Round 2
Over There – Comedy is His Best Weapon
AFO FEST
OVER THERE - COMEDY IS HIS BEST WEAPON
Written and Performed by PJ Walsh
Directed by Dion Flynn
October 2011
OVER THERE - COMEDY IS HIS BEST WEAPON illustrates the hardships and hilarity of comedian PJ Walsh’s journey – from a screw-up kid convinced there’s no chance of war who enlists in 1990, all the way to the White House. It’s his career in stand-up, though, that causes him to face his mortality in the belly of a C-130 flying over Afghanistan. This poignant narrative intertwines the solemnity of war with Walsh’s keen eye to see comedy in the ebb and flow of every day events, while tackling larger issues such as war and growing up.
Using his talent for comedy, PJ Walsh takes audiences on a journey from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, back to small town New York State, to the White House, and Afghanistan. By turns hilarious and tear-jerking, PJ’s journey through the world is not to be missed.
Press and Awards
“Thankfully, I got to see this fantastic, heartfelt, hilarious one-freckled-man show…Instead of just a guffaw, Over There offers a thought-provoking, side-splitting journey through PJ Walsh’s not so ordinary life… just when you’re thinking you can laugh no more, he hits you in the stomach with raw emotion and you realize his comic agenda is not just about him but to help and support others as well. I’ve already told my friends to go see this show and now I’m telling you.”
Maura Kelley, NYTheatre.com
“A glimpse to a side of stand-up you might not expect to see.”
Theater is Easy
“Humble form of true talent and motivation.”
Independent Media Magazine
“The poignant narrative intertwines the solemnity of war with the humor of Walsh’s inner thoughts”
Brian Willett, bloginity.com
Best of the Fringe
at both the 2011 Hollywood Fringe Festival and the 2011 San Francisco Fringe Festival
Trailer
PJ WALSH (performer/playwright) is known as one of the hardest working comedians behind the microphone, and for good reason. His boundless energy and the strength of his physical comedy have carried him around the globe, from the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, to overseas tours for U.S. troops in several countries including Iraq & Afghanistan. PJ’s years touring with the stars of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour found him performing on celebrated stages including Radio City Music Hall, Universal Amphitheater and the Ryman Auditorium with legends such as Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy, Ron White, and Jeff Foxworthy. A successful show on Sirius Satellite radio & a role in the Lionsgate feature film Delta Farce followed. With a vision in mind PJ stepped out of the stand up comedy spotlight to complete two years of intensive training at the prestigious William Esper School of Acting in New York City. Upon completion of school PJ set his focus on his vision of a solo show, Over There – Comedy is His Best Weapon, recounting his true-life journey. When not headlining comedy venues across the country PJ splits his time between Los Angeles, CA and his home state of New York.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, PJ partnered with H. G. Fairfield Arts Center for the Environment Inc. a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established by Marine & Korean War veteran Katherine Fairfield Freston for “Courage Continues At Home – 30 Shows In 30 Days”. Performing 30 one-hour, stand-up comedy shows throughout the Hudson Valley, New York region in October 2011. An initiative that focuses on “service reciprocated”, and raising funds for food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention for local veterans and their families.