Sarah Sherman’s first comedy special, “Live + In the Flesh,” is a unique blend of comedy and body horror. Set to premiere on HBO on December 12, the special showcases Sherman’s alter ego, Sarah Squirm, in all her grotesque glory.
The special kicks off with Sherman emerging from a pile of mush and eyeballs, as John Waters, playing a stage manager, urges her to “remind them why God invented the barf bag.” Known for her work on “Saturday Night Live,” Sherman brings a whole new level of gross-out humor to the stage in this special.
In a recent interview with Variety, Sherman delves into her love for all things gross and disturbing. Drawing inspiration from classic comedians like Joan Rivers and Phyllis Diller, Sherman infuses her stand-up with a Technicolor, gory twist that pushes boundaries and challenges audiences.
Sherman’s comedy is not for the faint of heart. With a knack for repulsing and captivating audiences simultaneously, she pushes the envelope with her body horror material. While some may walk out of her shows in shock, Sherman thrives on the connection she makes with her audience through laughter.
When it comes to performing for diverse audiences, Sherman admits to adjusting her comedy to cater to different crowds. Opening for Adam Sandler on his arena tour presented a new challenge for her, as she navigated the larger-than-life settings and varied reactions from audiences.
One standout moment in the special involves Sherman singling out a high audience member and subjecting them to a paranoia-inducing experience. While most take it in stride, one unlucky individual found themselves on the jumbotron in front of thousands, feeling like they were in hell.
As the special comes to a close, Sherman reveals images of her “naked” body covered in unsettling prosthetics, eliciting gasps from the audience. Despite the shock factor, Sherman embraces the transformative power of prosthetics, allowing her to fully embody her comedic alter ego.
In the end, Sherman’s unique blend of comedy and body horror challenges societal norms and pushes the boundaries of traditional stand-up. With “Live + In the Flesh,” she invites audiences to embrace the weird, the gross, and the downright bizarre in a one-of-a-kind comedy experience.
