When you think of comedy, a solo act under a spotlight may come to mind. The lone performer, a microphone in hand, facing an audience, and crafting laughter from everyday observations or hilarious life stories. It’s a world comedians are comfortable with—a world of isolation, where the weight of the show rests on their shoulders alone. But for Jen Kober, that narrative is currently being rewritten as she steps into the sprawling ensemble cast of Mad Apple, Cirque du Soleil’s hit show at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Here, amidst acrobats, jugglers, dancers, and singers, Kober finds herself part of something bigger, embracing the collaborative energy while still shining as the show’s comedian.
“I love doing this kind of work,” Kober says with a palpable excitement. “Theater is what I started in. It’s where my passion has always been since I was a little kid. And to get to be in a production of this magnitude as a comedian is just unbelievable.”
Kober’s infectious enthusiasm is immediately evident. For someone used to working solo, Mad Apple presents a rare opportunity to be part of a much larger creative tapestry. “It’s very exciting,” she continues. “When you’re a comedian, you work by yourself; it’s all you. But to be in an ensemble like this, with so many talented people creating something together, it’s just incredible.”
A Day in the Life of Jen Kober at Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple
Jen Kober’s role within Mad Apple is as unique as the show itself. “The premise of the show is like a variety show set on the streets of New York,” she explains. “There’s no one through storyline like in other Cirque du Soleil shows. You have people hanging from their hair, basketball players flipping on trampolines, jugglers, magicians, and then there’s me—the comedian.”
Kober’s set is a blend of humor and audience interaction, a 15-minute dose of comic relief in the midst of the visual spectacle. “I have about a 15-minute set in each show, and then I also do what I like to call ‘rodeo clown work’ while they’re setting up the Wheel of Death,” she laughs. “I’m in the audience, distracting everyone so they’re not paying attention to what’s happening on stage.”
This “rodeo clown” role highlights Kober’s adaptability as a performer. It’s one thing to stand on stage and tell jokes, but it’s entirely different to command an audience’s attention while acrobats set up for one of the most intense parts of the show. For Kober, it’s all part of the fun.
“It’s about 20 minutes of me in the show, and I really get to do what I do within the parameters of what the show is,” she says. “I don’t have to learn somebody else’s words or do something I’m not comfortable doing. I’m doing my set every night, and it just falls in with everything else that’s going on.”
Being part of Mad Apple has also given Kober the chance to enjoy the perks of working in Las Vegas—like indulging in the city’s renowned food scene. “It’s so nice to know that for five weeks, I get to stay in the same place. I could cry,” Kober admits. “And for that place to be Las Vegas, where I can literally eat my way through this entire town every single day, it’s just incredible.”
Freedom on Stage: The Comedian’s Dream
One of the most appealing aspects of Kober’s time at Mad Apple is the freedom she has with her material. As a comedian, she’s used to adjusting her sets depending on the crowd, the venue, and even the city. But at Mad Apple, she’s been given complete creative freedom.
“They haven’t said one word to me about what to or not to say,” she marvels. “No limitations, no suggestions. They’re just like, ‘You’re damn funny. Keep doing what you’re doing.’”
It’s a dream for any performer, especially in a world like Las Vegas, where anything goes. “We’re in Vegas, where you can say and do literally anything you want,” she adds. “I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity or a better job.”
But Kober is no stranger to adjusting her content when needed. “I do all sorts of shows where they’re like, ‘Hey, this is a Catholic university. If you could not say these words or talk about these subjects...’ And that’s fine! I want to make the people who are there happy.”
For Mad Apple, she’s found a perfect fit. The show’s setting—a gritty, no-holds-barred depiction of New York City—allows Kober to be her authentic, hilarious self. “It’s the kind of show where ‘F-you’ is literally ‘Good morning,’” she jokes. “It fits perfectly with my style.”
Memorable Moments with the Mad Apple Cast
While the comedy is what Kober brings to the table, being part of an ensemble show means that she also gets to experience the awe-inspiring talents of her fellow cast members.
“I get to come up out of the floor on this rising lift,” Kober shares, laughing as she recounts a mischievous moment during rehearsals. “One day, a couple of us convinced the guy who runs the lift to let us ride it up and down with the music playing. It’s the slowest rise ever, but we were giggling like little kids. It’s one of those moments where you’re like, ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this for a living.’”
The camaraderie between cast members is evident. “Everyone is so playful and fun,” she says. “I can’t say enough good things about the musicians, the dancers, the acrobats. There’s a girl who literally hangs from her hair, and we had this whole conversation about what kind of shampoo she uses. I’m like, ‘Girl, my hair breaks if I just comb it too hard!’”
Kober has also had her fair share of memorable interactions with the show’s athletic performers. “The boys who do the basketball trampoline act let me try it once,” she recalls. “It was a nightmare. I was not good. But it was exciting!”
Being an Out Lesbian Comedian: A Journey to Confidence
Kober is open about her identity as an out lesbian, but that wasn’t always the case when she first started her career in comedy. Growing up in the South, she initially approached her identity with caution.
“My mom was very much like, ‘Hey, you don’t have to always talk about being gay on stage,’” Kober explains. Early on, Kober would often save her sexuality as a punchline, revealing it at the end of her set once the audience had already warmed up to her. “But now, I’m so comfortable with who I am,” she says. “Being a lesbian is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s something I incorporate into my set naturally.”
As Kober’s career progressed, so did her confidence in embracing her identity. Now, it’s an integral part of her comedic voice. “I have lots of things to say now,” she explains. “I’m married, I have a life in the LGBTQ+ community, and I travel with LGBTQ+ people all the time. It’s who I am.”
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
Comedy, like many industries, is still heavily male-dominated, and Kober has witnessed her share of gender disparity throughout her career. “I think we live in a male-dominated world,” she says. “There’s this sense of entitlement among men in the industry, like they’re automatically better simply because they’re men.”
But Kober’s strong personality and confidence have shielded her from some of the more blatant sexism that her female colleagues have faced. “I have a lot of masculine energy,” she explains. “I don’t look like someone you can take advantage of. I look like someone who, if you tried, I’d punch you in the face.”
She’s quick to point out that many female comedians, especially those with more traditionally feminine energy, do face greater challenges. “It bothers me when I see comedy lineups with six white guys,” she says. “There are so many talented women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ comedians out there. There’s no excuse for that lack of diversity.”
The Unique Challenges and Joys of Las Vegas Audiences
Performing in Las Vegas comes with its own unique challenges and joys. For one, the audience is always a mixed bag. “You don’t know what you’re going to get,” Kober explains. “Vegas isn’t like other cities where you can tailor your material to a specific crowd. Here, it’s all tourists, and it’s the most diverse crowd you can imagine.”
From elderly couples to bachelorette parties, Kober’s audience is a true cross-section of humanity. “You’ll have soccer moms, athletes, people of color, old people, young people—it’s everything. And that’s what makes it so exciting.”
Jen Kober’s Take on Cirque du Soleil’s Inclusivity
Cirque du Soleil has long been known for its inclusivity, particularly when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, and Kober feels that sense of openness and acceptance every day.
“I’m sure there are lots of LGBTQ+ folks in the cast and crew - though I haven’t taken an official survey.” she says. “What I do know is that everyone in this cast is so accepting, and it feels incredibly inclusive. It’s a company where everyone is welcome, and that’s what makes it so special.”
Kober believes that Cirque’s culture of inclusivity is rooted in its international background. “It’s a Canadian company, and I think that’s part of it,” she says. “It’s just so much more open and inclusive than what we’re used to in the U.S.”
Advice for Aspiring LGBTQ+ Performers
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring LGBTQ+ performers, Kober is quick to emphasize one thing: practice.
“Comedy is a muscle,” she says. “You have to work it out. Get on stage, no matter how big or small the crowd is, and make them laugh. That’s the job. The more you do it, the better you’ll get.”
Kober stresses the importance of honing your craft in front of any audience you can find, whether it’s a comedy club, an open mic, or even an unexpected venue like a singer-songwriter showcase.
“You have to get out there and do the work,” she says. “That’s how you make your mark.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Jen Kober?
Kober’s residency with Mad Apple runs from September 19th to October 22nd, and after that, she has plenty of exciting projects lined up. “I’m taping a new hour in February, and I’m going to Antarctica with a boat full of gays,” she laughs. “It’s going to be a wild adventure.”
For now, though, she’s focused on soaking in every moment of her time at Mad Apple and enjoying the magic of Las Vegas. “This is the part of my year I look forward to the most,” she says. “I get to be in one place, perform two shows a night, and do what I love.”
As for her final words to QVegas readers? “Come see Mad Apple. It’s spectacular, it’s fun, and I promise you’ll have the best time.”