Most of the world was introduced to comedian Erin Foley back in 2000 when she appeared in the iconic Cameron Crowe film “Almost Famous.” My first introduction, however, came seven years later via a Queer Queens of Qomedy show in 2oo7 in which she shared the stage with Poppy Champlin and Jessica Kirson.

Since that time, I’ve become a huge fan of Foley’s intelligent brand of comedy, had the opportunity to film an interview with her and earned a healthy respect for her pool volleyball skills having witnessed her “take no prisoners,” ultra-competitive approach to guarding the net. Trust me, while you may want to be front and center at one of her shows, you do not want to be on the opposite side of a volleyball net when Foley’s in the pool.

(Most) kidding aside, Foley is an accomplished actress and comedian, having appeared on “Chelsea Lately,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” NBC’s “Go On” and debuting on “Conan” last fall.

A New York native now living in Los Angeles, Foley can be regularly seen at the Gotham Comedy Club, Caroline’s on Broadway, The Improv, The Laugh Factory and Stand Up New York. She’s currently touring to promote her new comedy CD “Lady with Pockets” available on iTunes and hosts a weekly podcast called “Sports Without Balls.” (Sadly, she’s a Yankees fan, though we find common ground in our mutual love of the New York football Giants.)

Fresh off an appearance at the Gay Games in Cleveland and in between her “Lady with Pockets” tour gigs, Foley found time to join our Fast 5 club.

1. What’s the last book you read?

A short story collection of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

2. If you could host a dinner party and invite any five people — past or present — to attend who would be on that guest list?

Carol Burnett, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Derek Jeter, Martina Navratilova and Harriet Tubman.

3. Beach or mountains?

Beach

4. Which celebrity would render you totally star struck if you were to meet him/her?

If it was possible, Lucille Ball.

5. Do you have a hidden talent? Do tell!

I’m a really good dancer. Jazz hands and everything.

Be sure to check out Foley’s website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Have you ever truly laughed so hard and so long that your cheek muscles ached? I have — and it was at one of comedian Jessica Kirson’s shows.

I had the opportunity to witness the controlled chaos that is a Jessica Kirson set during a Queer Queens of Qomedy tour stop several years ago and have continued to rave about the high-energy, no-holds-barred comic ever since.

Kirson traces her love of comedy to old school influences like “I Love Lucy,” Jerry Lewis, “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Saturday Night Live,” and has always loved making others laugh. Torn between a career as a DJ or comedian, the latter won out when Kirson took a comedy class in 1998.

Now far removed from her days performing at delis, laundromats and the local Krispy Kreme, Kirson is a regular at every major comedy venue in New York City, including the Gotham Comedy Club, Laugh Factory, Caroline’s, and the Improv.

Kirson has also appeared on a number of television shows, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Last Comic Standing,” Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” and “The View.” She also has a one hour special on the Logo Channel called “My Cookie’s Gone” and has appeared on “The Joy Behar Show” on CNN-HLN numerous times. She just made her big screen debut in Nick Cannon’s “School Dance” with Jim Breuer and George Lopez.

Kirson was gracious enough to play along with our Fast 5 this week.

1. Which individual has been your greatest professional influence?

I would have to say Lucille Ball. She had incredible talent. She was original and always stayed true to herself. She was also an incredible business woman

2. What song can you not get enough of right now?

“Stay with Me” by, Sam Smith

3. What’s the best thing that’s happened for you so far in 2014?

I am in a movie that just came out, “School Dance,” written and directed by Nick Cannon, and I just filmed a cameo in Amy Schumer’s new film, “Trainwreck.”

4. Do you have any phobias?

Yes, I am filled with fear. My biggest one is rats. I am deathly afraid of rats.

5. Window or aisle seat on the airplane?

Window, so that I can ponder my life choices and cry in private. I hate the aisle. I constantly get knocked into.

Stay up-to-date with Kirson by bookmarking her website and following her on Facebook and Twitter — and be sure to visit her YouTube Channel “The Jessy K Show” and check out her podcast.

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BY CANDY PARKER

The first time I saw Poppy Champlin perform was about six years ago during a Queer Queens of Qomedy swing through the Washington, D.C., area. At this point, I couldn’t tell you one single joke from her set, but what I continue to vividly recall is that I left that show with the muscles in my face aching from smiling and laughing so much. Seriously. I’m not even kidding.

I also remember the ease with which Poppy took the stage for second, spontaneous mini-set, a move necessitated by one of the other “Queens'” flights being delayed. Champlin came back out to stall for time and kept the crowd cackling until fellow comic Jessica Kirson’s New York-based flight arrived. To this day, I can remember how impressed I was with Champlin’s composure — and her ability to essentially do a second show on demand without missing a beat.

Knowing what I do now — that Champlin is a veteran bi-coastal comic who trained at the renowned Chicago Second City Improv school, who’s appeared on Logo and Showtime and who has taken the stage countless times in Provincetown and on both the boys and girls cruise circuits — I suppose I shouldn’t have been so surprised by her “calm under fire” professionalism that evening at the Birchmere way back when.

Champlin continues to perform across the country and around the world, entertaining crowds and earning accolades for her no-two-are-alike comedy sets and her Queer Queens of Qomedy remain a hot ticket wherever they roam. With comics like Vickie Shaw, Carol Leifer, Julie Goldman, Michele Balan, Jessica Kirson, Karen Ripley, Mimi Gonzalez , Jennie McNulty, Fortune Feimster, Karen Williams, Dana Goldberg, Bridget McManus, Sandra Valls, Erin Foley, Dana Eagle, Roxanna Ward, Marga Gomez, Lisa Koch, Barb Neligan and Gina Yashere all having worn the Queen crown, Champlin’s Queer Queens of Qomedy is a lesbian laugh fest more than worth the ticket price.

Champlin is headed for P-town for the Memorial Day weekend, but we were able to grab her for a quick Fast 5 first.

1. If you could be anywhere else in the world right now, where would you want to be and what would you be doing there?

I would be in the Caribbean picking up shells on the beach, listening to the surf, going for a snorkel, burning my skin and soothing it with aloe later that night with a virgin pina colada.

2. What’s the last book you read?

The last book was “12 Years a Slave” and having just broken up with my girlfriend I can totally relate. I want to write my new book “3 Years a Hostage.”

3. Phone call or text?

Text, or email really. I’m good at the email.

4. What song can you not get enough of right now?

“Happy” by Pharrell, ’cause that makes me happy to say I’m happy and sing I’m happy. Pretty soon I am really happy.

5. Finish this sentence: “I think the key to being happy is…”

Loving yourself just the way you are.

Champlin will be performing at the Post Office Cabaret in Provincetown, Massachusetts, May 23-26. Be sure to visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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