Your backstage pass to the DFW music scene and beyond.
Seth Olenick
Todd Barry's face is familiar, even if his stand-up isn't. The 45-year-old Bronx native has carved out quite the cult career, appearing in works as diverse as Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler and Flight of the Conchords. He also contributes his voice to a slew of animated series and released his third album, From Heaven. Barry wraps up his "Sunday Off in Texas" tour (the NYC funnyman played this weekend's Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin) Tuesday at Addison's Improv. The show starts at 8 p.m. and is 21+, although 18+ can come with an adult.
DFW.com caught up with Barry via e-mail for a quick peek into his world.
What drew you to comedy?
I was always interested in comedy, mainly watching it, but I never really thought about being a comedian. Then I started going to comedy clubs in Florida, and got the urge to sign up for an open mic night. That was in 1987, and I haven't really stopped. I still can't believe I'm doing it, honestly.
Can you explain the genesis of the receipt museum?
I wanted something interesting on my Web site, something that would make people come back, and something other than the usual tour dates, photos, etc. So I thought it might be funny to post receipts of stuff I bought, along with my comments about the purchases. I know that might not sound like a great idea, but it is. It's great!
You've dabbled in acting - are most comedians interested in acting sooner or later?
There are comedians who also want to act, and there are comedians who got into comedy as a stepping-stone into acting. And there are handful of comedians who don't want to act. I'm in the first category, but I mainly consider myself a comedian.
What inspired the Red Wine Boys?
I think Jon Benjamin and I were booked separately at comedy show in New York, or maybe he was booked and I was just hanging out. Anyway, we decided to go on as a duo. We had nothing planned, then I pointed out that we were both drinking red wine. I said "Let's go on stage as 'The Red Wine Boys'." So we just went up and riffed about wine. It's developed slightly since then, but not much. It's an incredibly stupid act, but people enjoy it for some reason. Well, some people do.
Are crowds for a music festival more enjoyable than those for a comedy show? Any difference at all?
Festivals are fun because you get to hang with your friends and see bands, but they can be challenging, because sometimes the comedy stage is right next to another stage where a band is playing. And the band is usually louder than me, but I like performing in a wide variety of venues and environments. Last week I opened for Ricky Gervais at Carnegie Hall, the next night I did a ten minute spot at 40 seat theater in Austin.
What do you hope people get out of your comedic performances?
If they leave the club feeling only partially ripped-off, then I've done my job.