Kristen Interview from The Gothamist

September 4, 2008
Kristen Schaal, Comedian

You may know [url=Kristen Schaal][/url] from her role as Mel the stalker on Flight of the Conchords, or from her stand-up around town, or from her contributions to The Daily Show (she's even been in episodes of Mad Men, Law & Order and How I Met Your Mother). In 2005, years after moving to New York, she earned the [url=NY Mag title][/url] of one of the 10 Funniest Comedians You've Never Heard Of (they called her a whip-smart "
bastard offspring of Sarah Vowell and Amy Sedaris"
), and since then she's gone on to win many more accolades. Catch her in action this Friday and Saturday at Comix, where herself and Kurt Braunohler "
present a sordid tale of gambling, death, and hair-lips, with a touch of phone sex"
([url=details here][/url]).

We saw your Daily Show bit [url=about Olympics mascots][/url]--did you watch the summer games?
No, I was doing shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the only place in the world that had just as much going on as the Olympics. At one point I sat down for some disappointing bangers and mash with a friend and he said: "
So Kristen, Usaine Bolt?"
I thought he was saying: "
You say bolt?"
Like should we take off because the food was crap. I was in the dark, especially without a working TV over there. But when I got home I read Sports Illustrated cover to cover and actually splattered a tear or two on the pages. I was so moved by the muscles and dexterity.

Do you have any personal experiences that you'll never forget from when you first came to NYC?
I'll never forget watching a woman lose her mind in a subway station because the train was delayed. I vowed that I would never let myself become that woman. I think it only took a year before I was swearing violently at the empty tracks.

What are some of your favorite places to see comedy and do stand-up here?
I love Eugene Mirman and Michael Showalter's show at Union Hall. Upright Citizen's Brigade is always a joy. And the PIT is my home base.

Do you like the mix of work you've been doing--Flight of the Conchords, stand up, bits for the Daily Show?
Yeah it's wonderful. I get to act, write, and act-write.

What is the strangest thing about New Zealand culture?
The across the board humbleness.

Have you ever stalked anyone in real life? Or have you been stalked?
Never. I think when you take the comedy out it's incredibly scary.

Which New Yorker do you most admire?
Mayor [url=George B. McClellan][/url]. That's easy.

Given the opportunity, how would you change New York?
I would put more subway lines connecting Brooklyn and Queens.

Under what circumstance have you thought about leaving New York?
I haven't had the greatest health care here. If something ever happened to me I would move to California where the doctors are less busy and you can actually get an appointment within the month.

Do you have a favorite New York celebrity sighting or encounter?
When I first moved here I was sitting in a Starbucks when Molly Shannon walked in. I love her work, and Superstar is a favorite movie of mine, so I got up the courage to tell her as she was leaving. She was so kind and actually talked to me about my comedy career, which was non-existent. I walked on air all the way to my crappy job waiting tables at Planet Hollywood. It was a special early boost that I'll never forget.

What's your current soundtrack to the city?
The Stars. Currently.

Best cheap eat in the city.
Rachel's on 5th Ave in Park Slope. Delicious!