INTERVIEW: Kathy Griffin On “Like A Boss,” Making Anderson Cooper Cry, And Her Dream Film Role

Comedian Kathy Griffin is currently in the middle of her 80-city “Like a Boss” tour, which is coming to the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) on Saturday, August 22nd at 8 p.m. We caught up with the Queen of Gossip, where we learned her comedy strategy, her “role” in Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, and why she loves performing at the WHBPAC.

What can people expect from your show?

An improvisational night of standup comedy which will contain a lot of vulgarity and negativity.

This tour is named “Like a Boss,” what was the inspiration?

Look, after two Emmys and a Grammy, you have to know what you’re doing. When I’m alone on stage with nothing but a microphone I’m the boss and dammit I’m going to act like it! I know my job and it is to make you laugh until you feel a little bit dirty!

You’re performing in 80 cities within 1 year, how did you prepare for the lengthy tour?

I train like a freaking comedy athlete. I set these ridiculous goals for myself. One of them was to do 80 cities in theaters in one year. What I love is the variety…and when you’re playing Billings, MT as well as Carnegie Hall, you get variety. Each show will be different and special. That’s how a boss does it, my friend.

Who are some of your favorite celebs to poke fun at during “Like a Boss?”

I’m excited to be the newly appointed campaign manager for the Trump “Best Ever, Don’t Worry I’m Going to Fix it Like You Can’t Even Imagine” Presidential Campaign!

Have you gotten any reactions from this tour that have surprised you?

Yes!! The turn out! When you play EIGHTY cities, you get the spectrum! The couples of all kinds, the LGBTQIA2’s, the single ladies, etc. And the audience reaction is gloriously different city by city! Hello Clinton Township Michigan!

You’ve worked with some pretty notable names and have had such a diverse career. Do you have a moment that stands out as the most memorable?

Well, I just got off the phone with Anderson Cooper. I had to break it to him that he has to actually pay for his tickets to my November 12th Carnegie Hall show. He’s probably crying in the Hamptons right now.

This isn’t you’re first time at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. What about the theater makes you want to come back?

It’s a REAL THEATER audience. Intimate. Smart people who can smell BS a mile away. My kinda crowd. I’m not holding back! NO WAY!

Besides the tour, do you have any other projects that you’re working on?

Of course! I just wrote my first sitcom script and am lining up my next televised special. I’d loooove to have the opportunity to perform in a “break out” film role (Think Monique in Precious). Just think about it. Ok, maybe more like Louis CK in American Hustle or Andrew Dice Clay in Blue Jasmine.

For tickets to Kathy Griffin at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, visit www.whbpac.org.