A Vancouver photographer, who also happens to be legally blind, has decided to tackle one of the most terrifying professions known to humankind — standup comedy.
Many Courier readers will recognize Cathy Browne as having graced the cover of Lifetime magazine last year. Lifetime is a special section in the Vancouver Courier dedicated to baby boomers and seniors and Browne was featured for not only her photography, but also her work in the community.
But now Browne is ready to take on the world of standup comedy for a fundraiser at the ANZA Club on West Eighth Avenue Nov. 19 called Comedy Cares IV: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, which features an all female lineup of stand-up comedy, spoken word, clowns and hilarious singing. The fundraiser is in benefit of Boden Lalonde, a 23-year old man living with the life-threatening Duchesne's Muscular Dystrophy. Boden's uncle Jacques Lalonde is the event's organizer.
Besides Browne, the event includes the talents of emcee Alison Ogilvie, Jo Dworschak (Story, Story, Lie), Nic Enright-Morin, Beverley Oneil, Sydney Bosel, Erin Jeffery (The X-Files), Karen Hale, Fringe Festival legend Tara Travis (Monster Theatre, the Shakespeare Show), clown/buffants such as Mona Monae and M. Pyress Flame and more. The fundraiser is in benefit of Boden Lalonde, a young man living with the life-threatening Duchesne's Muscular Dystrophy. For more information visit Comedy Cares IV: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun on Facebook.
The Courier had some questions for Browne about her latest endeavours.
What prompted you to try standup comedy?
It’s always been something that appealed to me, but like a lot of people I just wasn’t sure I would be funny enough. But then I got the opportunity to join the Realwheels cast for Comedy on Wheels last May and it all came together. I loved every minute of that experience — from writing my own material to being on stage. So, I decided to try it again. I also started in honour of my mom, who shared her birthday and name with me for 63 years. She died in May, the morning after my debut at Comedy on Wheels. She always told me I could do anything, and just go for it. So I am.
Did that make it easier to say yes because this was an all-female show?
It’s a cool concept, but it wasn’t a huge factor for me. It was more the fact that I saw a chance and took it.
I understand you created a bit of a bucket list after the death of your husband, was standup on that list or was this just another experience to add to it?
I started the bucket list when I turned 60. I figured that it was the perfect time to check off things I had never done before — and it’s been a marvellous three years. This year alone, I’ve gone on my first cruise, appeared on national television, really raised my speaking game, done standup, received an improv scholarship from Vancouver TheatreSports, met former U.S. vice-president Joe Biden — and photographed Oprah Winfrey! And the year’s not over yet.
What's next for Cathy Browne?
I’m determined to continue my motivational speaking and advocacy work as co-chair of the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee for Vancouver and board member at Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture — and of course, my photography. My hope is always to be recognized for my work and be paid for what I do. I feel I’ve come a long way, and that 2018 will be my year.
@sthomas10
