MEGAN GRAY on Junior Varsity & the Animaniacs

As Artistic Director, teacher, and performer at the Magnet Theater in New York, Megan Gray is a comedy hat-trick. Despite her busy schedule, she makes sure to find time for drinking red wine & a good crossword puzzle, because well… she’s “75 years old!” Not really. And she’ll prove it to you by reciting every word to the Animaniacs' "Nations of the World" song:

Megan returns to this year’s BCAF to perform with Junior Varsity, a longform improv team started by Armando Diaz. We asked her some questions about comedy, life and dance parties.

How did your comedy career begin?
Comedy was a part of my life growing up and the foundations for a future career were laid early by my parents. They loved Letterman, the Marx Brothers, Abbott & Costello, etc.

My first big comedy moment was when I was 6 years old. I recreated a Roy Rogers commercial for my family, playing a French chef who was very excited about the new Roy Rogers sandwich. It really was a dream role for a first grader. Making people laugh became addictive.

Then I moved on to more roles, second grade and eventually studying Dramatic Writing at NYU Tisch. Actually, it wasn't until I started taking improv classes at Upright Citizen’s Brigade in 2003 that I realized you COULD make a career out of comedy. This was a huge revelation for me, and the moment my "official" comedy career began.

What is your favorite moment on stage?
My favorite moments on stage are when I am fully present and connected with my partner or team. Where we're all on the same page and every line feels effortless. You're not worried about where the scene is going. Each moment feels like a true discovery. Specifically, my favorite moment on stage will be with Junior Varsity on Friday, September 6th, 10pm at the Brattle Theater. (Well played, Megan. Well played.)

Best song for a dance party?
Midnight Runner’s “Come on Eileen”!

Living or dead, who would you like to share a stage with?
Madeline Kahn! Her comedic voice was so distinctive. No one does sweetness with a bite better than her.

Where do you see the future of comedy going?
I see comedy expanding on stage and the internet. The quality of both is increasing at a prodigious rate. We can inspire, collaborate and affect each other's work around the world in ways that weren't possible even five years ago, which can only lead to new innovations and greater comedy (according to my comedy meter). If this doesn't pan out, comedy will probably start happening under the sea or in the sky where the impending climate change won't affect us as much.

Who are your top three pics of acts to see at the festival?
Oh man, that's the hardest question yet! The festival gets bigger and better every year, I want to see everything. But if I MUST choose, my top 3 picks are:
1) Johnny Velvet and the Moonbeams (Saturday SEPT 6, 6PM, IB Main Theater): they're from NYC and I'm always surprised by the discoveries they make on stage
2) Geeking Out with: The IMPROVISED Show (Saturday SEPT 6, 730PM, IB Main Theater): I'm a fan of Pam Victor's improv interviews, so this show will totally be worth it
3) Kevin McDonald (Saturday SEPT 6, 8PM, The Brattle Theater): he did stand-up at the Magnet in NYC a while back and I can't wait to see him again.

You can see Megan and the rest of Junior Varsity on Friday SEPT 6 the Brattle Theater,
10PM.