Please tell us about your brand of comedy- what can audiences expect?
Lynne Jassem by Keli Squires Taylor
I am a lover of physical comedy, story and silliness, all accompanied by vulnerability. I enjoy seeing the depth of a characterization, what makes a person do the crazy things they do.
My audiences can both expect and be delivered of my heart and soul, sometimes in dramatic exposition and sometimes served "funny side up", but always honestly.
Which comedians have been your biggest influence ?
Sid Caesar, Billy Crystal, Amy Poehler, Charlie Chaplin, John Leguizamo…all my idols
What random things make you laugh in everyday life?
I love to people watch, observing the strange and funny things peeps do when they think "no one is watching".
Please tell us about your best and worst moment on stage so far.
My best moment is always when I feel that wonderful wave falling over me …the wave of love and acceptance from my audience. This always gives me the confidence to create a new moment right there; it's a great feeling.
My worst moment occurred some years ago: I was in a mime company and was supposed to come out on a small rug; instead, I got tangled up in the rug and lay on the floor unable to move, just a terrified head and feet wildly kicking.
Do you still get nervous when you do a gig?
Are you kidding! uhhhhhh yeaaah. I am backstage deep breathing and doing what I can remember of tai chi moves.
Why is Edinburgh Fringe Festival such a great platform for comedians?
The world can be a very scary place and Edinburgh gives us the opportunity to come together as many different cultures and laugh …nothing better to heal.
The variety of people who come to Edinburgh to see the shows all get connected through humor, laughing at ourselves and more to the point…each other.
Who are you looking forward to seeing as an audience member?
Hmm, let me see… the Press, a fabulous booking agent, a wonderful producer, a Broadway theatre manager…uh…mm, people who love to laugh and love me.
Oh! Are you talking about me going to a show? Now that's different…I am really looking forward to seeing the old bods do their thang…especially because at 70 they make me feel quite young! I'd like to mention Dyan Forest and Lynne Ruth Miller in particular.
What is your advice to aspiring comedians?
Don't give up before it happens. Just keep going and growing and dodging tomatoes…and in time things will blossom for you.
What is the oddest heckle you've ever received?
Sing Melancholy Baby
What is next for you?
Oh Boy…In July I am performing at The Actors Ark in Los Angeles. Then I go to NYC in the fall to perform on Theatre Row for United Solo, then I travel up state to Woodstock to give all the ol' Hippies a good time. And...Gawd Willin'… there will be a fab tour in my future.
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