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Maria Bamford Talks the Weird and Wonderful World of Comedy

By Emily Cummins, Public Relations Coordinator

Named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Funniest People, and winner of the 2014 American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic, Maria Bamford takes oddball comedy to the next level. Whether she’s performing in her living room with her parents on the couch as her only audience in “The Special Special Special!” or she’s baring it all in the semi-autobiographical series “Lady Dynamite,” which explores her struggles with Type-II Bipolar, Bamford is unapologetically awkward in a way that is simultaneously endearing, uncomfortable and endlessly entertaining.

One of the most acclaimed and original stand-up comics in the country, Bamford was the first female comic to have two half-hour “Comedy Central Presents” specials and starred alongside Patton. Her new Netflix special “Old Baby” premieres later this year.
Ahead of her performance at SteelStacks’ Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling Aug. 18, 8:30 p.m., we chatted with Bamford about her career.

AQ: You’ve had a tremendous amount of voice acting roles including everything from “Hey Arnold” to “The Adventures of Puss in Boots.” What is special to you about voice acting, and who has been your favorite character to portray?

MB: I always like playing my mother’s voice because then I get to think like my mom or how I think my mom thinks. I got to do that on “Barnyard” by Nickelodeon and in sideline characters in “Adventure Time” and “Word Girl” on PBS.

AQ: In “Lady Dynamite” you play yourself in a show based on your life. What is it like to work on something so personal?

MB: It is wonderful in that it’s very cathartic to re-experience things with a whole team acting it all out, but in the same way it is stressful, as I definitely worry that I’m not being true to myself or other people involved, I don’t want to sell myself or others out. I’m not sure whether I’ve succeeded!

AQ: In the show, and in your standup, you address your struggles with mental illness. What’s the importance of sharing your experiences through a comedic lens?

MB: Well, it’s the only material I have. I work with what I’ve got, and that’s been a big part of my life. So, in that way the reason I don’t have a lot of material about having kids or being from Russia is arguably because of sloth and a lack of curiosity to research other people’s experiences.

AQ: Many fans were first introduced to you as DeBrie Bardeaux. What was it like to join “Arrested Development” when it was picked up by Netflix for its fourth season?

MB: Awesome! Always great to get a job! Especially with a very creative set with people I admire!

AQ: Before comedy, what was the worst job you’ve ever had? And if you had to be something other than an actress/comedian what would you be?

MB: The hardest job, for me, was waitressing and it was so hard that I quit. Same goes for substitute teaching- the anxiety was so high that I couldn’t even begin – despite being qualified and accepted to do it. I think that I’d make an okay Mayor, but I’d definitely need more patience and willingness to listen to the thoughts of others. That’s not my greatest skill, but I don’t mind a rousing speech.

AQ: What can the audience expect from your upcoming show at SteelStacks this summer?

MB: A grandiose display of wealth. No, just myself and my friend Jackie Kashian, working hard and playing hard to bring you joy. All are welcome!

AQ Bonus Question: If you were an astronaut where would you want to go first?

MB: Home! I love the returning flight.

Maria Bamford
FRIDAY, Aug. 18
8:30 pm
Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling

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