Feeling the Bernhard, Onstage
Sandra Bernhard, always provocative and topical, is bringing her latest mix of comedy, rock ’n’ roll, cabaret, and a little burlesque to Guild Hall on Friday, July 8.
“Feel the Bernhard” is a show in the spirit of protest, not just of the current state of affairs in general, but specifically of the lead poisoning of the water supply of her hometown, Flint, Mich. The Flawless Zircons will provide backup music.
Ms. Bernhard is one of those multi-hyphenate performers who has made a name for herself in film, television, stand-up comedy, cabaret, and theater. Her latest venture into media is a radio show on Sirius’s Andy Cohen channel.
In a phone conversation last week, Ms. Bernhard, who moved to Arizona when she was 10, said she still felt a strong connection to Flint, which once had a profitable manufacturing economy through the car industry, but famously imploded once it left. “It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “People can’t just migrate all over the place when an industry leaves.”
The mismanagement of the water supply, which she continues to bring attention to and helps raise money to address, “just adds insult to injury,” she said. “It’s terrible and the governor should be recalled and thrown out on his ass.”
More locally, Ms. Bernhard is a regular visitor to the South Fork and has “stayed all over the place, going on and off for years, renting a place, nothing extravagant.” She hates “the McMansions, those gross places taking over the open space.”
She agrees with most that out here, “August is hell. The biggest crime that people commit in the Hamptons is being so entitled and rude to the people who live there year round. It’s hideous and awful.” Preferring the weeks here before the high season and in September, she said, “If you go at the right time with the right people, it’s gorgeous.”
Each of her shows is modified slightly for the audience, and the Guild Hall show will be no exception. “Whether I’m in New York, the Hamptons, or L.A., I want it to be fun and insider-y.” She likes to laugh at the obvious things without insulting people.
Her last performance at Guild Hall was two years ago, and this one will be completely different. “The Sandy Land squad will take people on a trip, a fun provocative journey that will take you out of your rut whether you are a billionaire or someone suffering in Flint.”
“Feel the Bernhard” will be presented at 8 p.m. and is recommended for audiences 16 and older. Tickets are $45, $43 for members, and are available at the Guild Hall box office and online.