BWW Interviews: Women Fully Clothed's Kathryn Greenwood

Women Fully Clothed: Older and Hotter is the much anticipated sequel for Canada's "comedy dream team" (Toronto Star) which takes everyday life, adds a dash of hilarity and puts it onstage.
The show features four of Canada's most celebrated and talented comediennes on stage together where they tackle all sorts of topics from mother-daughter relationships to cross border shopping and craft shows!

Robin Duke, Jayne Eastwood, Kathryn Greenwood and Teresa Pavlinek have crafted a fantastic evening of stories and song that is guaranteed to have both men and women alike laughing with them - and maybe at them a little bit too.

BWW had the chance to speak with all four women about the unique challenges of being not only a female in the business of comedy, but also "women of a certain age." They were just as funny in their interviews as in their show, and all week we will feature a piece with each leading lady. Today we are speaking with Kathryn Greenwood:

Congratulations on bringing WOMEN FULLY CLOTHED: Older & Hotter to Toronto! Why did you choose now to bring the show back to the city?

Thank you so much! Toronto's our home, and what better way to kick off our tour? We can't wait!

As comediennes working in what is still a predominantly male dominated field, do you feel that you have to work that much harder to prove yourselves compared to your male counterparts? Or in 2011 are women finally on equal footing?

It isn't a male dominated field. Funny women have always been there. It's as if a few years ago some lazy journalist needed an angle and said that there weren't a lot of women in comedy, and everybody believed it. So thanks for letting me set the record straight, I'm officially debunking the myth: Women are funny and there have always been women in comedy. It is hard to fight a male-centric attitude on the business end sometimes, but that's the beauty of this show; we don't have to answer to anybody and, lo and behold, it's a huge success. It's funny, so people come. Seems so simple, doesn't it?

You were all involved in Second City, how did that environment help set up your careers? Was it a good training ground? Did you find a big difference between the Toronto and Chicago Second City's?

It was the best training ground I could imagine. I worked almost every night for 5 years. The basic rules of improv lend themselves so well to creativity and collaboration...and of course it's really just writing on your feet. Also, Second City has such a high profile in the business that it acts as an impressive calling card.

Obviously this show makes light of the fact that you are getting older - but do you find that as women there is increased pressure to continue to look a certain way as the years go by? Something that perhaps male performers don't need to worry about as much?

Ok, this one isn't a myth. It's absolutely true, and it makes me both heart sick and exhausted. I think our show is a respite from that crap, honestly I do. We're 4 normal gals, and that offers a certain level of comfort for our audience allowing for a real connection. My own personal antidote is watching British T.V...funny and real. I swear it works. Thank goodness for them.

You are basically running your own show with this tour, and therefore get to decide when and where you go. What kinds of factors come into play when determining where to take the show next? Any cities or places you are dying to perform in?

Good questions by the way! Well, the factors are mostly close to home - kid's birthdays and projects, medical appointments, family responsibilities. We're middle aged women and it comes with the territory, nothing is care free anymore. It's one of my favourite things about the group - we are in control and able to support each other's personal schedules. You don't find that much in this business. That said, personally, I can't wait to play Austin...I've never been there!

The last time WOMEN FULLY CLOTHED came through Toronto it received rave reviews, yet comedy in general is still seen as the "lesser" art form when compared to drama. Why do you think that is? Especially when it is so universal?

That's the nature of comedy...low status...and I'll take it every time.

Finally, what would you say to encourage a younger audience to come out and see this show?

Lady Gaga loves us. But then I'd be lying. But she would love us if she'd just take a night off and come see us.

When and Where?
Women Fully Clothed: Older and Hotter
The Royal Alexandra Theatre
June 14th-June 19th

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, June 14 - 7:30pm
Wednesday, June 15 - 2 & 8pm
Thursday, June 16 - 8pm
Friday, June 17 - 8pm
Saturday, June 18 - 2 & 8pm
Sunday, June 19 - 2pm

Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, by phone at 416-872-1212 or online at www.mirvish.com/shows/womenfullyclothed