Comedy Mon Feb 13 2012

Ben Lerman Is Your Heart Doctor

By Nellie Huggins

Ben Lerman has been entertaining Chicago audiences for years, and Chicago audiences love him. Lerman graces us with his presence a few times a year and is in town this week for his Valentine's Day show at Mary's Attic, Heart Doctor; An Evening of Music and Comedy. Ben also brings with him local comics Adam Guerino (Queer Comedy at Zanies) and Meredith Kachel (Side-Mullet Nation)

How does it feel to be back in Chicago? Are you from Chicago?

I am from South Bend, Indiana. Still, I have a lot of friends and family in Chicago because when you're from South Bend, Indiana, you want to get the hell out of town, and Chicago is the nearest, likeliest migration point. It's far enough that you don't have to watch a percentage of your schoolmates become meth heads and close enough for minimal drive time on national holidays. Not that there aren't meth heads in Chicago or that I don't want them at my show. If you've got $10, you're welcome at my show. But don't ask to borrow money from other audience members or wash their windshields. That's the rule.

Where do you find the inspiration for your lyrics?

Whitney Houston. Clive Davis called me last night and asked me to dedicate the show to her. Like most people, I will do anything Clive Davis asks. So, I will be dedicating Tuesday's show to Whitney. And in her honor -- this ONE time -- I will be allowing the meth heads in the audience to clean the windshields of the other audience members in exchange for drug money. Rest in peace, Whitney. You had "THE VOICE." If nothing else, Oprah and I agree on that.

Is there a song (or songs) that people request the most at shows?

Everyone always wants to hear "Pussy Pantry" and "Pig Fucker" because my fan base is mostly comprised of illiterate degenerates who only know cusses. And I will probably play one of them. Not both, though. Gotta keep it classy!

What can someone who has never seen you perform expect to take away from your show?

They can expect to laugh a lot and feel sexy and loved. They can also expect to take away a couple of $5 CDs. One for themselves and one for a friend.

Who are you inspired by?

I am inspired by Louis C. K. and RuPual, who are my biological birth parents. Yes, I know how shocking that must be to find out that I am adopted.

Do you have a favorite place to visit in Chicago?

I love the 3rd floor library bathroom at Depaul. Kidding! I love diving through the dumpsters behind Hamburger Mary's and Fat Chicks, my favorite Chicago night spots.

You can catch Ben at Mary's Attic (5400 N. Clark) on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 8pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. More information here.