Crazy Good Comedy

What do compulsive inappropriate thoughts, suicidal tendencies and cute raccoons have in common? They’re all frequent topics of Maria Bamford’s comedy.

Bamford brings her unique and self-reflective routine to the McDonald Theatre on Friday. Best known for her quirky Netflix series Lady Dynamite and rollicking stand-up special Old Baby, Bamford thrives by poking fun at her own history of mental illness — she has been diagnosed as bi-polar — and beckons audiences to laugh with her at her vulnerabilities.

Beyond the laughter, Bamford’s comedy is an honest and thought-provoking look at the struggles of mental illness. Her ability to explain or act out and then laugh off serious psychological issues is a true gift for her fans who have had similar experiences. She has the impressive ability to take the darkest inner fears, expose them as ridiculous and leave you laughing while also wondering whether laughter is entirely appropriate.

But Bamford, whose comedy seemingly wills itself out of her in staccato bursts, doesn’t rely solely on deep or psychological humor. Jokes like an exaggerated rendition of Paula Dean’s cooking show, the absurdity of binge-watching Netflix until you run out of genocide documentaries, and the tanning opportunities that come with climate change all hit the mark and show the breadth of her talent and wit.

If you’re unfamiliar with Bamford’s work, want to check her out for yourself and don’t have Netflix, a fun and short primer is her Topic.com holiday special Ave Maria Bamford, in which she talks about holiday gifts such as being a single mother, having addiction problems and enduring unspeakable tragedies.

Go see Bamford for a guaranteed laugh and leave appreciating her honest self-reflection and what it means for those struggling with the same issues she has dealt with.

Bamford’s show is at the McDonald Theatre on Friday, Jan. 12. The all-ages show is 8 pm. Tickets are $37 at McDonaldTheatre.com.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

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None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!