In the two years since she left Chicago, Megan Gailey has boosted her recognition with shows across the country, a spot on Conan, and a starring role in MTV’s prank show Ladylike. Now she’s returning to the city where she cut her teeth to headline the Comedy Exposition. We talked with the stand-up about her first time onstage, drunk Chicago comics, and reading YouTube comments.
Oh my god, I wore a vest, which I look back on like, “What was I doing?” I think I just wanted to have a really thin waist so I just wore this pinched-in tight vest. I have a theater background, so I knew at least how to talk in front of people. I did much better than I deserved to, but it was terrible. It was an open mike and I had a bunch of friends there, and we all went out and celebrated after. I went to two open mikes just last night, and it was so bleak.
Never read the comments!
Three people tried to fight me throughout the filming. You have an earpiece in, because they give you some logistical directions sometimes, and I would have someone be like, “I’m going to fight you!” One girl once said, “Bitch, I’m from Chicago, I’ll kill you,” and I was like, “She means it!” But I always thought that I’d be in danger and the producers would say, “Tell them it’s a prank and you’ll be fine!” But, no, once they hear that, they’re like, “OK, now really go for it.” My mom, every day, she’ll ask, “Are you safe? Are you OK?” We’re harassing people in Times Square—it’s scary.
What other projects are you working on right now?
Fri 7/22 8 PM Schubas 3159 N. Southport comedyexposition.com $25
