The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
A good sport
Cy Amundson hosts ‘Sportscenter on Snapchat,’ but he says, his stage content goes well beyond athletics
Cy Amundson desperately wants you to know his stand-up material is sportsfree.
Sure, he does write and host the Emmy Award-nominated “Sportscenter on Snapchat,” and he’s knowledgeable about sports, but Amundson says he will will be offering audiences funny and quintessential stand-up fare during his appearances Aug. 8 through 11 at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre in Cleveland.
“I basically have a kind of a story telling style,” Amundson said. “I talk about my life and where it’s at and anything that’s happened recently. I had an album out last year called ‘Monday Night’ that was really successful, so I’m kind of on a whole new hour of stuff.
“I’ll be covering a lot of life experiences — like my fiancé took me to the home of one of her friends, who was having a birthday party for their dog. I had a complete meltdown. It would be hard for me to be more against going to a dog’s birthday party. I’m a dog lover, I just don’t want to have to celebrate their important day.”
“I have to be really careful — because nobody wants to come see (“Sportscenter” host) Scott Van Pelt do an hour of stand-up, especially casual stand-up fans.” — Cy Amundson
Over the l ast decade, Amundson has been a rising comic on the national club circuit. The Minneapolis native, who was influenced by fellow Twin Cities comic Chad Daniels, has appeared on “Conan,” “Adam DeVine’s House Party” and Comedy Central’s “This Is Not Happening,” as well as provided voice-over work on FOX’s “Family Guy” and “American Dad.”
As for the “Sportscenter on Snapchat,” while he enjoys spreading his creative writing wings, you won’t find him moving to Bristol, Connecticut, anytime soon.
“I work for them, and do it every week, but to me it’s more I love stand-up a ton,” Amundson said. “I’m just as psyched to be pushing my stand-up forward.”
Still, the ESPN gig has added more fans of his com- edy, which puts the funnyman in a difficult spot.
“The thing I’ve learned about my stand-up — if anything (that is) written about me or promoted is too heavy sports, it turns a lot of people off,” he said. “I have to be really careful — because nobody wants to come see (“Sportscenter” host) Scott Van Pelt do an hour of stand-up, especially casual stand-up fans.”
Amundson said his last memory from visiting Cleveland was, ahem, sports-related. He previously performed in the Rock Hall City back in 2012 when You Know Who took his talents You Know Where.
“I was there after LeBron (James) had left, so there was an interesting vibe in town,” Amundson said. “But I love Cleveland a lot..”
Back to the Cavs. It was pointed out this year’s playoffs theme was “Whatever It Takes,” which if you think about it came across a bit too desperate.
“‘W hatever It Takes’ sounds like something somebody would say in marriage counseling,” Amundson said.
Of course, not only is that how it felt, but it ended in divorce, again.
“That is how it ended,” Amundson l aughed. “It went the wrong direction. But remember, I’m a Minnesota (Timberwolves) fan. We haven’t won a title. I’d kill for an NBA title.”