Kate Clinton (aka Lady Haha) :: not afraid of the ’L’ word
Comic veteran Kate Clinton has never been afraid of the "L" word, performing out and proud since the start of her stand-up career in 1981. Now, nearly three decades later, Clinton’s brand of comedy remains relevant, topical and - most importantly - funny as she dissects the many issues currently facing our community and movement.
At 62, Clinton is busier than ever. The paperback edition of her latest book, "I Told You So," is now in bookstores, her "Lady Haha" tour is making the rounds in venues throughout the country, and her blogs are a regular feature on the Huffington Post.
This Saturday, April 17, she opens for Lily Tomlin at the refurbished St. George Theatre on Staten Island in a benefit performance for the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for breast cancer research and Community Health Action of Staten Island. Riffing on evangelicals, gay marriage, the conservative agenda and even Cirque du Soleil, the legend of comedy recently took some time to speak with EDGE.
Creepy Cirque?
EDGE: What spurred you to take a break from your latest one-woman touring show, "Lady Ha Ha," to share a bill with Lily Tomlin?
Kate Clinton: We did a show together last summer in Provincetown, and had so much fun, we decided to take it on the road. It’s a dream come true for me. ... and I’m thrilled to be coming to the refurbished St. George Theatre. It has such a great back story. My publicist (Michele Karlsberg) is Staten Island through and through, and she’s the best. I’m eager to meet more Staten Islanders.
EDGE: I have to ask a serious question, pertaining to a message on your Twitter a few weeks back: Why do you think Cirque du Soleil is creepy?
KC: I don’t know! Weird things happen when they’re in New York. There’s a different vibe and there just seems to be a weird vibe in town.
EDGE: What kind of weird things have happened while Cirque has been in town?
KC: When I go to the airport, I have to go by their space. In the summer, they set up this tent and... It’s right by a jail, a prison for the criminally insane. I just think it’s way too close.
EDGE: Have there been any hassles on the Lady Haha Tour?
KC: I guess flying places with all the new security measures that seem to be changing overnight. I just wish I could beam myself places like on Star Trek. But luggage has always been a problem.
Watch Kate Clinton speak at last year’s National Equality March:
