Through the pain of a recent loss, rising comedian Fiona O’Brien keeps her sense of humor intact as she reveals her likes and dislikes, including how quality control at Cadbury would be her ideal job

Where did you grow up? In Sutton, Dublin, in Ireland. Where do you live now? In Toronto, Canada. How long have you lived there? For five years. What do you like about it? Tim Hortons. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? At my mom’s house. What’s your claim-to-fame? Being a shit-cool mother fucka. What comics follow you on Twitter? Among others, Rosie O’Donnell and Lisa Lampanelli. Who’s your favorite female comic? Joan Rivers. Who’s your favorite male comic? Tommy Tiernan. What makes a good stand-up comic? Confidence, and faith in yourself.

*Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work* takes the audience on a year long ride with legendary comedian Joan Rivers in her 76th year of life. Peeling away the mask of an iconic comedian, the film is an emotionally surprising and revealing portrait of one the most hilarious and long-standing career women ever in the business.

What performer are you inspired by? Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams. What’s your favorite film? Jaws. What’s your favorite comedy film? This Is Spinal Tap. What’s your dream job? Quality control at Cadbury. Will you ever retire? No. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Lego. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Egypt, because I love the Egyptian history. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? The Sound of Music. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Gate-crashing a wedding with my friend. What’s your favorite book? Watermelon by Marian Keyes.

What’s the best concert you ever went to? Tina Turner. What did you learn from your parents? That you can’t stop tomorrow from coming. What’s your best characteristic? My sense of humor. How do you enjoy spending your time? Playing around on my phone. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Keanu Reeves, but only if he was a mute. Who do you admire, and why? My mom and dad, for loving us unconditionally. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My dad. He died this year, and he was my favorite person. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? Back to the day before my wedding. The “why” is obvious.

What would your last meal be? Ice cream. What do you worry about? Money. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? My daughter said a trumpet. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf. Who depends on you? My favorite child does, and also the other two. Who are you closest with? My sister, Orla. What would your autobiography be called? Are You Feckin’ Serious? What music do you listen to when you’re upset? The Pointer Sisters. What’s on your bucket list? To write a book. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not visiting Ireland as often as I could of. Can you tell me something that you never told anyone else? Yes. Where can we see you? At www.fionaobrien.ca, on my Facebook Web Series, on YouTube, on Twitter, or at a comedy club!

Comedian Judy Gold delivered an acerbic, politically-tinged set in Boca Raton this Sunday night

SHADE-O-METER RATING

4 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “SHE GAVE GOOD FACE – SHE SERVED IT”

Who is Judy Gold? According to her website,she’s a self-professed “comedian, actor, writer, host and big mouth.” Gold’s theater credits include both Broadway and several off-Broadway one-woman shows. Her film and TV credits predominately consist of scripted sitcoms and talk shows. She was also a writer and producer on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. What is Boca Black Box? Boca Black Box is a small theater in Boca Raton, Florida. How was the venue? A black box theater is an unadorned large, square performance space that typically has black walls and flat floor. The theater, nestled in a shopping mall, holds approximately 275 people. Because of its small size and unobstructed seating arrangement, there really wasn’t a bad seat in the house. The seats aren’t permanent. There was also a small amount of cocktail seating on both sides of the house. How was the parking? There was more than ample parking in the shopping plaza to accommodate a full house. Parking is free. There was no valet. However, minimal walking was required. Does the venue serve liquor? Yes. How were the drinks? The venue offered a fair amount of cocktails, wine and beer. The wait staff serves the beverages cabaret-style both before and during the show. The drinks are nothing fancy, and they’re a bit pricey. For example, a “Jim Beam and Coke” was $9. A domestic beer was $6.50. Does the venue serve food? No. How much were the tickets? $30 and $40.

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