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Interview Fri Dec 09 2011
Interview: Candy Lawrence
Candy Lawrence is everywhere: from Chicago Underground Comedy, where she is a regular cast member, to queer showcases across the city: her rubber face is becoming increasingly recognizable among Chicago comedy fans. The best part about Candy Lawrence isn't any of her performances; it's that she doesn't seem to have any idea how good she is.
What brought you to comedy/Chicago?
A teacher at Niagara University where I studied theatre gave me a copy of Truth in Comedy: The Manual of Improvisation. I loved it! I started studying improvisation in Toronto at The Second City for a while and then moved to Chicago to pursue comedy.
Did you have a defining "Oh my god, I'm funny" moment?
I was always funny and shy as a kid, but I was a comedy smash hit in the fourth grade. I fell off the bleachers during a spring chorus concert... on purpose. Oh, what? This ol' Carol Burnett Jr.?
You came to stand-up from sketch, right? What made you want to make that transition?
I've been wanting to do stand-up for the past ten years, but was always too scared. One night, a man named Adam Guerino asked me, when I was awfully drunk, if I wanted to do stand-up at his show. I said, "SURELAERL I'M WASTED. YES." And believe it or not, two weeks later he emailed to remind me and I had to come up with something. Anything. And it was pretty awful and hilarious to me and that's all that matters.
You have one of the best rubber faces I've ever seen. Is that a weird thing to hear?
I used to love Jim Carrey, so no. Also, i just want to point out that I did a monologue from Ace Ventura: Pet Detective for my audition to get into Niagara University. They gave me a scholarship. That's my biggest, deepest, DARKEST secret.
Who/What inspires you?
The audience inspires me. Maria Bamford inspires me. Melissa McCarthy inspires me. My business partner, Mo Welch, inspires me. Anne Geddes inspires me. Kittens in starter jackets inspire me.
Who are your favorite comics: overall, and in Chicago?
Amy Sedaris and the comics that I have listed above. Along with Dana Quercioli, The Puterbaugh Sisterz and Jet Eveleth.
To see Candy in action, check her out at Comedy Sportz on Dec. 19, or at The Lincoln Lodge on Dec. 30, where she will perform alongside Hannibal Buress.
Nancy / December 12, 2011 5:06 PM
I would love to see Candy perform..live to far now but maybe some day :)