Sarah Sherman Discusses Comedy Special, Nude Prosthetics, and Collaborating with Adam Sandler
Sarah Sherman, the talented comedian known for her quirky characters on “Saturday Night Live,” is set to debut her first comedy special, titled “Live + In the Flesh,” on December 12 on HBO. The special introduces her alter ego, Sarah Squirm, and features a mix of body horror and self-deprecation intertwined with absurdity.
John Waters’ Role in “Live + In the Flesh”
At the special’s outset, Sherman emerges from a pile of grotesque props, with John Waters playing her stage manager. Sherman humorously recounted how she invited Waters to participate, highlighting her charmingly earnest letter that illustrated her unique vision.
Waters’ introduction perfectly matches the tone of Sherman’s performance, which often embraces explicit humor. Fans can expect a comedic exploration of the bizarre and macabre as Sherman pushes the boundaries of traditional stand-up.
The Comedy Style of Sarah Sherman
With over a decade of experience in stand-up, Sherman’s comedy is heavily influenced by her Jewish heritage. Her act often includes frank discussions around body image and personal insecurities, reminiscent of legends like Joan Rivers and Phyllis Diller.
- Emphasizes body horror and self-deprecation.
- Explores the “repulsion-and-attraction” dynamic in comedy.
- Engages audiences with personal stories and absurd visuals.
Performing for Varied Audiences
In the lead-up to her special, Sherman shared her experiences performing in front of diverse crowds, including an occasion where audience members walked out. Many attendees may not be prepared for her explicit content derived from real-life experiences.
While her typical shows are for adults aged 18 and up, she sometimes encounters children in the audience, leading to awkward but humorous interactions with parents. Sherman candidly acknowledges the challenge of catering to a varied demographic while maintaining her distinctive voice.
Opening for Adam Sandler
This year, Sherman opened for Adam Sandler on his arena tour, a memorable experience that also presented its challenges. Although she found the audience’s reactions varied, she noted that adapting her comedy style for such a vast venue was an intriguing endeavor.
The Use of Prosthetics and Visual Effects
One of the standout aspects of “Live + In the Flesh” is Sherman’s creative use of prosthetics, which adds a layer of horror to her performance. Sherman expressed her love for transformative visuals, stating that prosthetics help her connect with her comedic performance on a deeper level.
The combination of humor, horror, and personal stories establishes Sherman as a notable figure in contemporary comedy. Fans can anticipate a unique take on the genre that highlights both wit and visceral visuals in her upcoming special.
