A Fringe Quickie (#156) with ‘Bryan Safi: Are You Mad At Me??’

Questions answered by Bryan Safi.

Q1: If you could take just one record with you to survive the Fringe — your ultimate comfort, hype, or grounding track — what would it be, and why?

“Alien Superstar” by Beyoncé. I can have brutal social anxiety and dumb self-esteem spirals, but this song shuts it down. The chorus is pure mantra energy. While it’s playing, I swear I’ve got wind in my hair and the Fringe under my feet. My hype person in a track.

Q2: What’s the moment in your show that makes people laugh when they’re not sure they’re supposed to?

When I casually suggest that, growing up, my mother might’ve been both homophobic and kind of fierce. Some of the digs were so fresh—like the time she wore a fur coat to a talent show and told me I was too flashy. People laugh… then go very quiet… then laugh again. It’s fab!

Q3: If your show sent a drunk text at 3am, what would it say?

“hey you’re really cute.” then, “lol i sent that on a dare. don’t respond.” then, “jk you can respond.” then, “hanging onto the edge of arthur’s seat. come save me lol.” then, “actually serious.” then, “splat.”

Q4: How will the audience remember you the morning after?

They’ll wake up wondering, “Was that comedy or a full-blown emotional wallop?” Then they’ll hear a faint voice whisper, “When you left, were people talking about you? Are they mad at you?” And they’ll remember… oh right. Him.

About the show