Meet Evana Lewis – Senior Planet Participant and star of a Peacock Original comedy special. This retired HR administrator and deaconess is an active online learner. (She takes 3-4 online fitness and tech classes a day including some from Senior Planet.) And now, an online comedy class put her among the stars of a new comedy special (details below) called “Good Timing with Jo Firestone.”

Evana in many ways represents the heart of the group. The final, triumphant moments of the special are soundtracked by Evana musing that, “Laughter is like food you put in your body; it keeps you going It keeps you happy. And when you laugh you know that you’ll be able to go through the day with love and joy. You’re not supposed to let anybody take away your joy.” 

We spoke with Evana to get the inside scoop on her experience taking the class and developing her funny bone: 

What do you like most about stand-up comedy? 

You’re given the opportunity to express yourself as a senior. When you’re up on stage, people listen to you. You say something that the people laugh and enjoy themselves? It makes you feel so great that you want to go back up.  

You’re not supposed to let anybody take away your joy. 

What do you like to write jokes about? 

About myself. Going to the doctor. Going to the dentist. Food. Seniors have a lot of jokes – a lot of seniors at my church like to offer me their ideas. Humor is everywhere! 

Do you think you’ll keep doing stand-up? 

Yes! We had class this morning. Also, I can’t just sit down and not do anything – I have to be active, I have to do something because I’m still alive. 

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in trying stand-up? 

When you laugh, you’re free. You don’t have anything holding you back.  

So just try it and see how you feel about it! If you don’t put yourself in, you’ll never know. Sometimes things might come out naturally! Just try. 

What does aging with attitude mean to you? 

It’s about expressing yourself – it’s nothing to be afraid of! 

Want a peek? Here’s the trailer!

Show details 

The special follows 16 participants in Jo Firestone‘s senior center stand-up class as they prepare for their first live and in-person show after meeting virtually for a year. The special is filled with zest, belly laughs and the simple message that it’s never too late to try something new. (Click here to subscribe to Peacock to watch the brilliant special!) 

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she runs Senior Planet’s Supporter program in addition to being a contributing writer for this site. She can be reached at supporters@seniorplanet.org.

Photo: Courtesy of Peacock