Tommy Johnagin brought funeral humor to Pierson Auditorium.

Stand-up, knock out - Comedian Tommy Johnagin visits Pierson Auditorium

By: Derek Simons

Posted: 3/10/08

Comedian Tommy Johnagin had his audience laughing right from the start - not an easy task in the dispersive Pierson Auditorium. With excellent timing and a decidedly personal approach, he gave an intimate, late-night feeling to the hour-long show.

His material skirted the edge of full-blown dark - stories often dealing with death and funerals, as well as the usual problems of love, family and work. He did, however, tailor some routines for the Tuesday evening college crowd.

"My friend's majoring in history," Johnagin said. "What can you do with a history degree except teach history? It's a pyramid scheme."

He told the audience he's been a pallbearer nine times. He described funeral pranks, others hitting on his girlfriend at the cemetery, and his father's passion for snapping photos to mail to him of funerals he couldn't attend.

Claiming he's now engaged, Johnagin said his future mother-in-law is a lunatic who hates him. He invited all of us to his wedding because he thinks it would be a fun way to get back at her. He also described going to his friend's bachelor party at a strip club.

"The ugliest stripper in the world came up to me and asked, 'Sweetie - what should I take off next?'" Johnagin said. "I replied, 'My glasses?'"

The 24-year-old has appeared on numerous TV shows, including "Last Comic Standing," "Live at Gotham," and "CMT Comedy Stage," but has his sights set even higher.

"My goal this year is to have my own half-hour comedy special and also do Letterman," Johnagin said during a pause from greeting his new fans after the show.

Being on the university circuit is a different experience for him, he said, but he thinks it's worth it.

"The end result is to get these kids into the comedy clubs," Johnagin said, "but right now, they don't have much money and you need to bring the shows to the campuses."

The event was just one of many organized by the Activities and Program Council for this semester. To see what's up next, check out the schedule at www.umkc.edu/stulife/stulife_eventcalendar.html.

dsimons@unews.com