Summary of "Bob the Drag Queen Asks About Movie Musicals" Episode of Handsome

Release Date: October 22, 2024

In this lively episode of Handsome, hosts and comedians Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin explore the enchanting world of movie musicals, prompted by a thought-provoking question from guest Bob the Drag Queen. Throughout the episode, the trio intertwines personal anecdotes, humorous exchanges, and insightful discussions, culminating in a passionate debate about their favorite movie musicals.

Opening Banter and Personal Stories

The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing snippets of their daily lives and recent activities, setting a relaxed and conversational tone.

• Tig Notaro recounts attending her son's baseball games, humorously noting the team's consistent losses while praising her son's pitching prowess:

  "My son's team loses every game. But Finn is a really good pitcher." ([03:36])

• Mae Martin shares a heartwarming story about surprising her child with a skateboard, highlighting the joy and excitement it brought to her family:

  "His face lit up... Stephanie started crying when he saw we're getting him a skateboard." ([09:58])

• Fortune Feimster humorously details her preference for a simple Happy Meal after a tiring gig in Las Vegas, emphasizing the comfort in small indulgences:

  "I just wanted something small... so I got a Happy Meal." ([13:53])

Navigating Parenting and Social Interactions

The conversation naturally flows into the challenges and joys of parenting, especially when balancing personal interests with supporting children's activities.

• Tig discusses the delicate balance of cheering on her child's sports activities while managing interactions with young players:

  "I had to be firm with those middle schoolers on the putting green." ([35:03])

• Mae reflects on her upbringing and how it shapes her approach to social interactions today, sharing humorous insights about her own experiences at parties:

  "I was dancing on everyone and having existential dread the next day." ([23:28])

Humorous Takes on Everyday Situations

The hosts engage in playful banter about everyday scenarios, such as dealing with disruptive children and the quirks of social etiquette.

• Mae humorously describes her tendency to overreact in social settings, leading to amusing encounters:

  "I started doing tarot cards and gave someone a magic mic lap dance." ([24:31])

• Fortune and Tig join in the laughter, creating a light-hearted atmosphere as they navigate through quirky social mishaps:

  "Tig, that's hilarious." ([36:54])

Main Discussion: Favorite Movie Musicals

The episode's centerpiece arrives when Bob the Drag Queen poses the question: "What is your favorite movie musical of all time, and why?" The hosts eagerly dive into their personal favorites, offering diverse perspectives and memorable moments from various films.

Tig Notaro's Take on "Grease"

• Tig passionately declares "Grease" as her favorite movie musical, sharing nostalgic memories of watching it countless times as a child:

  "I saw it seven times in the theater one summer with my grandmother." ([40:03])

• She humorously critiques the movie's fantastical elements, pondering the plausibility of cars flying away in reality:

  "Why does the car just fly into the sky?" ([40:33])

Mae Martin's Love for Classic Musicals

• Mae brings a familial connection to her love for musicals, mentioning her grandfather's involvement in classics like "Rocky" and "My Fair Lady":

  "My grandfather was in the stage production of Rocky and My Fair Lady." ([44:04])

• She expresses a deep appreciation for "The Wizard of Oz" and the modern adaptation of "Matilda", praising its transgressive and humorous elements:

  "I love the new Matilda musical on stage in London." ([46:41])

Fortune Feimster's Fervor for "Moulin Rouge"

• Fortune enthusiastically names "Moulin Rouge" as her favorite, singing snippets from iconic songs like "Come What May":

  "Come what may, I will love you till my dying day." ([49:52])

• She highlights the emotional depth and vibrant energy of the film, making it her top pick:

  "It's a great movie with so much heart." ([50:31])

Creative Musings and Future Projects

Inspired by their discussion, the hosts brainstorm creative ideas for potential musical projects, blending their unique personalities and comedic talents.

• Mae suggests creating a "Handsome" movie musical, envisioning a fun and collaborative production:

  "We could sing about our podcasting adventures and internet mishaps." ([48:09])

• Fortune and Tig join in the excitement, imagining elaborate setups involving reindeer and live bands for a Christmas pantomime:

  "Let's rent a theater and get a live band for a pantomime Christmas." ([55:07])

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on the enduring charm of movie musicals, sharing final thoughts and expressing their gratitude to listeners.

• Tig humorously urges listeners to subscribe and share the podcast, blending promotional content with genuine affection:

  "Please subscribe and share your favorite episodes with friends." ([61:11])

• Mae and Fortune echo the sentiment, highlighting upcoming events and their latest projects, ensuring fans stay connected:

  "I'll be performing at Largo and Dynasty Typewriter in November and December." ([60:58])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mae Martin on parenting and nostalgia:

  "I have a rich history of movie musicals from my grandfather's involvement in classic stage productions." ([44:04])

• Tig Notaro on the fantastical elements of "Grease":

  "Why does the car just fly into the sky?" ([40:33])

• Fortune Feimster singing from "Moulin Rouge":

  "Come what may, I will love you till my dying day." ([49:52])

• Mae Martin on the emotional impact of musicals:

  "I went to see Mary Poppins with my parents in London, and wept together." ([50:41])

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the hosts' camaraderie, personal stories, and their deep appreciation for movie musicals. Through humor and heartfelt discussions, Tig, Mae, and Fortune create an engaging narrative that both entertains and enlightens listeners, making Handsome a must-listen for fans of comedy and musical cinema alike.