Two weeks ago, Stella came to Philly. While most are probably not familiar with this stand-up variety show, most everyone knows the hosts. David Wain, Michael Showalter and Michael Ian Black are most recognized for their work on the seminal sketch comedy show The State many years back and more recently from their work on the film Wet Hot American Summer.
Stella is quite different from both of these endeavors, however. Born in New York City and visiting Philadelphia for a one-time only engagement, Stella brings together music, stand-up comedy, video and cameo appearances from recognizable faces at a frenetic pace for one funny show. After the two-hour performance, Street sat down with two members of the group, David Wain and Michael Showalter.
Street: Which do you enjoy more, performing live or doing more edited (video) material?
Street: If Stella isn't full time, what else are you doing?
Wain: David and I are doing a pilot, actually, of Wet Hot American Summer. We're both screenwriters and Michael Ian Black does Ed. We're constantly writing and developing things for television and movies, because [Stella] really isn't a way to make a living.
Street: When can we expect to hear more about the pilot? And who are you pitching it to?
Wain: It's for Fox. Television pilots have a whole series of hoops they need to go through. If it works, it could come to series next fall, or maybe sooner.
Street: Are you also working on any movies?
Wain: Yes, we have another movie we wrote that we are trying to get made right now. Any number of things might happen.
Street: How do you find the time to get together if this is just a hobby?
Showalter: We're just friends. This is just a good way for us to spend time together.
Wain: All of us work together in various combinations and have continued to over the years since The State broke up. We've always kept in touch both personally and professionally.
Street: You mentioned that Stella coming to Philly and moving outside of New York is a new thing. How does this fit in with the future of Stella?
Wain: We did this at the Fez [in New York] for six years. First weekly and then in chunks of a few weeks at a time. We've rarely done it on the road except a couple of times in L.A. This [performing in Philly] was just to try it. We'll see what happens next.
Street: What is inspiring you today, what is giving you material?
Showalter: I like Radiohead. I like Jon Mayer. It sounds like I'm kidding but it's serious. Those are the things that touch that angsty nerve, but you just want to make a joke out of it.
Street: You've been doing things for several years now, from The State, to Stella to Wet Hot American Summer. Where do you think your longevity comes from?
Wain: Because it has always been a hobby.
Showalter: I think also that there is an audience out there for what we are doing. There's not a lot of people out there making the same kinds of jokes that we are and some people really connect with that. That's always been our experience with everything we've done.
