DeAnne Smith cracks wise at JFL

Homecoming queen: DeAnne Smith
 

DeAnne Smith has two guiding phrases in life: “Let’s do this” and “It’s all happening.”

It’s all happening for Smith, indeed.

Smith is a powerhouse in the Montreal comedy scene, and not exactly our little secret. Her gamine charm masks a Ginsu-edged wit that fills venues from Edinburgh to Sydney. Critics laud her neurotic observations on life’s treasured moments gone awry. Audiences adore her skewering of all things precious. A packed touring schedule keeps her away from her adopted hometown Montreal much of the year, but luckily she’s got a few performances at Just for Laughs and Zoofest, including an appearance at the Bill Hader Gala and renditions of her latest solo show, “Livin’ the Sweet Life.”

“It’s straight stand-up with a ukulele,” she warns, “And someone is going to get the VIP treatment. So, please, sit in the front row.”

Returning to the Just for Laughs fest, Smith has seen the comedy scene in Montreal blossom. “It feels awesome to be here,” she says, and recalls her first spot at Club Soda seven years ago. “Things have changed. There weren’t many places for people to perform in the city then.”

Now, of course, the comedy scene is alive and kicking in Montreal. Smith is proud. “It’s vibrant. There’s so much energy with new faces on the stage. Including women. Lots of women. There weren’t as many performing when I started.”

She is impressed with the creativity of her Montreal colleagues. It doesn’t take much prodding to get the names of some favorites: Lowdown Comedy in Darren Henwood’s basement and Shut Up and Laugh at Burritoville.

Smith played no small part in augmenting the local comedy scene by creating and hosting regular nights. Most recently, she is involved in a showcase for new work called Freedom Nation and the bi-monthly burlesque Stand Up/Strip Down. Previously, she was host of the weekly Comedy OFF the Main and the monthly story telling series Tale Spin!

Comedy is the great love of Smith’s life. “It’s a joy to be on stage,” she says, “Negative personality traits turn into positive ones. I am a natural people pleaser. It works well when performing.” When asked where she’d like to go next, she says, “I’d be happy to do comedy for the rest of my life. I’m good at it.”

Good is an understatement. The list of international awards, nominations, accolades, and TV/radio appearances keeps growing with every passing year. Since her shows focus on her personal experiences of universal subjects—romance gone wrong, growing up in a dysfunctional family, careers she was happy to leave—they travel well. “I never focused on local stuff,” she says. “I change a few references when I perform in different places, but that’s it.”

Audiences connect easily with her style; her delivery sounds like an unedited mental voice-over. Though as cute as Miyazaki anime, her candid, smart zingers could make a Hentai cartoonist blush. “Did that really come out of her mouth?” the audience thinks, “Damn, I wish I’d thought of that.”

Her gift as an entertainer comes from an ability to read situations and feel the vibe of the crowd. When asked what’s the hardest thing about performing: “The whole thing,” she says. “But that’s what’s also the most rewarding at the same time.” Comedy seems to fit her personality in a way nothing else does. It fulfills her need for attention, while allowing her to make people laugh.

Success can take a toll, but Smith seems to be on top of her game and climbing. “It can be a challenge to get up and perform when you’re sick, but that’s what professionalism is about. I get on stage and bring the fun every night. I do it; it transforms me. I always leave feeling better. Hopefully everyone does.”  ■

Smith performs at the Bill Hader Gala on July 24, and will perform her live set July 23 – 28 at Underworld. Her new live comedy CD/DVD is due out this fall.