Following a successful run of Keenerville, Stage 33 Chicago is presenting McManusLand, with Bridget McManus. Bridget hosts the improvisation show and is known for her hosting talents on the Logo network's Brunch with Bridget.
Windy City Times: Hi, Bridget. So you are coming to Chicago. Have you been here before?
Bridget McManus: Yes, I shot a movie called Wanted in Chicago. I went before that for the comic-book festival with my brother because he's a comic-book freak.
WCT: So am I! I just went to the convention. Did you do Wanted to get closer to Angelina Jolie?
BRIDGET MCMANUS: No, I was the executive producer of the movie. They threw me into the movie for a sec. Ange and I are not tight even though she was lovely. I am not that kind of lesbian. I am one of the only lesbians in the world that does not have a hard-on for Angelina Jolie.
WCT: How did Brunch with Bridget on the Logo network come about?
BRIDGET MCMANUS: I started doing it online. It was a video blog for AfterEllen.com . I started doing that in January 2008. It got really popular and won a few awards for NewNowNext, which is Logo's awards. I got a call a few days later asking if they could put it on TV.
WCT: Tell us about the show.
BRIDGET MCMANUS: The way the show is set up is that I shoot it in my bedroom. When they wanted me to put it on television, I revamped it. I had makeup artists come in and a set designer and redo the set. I was still shooting it myself. This year I revamped it again which it is more like a variety show. It is my dream show because I have always loved The Muppets, Carol Burnett and Tracey Ullman. Which is different than sitting with my friends in bed and televising it. It was never supposed to be a celebrity TV show. It was me and my friends being douche bags which is what we do the best.
WCT: Carol Burnett would be my dream interview if I could pick one. I got to do Lily Tomlin, which was a big one, recently.
BRIDGET MCMANUS: Shut up! You bastard, I love her! I asked her to be on my new show. I will cross my fingers but I am sure she is too busy. I saw her at Red Lobster once.
WCT: If you could have one big celebrity guest, who would it be?
BRIDGET MCMANUS: [ Secretary of State ] Hilary Clinton. I think I would just jump on her. I don't think I would even ask her any questions. I would just lie on top of her for 10 minutes. She's so cool and my hero.
WCT: We have both interviewed [ comedian ] Poppy Champlin.
BRIDGET MCMANUS: She is crazy. I went to North Carolina with her, and my in-laws saw my show for the first time when she dragged me out. We did a show in Vegas together, too. Poppy is one of the funniest people on the planet. She does not have a filter and it is so much fun to play with her.
WCT: So you have in-laws now and married Karman [ Kregloe ] before Prop 8 happened.
BRIDGET MCMANUS: Yay! I am married. It is bittersweet because I have so many friends that want to be married. It is insane that people all over this world are discriminatory. It doesn't make any sense. Rush Limbaugh can get married seven times but other people can't marry their partner of 35 fucking years.
WCT: I saw in your standup act that your sister is also lesbian.
BRIDGET MCMANUS: My sister is gay, and she got married in Seattle to her beautiful wife.
WCT: How did you get involved with Stage 33 Chicago?
BRIDGET MCMANUS: Telefilms asked me. If they pretty much ask me to do anything, I will do it, shy of killing people. My friend Elizabeth Keener did it, so it is great company to be in. Whatever they need from me I will do.
WCT: My boyfriend and I had a great time at their last improv show. You have a big improvisational background with the Groundlings and Second City in L.A.
BRIDGET MCMANUS: Yes, I did Second City and went through their whole conservatory program in Los Angeles. I did improv at New York University and the Groundlings recently. It is all about listening and staying on your toes. I just did a bunch of shows in Provincetown Massachusetts, and I poured water all over myself. I literally got water all over everyone in the front row.
WCT: I will warn people to wear a raincoat!
McManus will have five performances at Stage 33, 3655 N. Kedzie, Nov. 11-14 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. ( There will also be after-parties. ) Tickets are $30-$40; see www.Stage33Chicago.org .
