Podcast Summary: All Of It – Comedian Janine Harouni's 'Man'oushe'

Release Date: December 13, 2024
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Janine Harouni
Location: Soho Playhouse, New York City

Introduction to Janine Harouni and Her Show

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart warmly welcomes comedian Janine Harouni to discuss her one-hour comedy show, 'Man'oushe', currently running at the Soho Playhouse until December 21st. Janine, hailing originally from Staten Island and now based in the UK, brings a rich tapestry of personal experiences to her performance, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling.

Alison Stewart introduces Janine by highlighting her exceptional ability to portray various characters through accents, reflecting her Staten Island roots and Lebanese heritage:

"You can tell comedian Janine Haroney is from Staten island in part because she's really good at the accent." [00:37]

Crafting 'Man'oushe' – Themes and Personal Narratives

Janine's show delves deep into themes of motherhood, navigating fears of becoming a mother, a challenging pregnancy, a miscarriage, and her complex relationship with her parents. She emphasizes honesty in her storytelling, aiming to create a cathartic experience for her audience.

When discussing her approach to sensitive topics, Janine shares:

"I feel like it was, for me, the only way to do it. I would feel fake if I was getting up and not being honest about what I was thinking about, worrying about." [03:16]

She explains that using humor to address her fears and anxieties allows her to connect authentically with her audience, providing both levity and depth.

Performance Under Unique Circumstances

Janine recounts the challenging experience of debuting her show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival while being eight and a half months pregnant:

"Big mistake." [02:20]

She describes the physical difficulties of performing at such a late stage in her pregnancy, including navigating the hilly terrain of Edinburgh and managing morning sickness on stage. Despite these challenges, she found a silver lining as her unborn son would often fall asleep during her performance, providing her brief moments of respite:

"The only time that he fell asleep was when I was doing my show. So it was actually very nice to have that break." [02:39]

Exploring Heritage and Family Influence

A significant portion of Janine's comedy revolves around her Lebanese heritage and family dynamics. She fondly recalls her grandmother, a professional singer in Lebanon, and shares anecdotes that highlight the cultural nuances within her family.

Discussing her grandmother's illustrious career, Janine reveals:

"She starred in the first ever Lebanese movie called the Bride of Lebanon." [08:08]

This legacy influences Janine's own storytelling, as she grapples with balancing personal aspirations with familial expectations. She reflects on her grandmother's decision to emigrate to the US, leaving behind a flourishing career to prioritize family life, paralleling her own fears about balancing motherhood and career:

"The show kind of wrestles with that pressure that you feel as a woman to have a career and have dreams and still make space to be a parent and have a family and do all of those things." [10:08]

Mastering Accents and Character Portrayal

Janine's talent for accents enhances her storytelling, allowing her to embody a range of characters from her Staten Island parents to her Lebanese grandmother and Irish husband. She shares how this skill has opened doors for her, including casting opportunities:

"Casting directors who were doing the Batman movie came and saw the show, and they were looking for someone to play a sex worker in this Batman movie. And my impersonation of my mother, apparently, they were like, she'd be perfect." [11:35]

Her ability to switch accents seamlessly adds depth to her performances, making her characters relatable and vibrant.

Handling Edgy Topics and Audience Reactions

Janine doesn't shy away from controversial subjects such as abortion and miscarriage. She discusses the polarized reactions she receives from different audiences, illustrating the societal divisions mirrored in her comedy settings.

Reflecting on performing in Raleigh, North Carolina, she notes:

"Half of the audience booed, half of the audience stood up and clapped. It was a microcosm of the division that's happening in this states right now." [12:49]

Janine emphasizes her approach to tackling sensitive topics with humor, aiming to create a safe and inclusive environment for all audience members:

"I want everybody in my shows to feel very comfortable and very wanted there." [13:34]

The Influential Role of Adam Brace

A pivotal moment in Janine's journey was the sudden passing of Adam Brace, a close friend and mentor who profoundly influenced her comedic style. Adam taught her the art of blending deep, personal narratives with humor, a technique that defines her show.

Janine shares touching memories of Adam:

"He was just the best. He knew how to write. He knew how to take someone from a joke writer to a storyteller and how to write about personal things that are meaningful and how to make them funny." [17:24]

Her tribute to Adam in the show underscores the importance of authenticity and emotional resonance in her comedy.

Embracing Motherhood

Janine candidly discusses her transition into motherhood, highlighting the initial anxiety and eventual fulfillment she finds in raising her 15-month-old son. She contrasts her expectations with the reality of early parenthood, acknowledging the challenges and joys that come with nurturing a child.

"Now that he's 15 months old... I see that this is what I thought motherhood would be like and I'm really, really enjoying it." [05:34]

Her honest portrayal of the complexities of motherhood resonates with many, showcasing her ability to find humor and love amidst the chaos.

Collaborating with Her Husband

Janine's husband, Andrew, plays a supportive role in her performances by opening for her. Their collaborative dynamic enhances the familial atmosphere of her shows, making the experience more intimate and relatable for the audience.

"He has unbelievable taste and he's somebody who I can turn to and say, is this funny? And he'll say kind of, but maybe punch it up with this joke or that." [24:14]

Their partnership exemplifies the balance between personal and professional life, further enriching Janine's comedic narratives.

Cultural Differences in Audience Reception

Comparing her performances in the UK and New York, Janine observes distinct cultural responses. She notes that New York audiences are more vocal and emotionally expressive, enhancing the live experience, whereas British audiences tend to be more reserved.

"British audiences can be very reserved, very quiet. And so it's really special to be doing the show here in New York." [24:44]

This insight highlights how cultural contexts shape the reception of comedy, influencing Janine's delivery and interaction with her audience.

Conclusion

Janine Harouni's 'Man'oushe' is a compelling blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, drawing from her rich cultural heritage, personal experiences, and the profound influence of mentors like Adam Brace. Through her honest and engaging performances, Janine invites audiences to reflect on universal themes of family, motherhood, and resilience, all while delivering laughs that resonate deeply.

For those interested in experiencing Janine's unique comedic perspective, 'Man'oushe' is available at the Soho Playhouse until December 21st.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I feel like it was, for me, the only way to do it..." [03:16]
• "Big mistake." [02:20]
• "She starred in the first ever Lebanese movie called the Bride of Lebanon." [08:08]
• "The show kind of wrestles with that pressure..." [10:08]
• "He was just the best. He knew how to write..." [17:24]
• "Now that he's 15 months old... I'm really, really enjoying it." [05:34]
• "British audiences can be very reserved, very quiet." [24:44]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Janine Harouni's 'Man'oushe', highlighting key discussions, personal insights, and the emotional depth of her comedy. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to her work, this episode offers a profound glimpse into the intricacies of culture, motherhood, and the power of authentic storytelling.