Category Archives: Comedy

When I Get To See A Hero Laugh At Home

Last nights second show was the closest thing I’ve had to that feeling you get as a kid on Christmas morning. The lead up, excitement and joy. This happens to me every time I know a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airmen who I had the opportunity to entertain in Iraq or Afghanistan comes to see me here back home. Knowing they made it back and I get to see them HERE ALIVE! Nothing in my life has this kind of significance, importance and is as internally powerful. The joy is completely fueled by relief. In some cases seeing them can/has been difficult. Life back home is far from easy for a good number of our heroes. But seeing them, shaking their hand & sharing that manly or womanly hug let’s me know whatever fight they may be having at least it’s here on the home front now. My respect, friendship, support and loyalty will never waver and is always accessible. I grew up with only sisters. Who undoubtedly bring my life’s biggest joys. In a way I have always searched for a brother… I have found many. In life, the military and even the entertainment world. What is life without true bonds between humans? Just wandering I would think. I have been fortunate to never wander. Which brings me to last night. My friend here is named Micah Clifton. We met in Iraq where he was in charge of keeping myself and the other comedians safe. I bonded with Micah tighter then any other service member over all my years. I have zero doubt it was do to his great sense of humor that complimented an incredible professionalism. His job was to keep us ignorant, safe & clear of the possible dangers that could and did come upon us. He was/is simply the BEST I have ever encountered at giving you a smile that tricked you into thinking everything is fine. I know this because since he’s been out I have gotten the “let me tell you what was REALLY happening THAT DAY talk”.  When I tell you it takes a truly special kind of person to be able to navigate situation like those. Please understand my words here can never do his courage justice. Micah is one example of so many men and woman who under our colors function in ways most could never even comprehend and they hope you never do. Micah’s just one story, he’s my protector, my Christmas morning… My Brother! You made it f*cking back! Will love you till my final breath!

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An Email From A Soldier

The media has been covering a few stories lately that has put individuals in our armed forces in a bad light. In every large organization there are bad elements. These are humans. I by no means condone the actions I have been reading about. Just want people to remember the United States Armed Forces is a very large group of people. These stories are just a tiny number in the scale of brave people who serve. I know this because I served & spend a lot of time with people that currently do.  I have found a few meat-heads on occasion. Much like the “real” world. But for the very most part they are thoughtful, caring & brave people who stand for something. They stand next to each other when called upon. Now the people that make the called upon decision… Not a fan!

 I open my email inbox and this happened…

Subject: Hey From (MAJ)
PJ,
Hey, you may not remember me but you performed an amazing show at Dogwood Iraq in 2005. Yep, I know it’s been very long time. Since then I’ve been deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and now, I’m back in Afgahnistan for another deployment.
Hope all is going well with you. I have this saying, “You meet people in life for a reason” in most cases it’s just to meet…. but you never forget them. You’re a person I will never forget.
Best wishes, 
Somehow whenever my mind strays off into the what I haven’t done, what I don’t have … all that just useless way of thinking. The universe sets me straight with how blessed I am. What an amazing life I live. “You meet people in life for a reason” goes both ways. Thank you Major! I also will never forget. I will also never forget this represents who serves our country. Great individuals like the major. I’m not an “armchair quarterback” with opinions achieved by reading & watching the news. I have been there. In the media they say “if it bleeds it leads”. The truth is not as selling. Good people willing to risk their lives for us.  Sad that is not a top story daily.

REVIEWS FOR MY PLAY “OVER THERE: COMEDY IS HIS BEST WEAPON” ARE AMAZING!

BOTTOM LINE: Hilarious show by a current stand-up comedian and former member of the U.S. Navy that goes much deeper than you’d expect… Walsh plays all of these characters from his life with such skill that they really pop off the stage… I highly recommend this show. It’ll make you laugh, think, and leave with a glimpse to a side of stand-up you might not expect to see.

Ben Charles, Theater is Easy (theasy.com), August 15, 2010

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, August 13, 2010

The one-hour comedy show is a fusion of Walsh’s quick wit and insightful observations about life as a soldier and civilian… The poignant narrative intertwines the solemnity of war with the humor of Walsh’s inner thoughts.  “Over There — Comedy Is His Best Weapon” demonstrates 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.

Brian Willett, bloginity.com, August 8, 2010

In “Over There: Comedy Is His Best Weapon,” the Queens-based writer and standup comic relates his personal journey through three wars — as an enlistee and as part of Comics on Duty — and through being President Clinton’s dental technician. “He could floss more and use a fluoride rinse,” says Walsh, “like most people.

Joe Dziemianowicz, The Daily News, August 7, 2010

If you’re looking for laughs in the humble form of true talent and motivation, then check out PJ Walsh at the NYC Fringe Festival. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll leave ready to conquer the world, or at least a small part of it.

Sheena Vega, Independent Media Magazine, August 4, 2010