Comedian D'yan Forest set to perform live at Joe's Pub to celebrate her 91st birthday milestone
D'yan Forest, the oldest working comedian and a Guinness World Record holder, is set to perform her new one-woman show, "A Gefilte Fish Out of Water." This comedic and musical performance, premiering on July 31, 2025, at Joe's Pub in Manhattan, addresses the theme of antisemitism through Forest's personal history and experiences as a Jewish woman.
Born as Diana Shulman in the suburbs of Boston, Forest has had a long and illustrious career, which she attributes to her active lifestyle and hobbies such as swimming, playing golf, tennis, and attending cultural events. After moving to New York City in 1966, Forest honed her skills in singing and acting, eventually venturing into stand-up comedy at the age of 68.
"A Gefilte Fish Out of Water" is a unique blend of humor and historical reflection, shedding light on antisemitism through the lens of Forest's life and career. The show includes original songs and parodies, notably a comedic take on "If I Were a Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof called "If I Were a Christian Girl," to highlight her perspective and challenges growing up Jewish in America.
Forest recounts stories of social and professional exclusion due to antisemitism, from childhood memories of exclusion due to her Jewish identity, such as restrictions on celebrating Christmas or accessing neighborhood clubs, to barriers in her college years and early acting career, including changing her name and nose to succeed professionally because of antisemitism.
Beyond humor, the show educates on the continued rise of antisemitism globally, aiming to enlighten audiences while blending serious themes with levity and music. Forest's performance gathered a diverse audience, blending stand-up comedy, original songs, and historical reflection into a memorable evening.
D'yan Forest has a home in Southampton where she spends part of the summer. She performs at least twice a year in France in cabaret and comedy shows, and does so in French. Forest's experiences in France are recounted in her self-published memoir, titled "I Did It My Ways."
Forest has appeared on Saturday Night Live, France's Got Talent, the Drew Barrymore Show, and Comedy Central. She is part of a singing and ukulele group that performs in the canoe shed on the Gowanus Canal. Tickets for D'yan Forest's one-woman show "A Gefilte Fish Out of Water" at Joe's Pub can be purchased at publictheater.org/performances-jp/2025/d/d-yan-forest-a-gefilte-fish-out-of-water/.
Forest has previously celebrated three birthdays performing at Joe's Pub, including her 90th birthday last year. She hopes to continue performing, playing golf, and traveling, but acknowledges that her 100th birthday plans will depend on her health.
Forest spent a life-changing summer in France while she was a junior at Middlebury College, perfecting her French and making many connections. Her new show, titled "A Gefilte Fish Out of Water," addresses antisemitism, a topic she hasn't discussed in her routines before.
Forest admits that finding humor in antisemitism isn't easy, especially considering her personal history of losing family in the Holocaust. However, she believes that laughter can be a powerful tool for healing and education, and she aims to use her platform to raise awareness and combat prejudice.
In summary, D'yan Forest's one-woman show, "A Gefilte Fish Out of Water," is a must-see for anyone interested in comedy, music, and the Jewish experience. With her unique blend of humor and historical reflection, Forest offers a powerful and poignant exploration of antisemitism and the resilience of the human spirit.
Celebrities like D'yan Forest, the oldest working comedian, are renowned not only for their talent but also for the personal stories they share, such as her new one-woman show, "A Gefilte Fish Out of Water." This production, filled with humor and original songs, sheds light on the topic of antisemitism through Forest's unique perspective as a Jewish woman in the entertainment industry.
