Oh, that Tamayo
The Japanese comedian says she'd retire to Hilo if she could
By John BergerSpecial to the Star-Bulletin
Over drinks in the lobby of her Waikiki hotel, Tamayo was asked three questions.
Q: If you had to do something other than comedy to make what would you do?
A: Nothing! Retire! Live in Hilo. Watch TV documentaries. I would want to make one good movie (but) not make it a career. Maybe take comedy to different place. That's why I brought three guys that I can't afford with me for this show. Or write.
Q: What's the biggest change you've noticed here in Hawaii since you first performed here?
A: The biggest change I've noticed is me. Just after I came to America I had a review that said something like 'She have a appetite of Godzilla for fame.' Being on radio and TV was something that I really wanted to do. When I became famous I thought I was doing favor (to do radio interviews). Now I realize it's a circular relationship and I'm more calm. I know that enough is enough and I'm contented. From there to now I like me better now.
Q: Have you ever gotten a bad review that you felt you deserved?
A: I don't think reviewers write to teach comedy. I think they write for the audience. The trouble is sometimes the audience likes you, then the next time you get a bad review and they're not sure of their first impression...Sometimes you have a bad night or things don't work.
I don't like to tell the similar joke too long but one time I was here the club owner told me to do at least half of the same material.
He said, 'Trust me, people want to hear the same joke,' and the reviewer said I was doing too much all old material.
It's like a food chain - audience, entertainers, reviewers - as long as we all know we're part of it. But a review is for the audience, not for us.
What:Tamayo's Tower of Comedy
When: 5:30 p.m. today; 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday
Where: Aloha Tower Marketplace.
Tickets: $10