Lynne Jassem talks about her debut show, From Como to Homo.
Tell us about your Fringe show
My show, From Como To Homo, tells the story of my life growing up as a “Comoette”….yes that’s right…I was a regular on the Perry Como TV show in 1957.
The show follows the trials and tribulations of a star-struck ten year-old balancing her career with the demands of her stage mom (a former “Rockette”), her emerging gender confusion and a debilitating illness.
Over time I discover my inner “Billy”. Yikes! He’s a little man who lives down inside me and is dying to come out and tap dance.
I finally succumb to severe illness and am eventually brought to a psychiatrist (pretty darn radical for 1957), where therapeutic resolution finally brings the two parts of Lynne together and they celebrate in a wonderful tap show number.
Everything is told through tap, physical comedy, mime, song and a bit of sit down comedy.
How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
Absolutely terrific….so very excited…don’t know what to expect, but I have a feeling its gonna be great!
Which live act are you most looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?
Geeez…I hope there aren’t any dead acts! I am hoping to catch the other oldies….the ones that make me look young….Lynne Ruth Miller and Dyan Forest.
If you were not a performer/comedian what would you be doing?
Farming?
How do you combat pre-gig nerves?
I talk to myself….a lot….and then I try a bit of tai chi just before I throw up!
Worst on stage experience?
Tap dancing on a cruise ship in a very tumultuous sea……argh
How do you recover from a hefty heckle?
I invite them to come up on stage and do a song. That usually shuts them up.
What do you love about Scotland?
I loved Brigadoon! And I know that’s what Scotland is REALLY like…
What do you like about Edinburgh?
The Castle of course…and the FRINGE…
What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
I went to Hog Manay…..sure my spelling is wrong….I saw the Bag Pipers and wore a kilt.
Who’s your favourite Scottish comedian?
An old-timer vaudevillian…Harry Lauder is my favorite Scottish performer
Favourite joke?
In Scotland we have mixed feelings about Global warming…because we will get to sit on the mountains and watch the English drown….(nothing to do with Sheep)
Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Would you believe me if I said Haggis?
Lynne Jassem: From Como To Homo will be at the Edinburgh Festival Sweet Venue Grass Market 2 at 2.15pm each day for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
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