Australian comic Joel Creasey hits New York head-on in The Hurricane.
By Brandon Voss
"At bars in the States I’ll often tell people I’m the third Hemsworth brother — or Bindi Irwin’s brother Bob,” says Australian comic Joel Creasey. “You’d be surprised how many people believe me.”
He might not be able to get away with that trick for much longer. At only 25 years old, Creasey is already a huge deal back home. Hot off his stint on his homeland’s version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, the out raconteur now brings his latest solo show, The Hurricane, to the Laurie Beechman Theatre, where he’s previously opened for the late Joan Rivers.
“I adore New York audiences,” he says. “They’re smart, comedy-savvy, and up for a laugh. Plus, like Australians, New Yorkers always seem up for a drink, which I appreciate.” In fact, one of Creasey’s favorite activities while in town is “questioning how last night got so out of control.” The Big Apple has been a reliable inspiration for his anecdotes — when he can remember them the next day. “On my last trip to the States, I had quite a debauched time. One story involves taking a walk of shame through Times Square at 11am, missing half my clothes, and being recognized by Australian tourists!”
In The Hurricane he also discusses his love for Taylor Swift. “She and I are very similar — both leggy blondes who can’t seem to keep a man,” he jokes. “I have no doubt I would be a valuable contribution to her squad. And, frankly, she had Idina Menzel up on stage recently to duet with her, so my time surely isn’t far off.”
As for those slippery fellas, Creasey very recently ended a two-year long-distance romance with comedic actor Jeffery Self. Is that fair fodder for his act? “I talk about everything that happens in my life — it’s just what I’ve always done — so I’ll talk about him, sure. But when it comes to discussing relationships on stage, regardless of how I may feel about an ex, the punch line generally ends up falling back on me.”
Next, November 2015.