Emily Ramirez Is Bringing Comedy to Forest Park

Yesterday, I interviewed the multi-talented Emily Ramirez. An accomplished performer, Emily has big plans, including bringing comedy to Forest Park. I've only known Emily a short time, but I am so impressed with her already.

Last Saturday, I attended and thoroughly enjoyed Michele Traina's Divorce Diaries. Previously on the Patch, I wrote a preview of Divorce Diaries, including an interview with Michele.

To briefly recap, in Divorce Diaries, Michele took her divorce and subsequent dating life and turned it into her one woman show. It's “healing through humor,” a clever slogan for the production, but more importantly, the way she lives her life.

It's pure entertainment. Michele exposes her life and reactions in such a refreshingly honest, but light-hearted way. She's not shy about taking jabs at herself either. I felt like I was back at my Italian grandmother's listening to my cousins tell their life tales.

Last Saturday, I attended Divorce Diaries in Chicago. With Divorce Diaries already a television show in development, this night was also recorded for an Amazon Prime special. Also on hand were David Vox Mullen, the night's emcee and the tv show's producer, Alydar Skyy, one the writers, and Emily, another writer. I had the pleasure of meeting all of them, prior to enjoying the night of comedy. Yesterday, I continued the fun by Zoom interviewing Emily.

Doing research prior to the interview, I already knew how busy and talented Emily was, but I learned so much more talking to her. I learned her focus and determination started at an early age with her intent to be a ballerina, a goal she accomplished, spending a decade as a professional ballerina.

Eventually, Emily ventured into stand up comedy, sketch writing and more. She currently runs her own comedy business (BABS Comedy), with plans to open a comedy club in Park Forest.

It was through their individual comedy endeavors that Emily and Michele crossed paths. It was quite fortuitous, but somehow seemed inevitable.

Emily and Michele hit it off right away. They share many of the same traits, but enough differences to make a winning combination. Michele got Emily on board with Divorce Diaries, which brings us pretty much up to date.

Emily discussed her career path, performing stand up versus writing for others, her personality traits, meeting Michele and more. Of course, she talked about her role in Divorce Diaries, too.

Early in the interview, Emily describes Michele's personality. Near the end of the interview, I mention how Emily's description of Michele sounded a lot like what I was learning about Emily.

Both women and so positive and full of real energy. Both make it clear Divorce Diaries is a positive, humorous look at things. Obviously, and rightly so, they are proud to be accomplishing this for women in comedy, but not at the expense of men or even other women. As Emily states, “There's room at the table for all.”

Divorce Diaries returns to the Chicago area on December 31, with a production at Westside Improv in Wheaton. What a great way to end the year and ring in 2023.

Prior to that though, Emily brings Improv NSFW, featuring Emily's BABS Comedy, to Forest Park on Tuesday, December 13. Being held at the Exit Strategy Brewing Company, this promises to be a great night of comedy. It is just a taste of what Emily plans for the future in Forest Park.

My exposure to the Divorce Diaries team had been such a blast of an experience. I've met great people, learned so much and have had many laughs along the way. I encourage all to check out Improv NSFW and Divorce Diaries. I want everyone to see the fun I'm having around these folks.