Interview: Todd Barry
Although Todd Barry might casually mention his memorable turn as Greasy in the 2001 film Pootie Tang as his artistic peak, it’s challenging to pinpoint a true definitive moment from his 35 years in comedy.
From his rise in stand-up in the late ’80s and ’90s to his recent special Domestic Shorthair (available to watch for free on YouTube), Barry has consistently been one of the funniest comedians in the business, all the while subtly advancing his craft. In addition to rigorous touring and guest spots on late night TV shows such as Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, appearances on shows Flight of the Conchords, Louie, and Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist boosted Barry’s profile amongst comedy nerds. But unlike some of his contemporaries, the NYC-based comedian doesn’t rely on the kind of provocative sexual or political humor, or in-your-face energy that propels others to stardom, which has perhaps hindered him from making that final leap to being a household name capable of filling arenas.
It can also be difficult to articulate exactly what makes Barry one of the preeminent comics of the past few decades. Characterized by his mellow cadence, his disarming, laid-back delivery allows his razor-sharp observations about everyday life to distinctly resonate. While comparisons to comedic legends like Steven Wright and Mitch Hedberg have been made, Barry's storytelling approach sets him apart. He crafts jokes about relatable moments with a masterfully succinct humor, adhering to the timeless adage that "brevity is the soul of wit." It’s that impeccable obsession with the craft that has made him a favorite among his peers.
And it’s not just his stand-up that has caught the attention of comedy fans. His mastery of crowd work, best showcased in his 2014 special, The Crowd Work Tour, adds another layer to his comedic brilliance. Forgoing the traditional routine, Barry engages exclusively with the audience, showcasing his attention to detail and quick wit. Steering conversations in unexpected and hilarious directions, his crowd work is a testament to his genius beyond carefully-crafted punchlines.
Returning to Asheville on Friday, Jan. 12, for a night at The Orange Peel — where he last performed in 2021 — Barry will be splitting his act between his traditional stand-up routine and crowd work. Anticipate a mix of self-aggrandizing and self-effacing humor, anecdotes about his cat Michaeleen, and the possibility of becoming a focus of Barry's spontaneous on-stage banter if you're seated within close enough proximity to the mic.
Barry graciously answered questions from Asheville Stages about his upcoming Half Joking Tour, providing insights into his recent transition into life with a cat and reminiscing about his memorable 1982 appearance on Late Night with David Letterman.
Jonny Leather: You’ve performed in Asheville quite a bit over your career, and expressed your appreciation for the city in [your 2017 book] Thank You For Coming To Hattiesburg . Is there anything you’re looking forward to seeing or doing while in town? A return to the Basilica?
Todd Barry: The last time I was there I had such limited time that I couldn’t see anything. I have the exact same routing this time, so I’m afraid that will happen again. It’s too bad, because I like roaming around Asheville.
JL: At your last show at The Orange Peel in 2021, as well as your special, you spoke a bit about adopting a kitten. How’s that going for you?
TB: Pretty good! She’s five now. Drives me nuts sometimes, but [she] also started sleeping with me every night, which is pretty great. She’s also inspired a good chunk of material.
JL: On this tour, you’ll be devoting half of your set to doing crowd work. It’s a fan favorite aspect of your act, but is bantering with the audience also a way to keep things exciting on your end?
TB: It does keep things exciting for me, but I’m also enjoying the jokes portion of the show. Usually I transition back and forth from jokes to crowd work. This time I’m separating the two.
JL: Is there a particular type of audience member that you seek out to talk to, or avoid? And do you get a thrill out of navigating through the more challenging conversations?
TB: Sometimes I get someone who’s not into talking, so I’ll just back off. But it’s nice when a conversation seems like it’s going to be boring, then a new detail pops up.
JL: When doing anything creative, there’s always that need to focus. You’ve talked about sensitivity to a variety of distractions over the years — and NYC is a dependable source for diversion. Is there a specific setting or scenario that you feel most productive when writing new material? And how easy can you be taken out of “the zone”?
TB: I’m not a disciplined writer and it seems I have ADHD, so I work in little bursts. I go to coffee shops almost every day with my laptop, but end up doing a lot of administrative stuff like booking hotels and flights. But somehow I make it work in my own way.
JL: In 1982, you made your first televised appearance (via phone) on Late Night with David Letterman. Can you elaborate on how that all transpired, and what it meant to you at the time?
TB: Letterman had a segment called Viewer Mail, where he read letters. (This is pre-email.) I wrote him a letter saying I did a Paul Shaffer impression. A producer called me and said they wanted to do the segment. I believe it was the day before when they said they were going to cut the segment, but they ended up doing it the following week. Maybe the craziest achievement of my life.
IF YOU GO
Who: Todd Barry
When: Friday, January 12, 8 p.m.
Where: The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., theorangepeel.net
Tickets: $25-30
(Photo by Mindy Tucker)
