Heather McMahan Lights Up Oxford with Stand-Up Comedy
Oxford, Mississippi – Comedian Heather McMahan, a graduate of the University of Mississippi, returned to her college town for a night of laughter and nostalgia on August 29, 2024. McMahan performed a stand-up routine at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, specially crafted for the enthusiastic Oxford audience.
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts in 2009, McMahan has seen significant success, transitioning from small open mics in Los Angeles to headlining venues like Radio City Music Hall in New York. She also released a Netflix stand-up special titled “Son I Never Had”, which has helped her build a wide following.
Among the audience was Jared Smith, a freshman international studies major from Long Beach, Mississippi, who expressed his excitement about the show. “I’m a big fan of Heather. I follow her on all her social media and listen to her podcast, so I was thrilled to see her live,” he said.
A Night Full of Laughter
The show kicked off with an opening act by comedian Raymond Padilla, a regular on McMahan’s podcast “Absolutely Not!”. Padilla entertained the crowd with humor stemming from his personal experiences, setting the stage for McMahan’s bold and comedic style.
Music played at the start of McMahan’s set evoked the energy of an SEC football game, capturing audience attention right away. She made her entrance, immediately engaging with the crowd, playfully calling out late arrivals, which quickly lightened the atmosphere—a skill rooted in her theatre background.
McMahan shared stories from her Southern upbringing, addressing the societal expectations of Southern women before revealing she was writing a TV show about a woman’s fictional experiences in Mississippi. The laughter escalated as she shared lighthearted jabs at her own college experiences, including anecdotes about living in Crosby dorm and her time in the Delta Gamma sorority, which shocked and delighted attendees.
Audience Connection
Riley Mullen, a senior early childhood education major from Oxford, appreciated the relatability of McMahan’s routine. “I really enjoyed the show more than I expected. Since she was a part of sorority life like I am, I found myself relating to a lot of her jokes. Everyone in the crowd could relate to some part of the show, making it feel very special,” Mullen said.
The performance featured an interactive segment where McMahan provided humorous “absolutely nots,” riffing off audience submissions, similar to her podcast format. This created a lively atmosphere, further connecting her with the crowd.
As the night wrapped up, McMahan ended with a confident declaration that showcased her drive for success: “Eli Manning’s from here, William Faulkner’s here, but I’m Heather McMahan!” The audience responded with roaring applause, celebrating her presence and talent.
Wisdom for the Next Generation
Following the performance, McMahan held a meet-and-greet with a group of students, discussing her career and experiences in the entertainment industry. Professor Rory Ledbetter, who once taught McMahan during her studies, was present with a group from the Residential College South. He recalled, “Heather was a senior in the BFA Acting program when I first started teaching here. She invited students to stay after the performance, which was fantastic. She shared invaluable insights about the comedy world.”
During this session, McMahan spoke honestly about her struggles early in her career and how she found joy in stand-up comedy. “If people come to my show and say, ‘Hey, you took me out of my s—–ty day,’ I did my job,” she said, embodying her commitment to lifting spirits through humor.
As Heather McMahan continues her journey in comedy, her return to Oxford was a reminder of her roots and the joy she brings to her fans. With her sharp wit and relatable storytelling, it seems she is just getting started on her path to even greater achievements.
