In On the Joke

"In on the Joke," Shawn Levy presents a poignant and humorous exploration of pioneering female stand-up comedians who defied societal norms to carve out a place for themselves in a male-dominated field. From Moms Mabley’s early performances in Black vaudeville to the groundbreaking careers of Joan Rivers and Phyllis Diller, this meticulously researched account reveals the challenges and triumphs that shaped their journeys. By detailing how these trailblazers dismantled barriers and redefined notions of womanhood, Levy highlights their lasting impact on comedy and the generations of women who followed in their footsteps.