champlin came back out to stall for time and kept the crowd cackling until fellow comic Jessica Kirson’s New York-based flight arrived. To this day, I can remember how impressed I was with Champlin’s composure — and her ability to essentially do a second show on demand without missing a beat.
Knowing what I do now — that Champlin is a veteran bi-coastal comic who trained at the renowned Chicago Second City Improv school, who’s appeared on Logo and Showtime and who has taken the stage countless times in Provincetown and on both the boys and girls cruise circuits — I suppose I shouldn’t have been so surprised by her “calm under fire” professionalism that evening at the Birchmere way back when.
Champlin continues to perform across the country and around the world, entertaining crowds and earning accolades for her no-two-are-alike comedy sets and her Queer Queens of Qomedy remain a hot ticket wherever they roam. With comics like Vickie Shaw, Carol Leifer, Julie Goldman, Michele Balan, Jessica Kirson, Karen Ripley, Mimi Gonzalez , Jennie McNulty, Fortune Feimster, Karen Williams, Dana Goldberg, Bridget McManus, Sandra Valls, Erin Foley, Dana Eagle, Roxanna Ward, Marga Gomez, Lisa Koch, Barb Neligan and Gina Yashere all having worn the Queen crown, Champlin’s Queer Queens of Qomedy is a lesbian laugh fest more than worth the ticket price.
Champlin is headed for P-town for the Memorial Day weekend, but we were able to grab her for a quick Fast 5 first.
1. If you could be anywhere else in the world right now, where would you want to be and what would you be doing there?
I would be in the Caribbean picking up shells on the beach, listening to the surf, going for a snorkel, burning my skin and soothing it with aloe later that night with a virgin pina colada.
2. What’s the last book you read?
The last book was “12 Years a Slave” and having just broken up with my girlfriend I can totally relate. I want to write my new book “3 Years a Hostage.”
3. Phone call or text?
Text, or email really. I’m good at the email.
4. What song can you not get enough of right now?
“Happy” by Pharrell, ’cause that makes me happy to say I’m happy and sing I’m happy. Pretty soon I am really happy.
5. Finish this sentence: “I think the key to being happy is…”
Loving yourself just the way you are.
Champlin will be performing at the Post Office Cabaret in Provincetown, Massachusetts, May 23-26. Be sure to visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
