DC Comedy Spotlight: Jon Mumma

When it comes to surprising audiences, Jon Mumma has UFC like quickness. You never know where he is coming from. When I first saw Jon he was performing as one of his [now legendary] characters, Jim Marsdale, to a dumbfounded and delighted audience. "Was this guy for real?"

That is what Jon does. He comes at you when you least expect it and when he hits you...you can't stay mad for long. For several years now he has been working at such DC/Metro Area clubs as The Laughing Lizard, Riot Act Comedy Club, Cafe Rendezvous, The Hyatt in Bethesda, Wiseacres, Baltimore's Comedy Factory and is winner of the 2006 DC Improv Annual Showcase. Jon knows what it takes to be eccentric, but at the same time a welcoming face to new audiences all over the city.

When we asked Jon about what he loves most about performing he had this to say, "... for me is when you get one of those moments on stage when you feel complete comfort. Like, you could talk about anything and make it funny....total freedom." Jon's fun onstage is contagious, that is why he is one of DC's Best.

Hit the jump to learn more about Jon and watch some of his videos.[updated with interview!]

Jon will be onstage this Wednesday night, Dec. 5th @ 8pm for the Salute to Dr. Dremos Comedy Showcase

This weekend, you can catch Jon Mumma as one of the cast members in the HUGE SKETCH SHOW Poonanza V on Saturday Night, 10pm @ the Warehouse Theater. For tickets email larrypoon1@yahoo.com.

Next week, Jon will be featured at the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse next week, Thursday Dec. 13th @ 7:30pm. The show also includes local favorite Justin Schlegel and DCC4N's Jay Hastings.

Lastly, he is headlining the Bethesda Hyatt on December 14-15th and featuring at the Baltimore Comedy Factory December 27-29th.

Please, do yourself a favor and go out a catch a show. Let's do this, DC!

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Bonus Video: The Game

Jon Mumma Interview

*When did you realize that you wanted to do comedy?

5th grade. I loved Bill Cosby so did a book report about him and became infatuated with standup.

*Who were some of your earliest influences?

My earliest influence in standup was Cosby but I'd say Saturday Night Live was my greatest influence. Chris Farley and Phil Hartman remain two of my absolute favorite performers ever.

*Where did you first perform?

My first performance was at Wiseacres Comedy Club open mic, I did fairly well...if memory serves me, I did a Dr. Phil meets Rambo impersonation. It was gold.

*What was your first paid gig?

My first paid gig was Tracey's Comedy Club. I wrote my set list on my hand but once I got on stage I realized the lights were too dim to see the writing...plus, I remembered I didn't have any dick jokes so it was irrelavent.

*Do you prefer to write on or off stage?

I do both but more often than not, my jokes are writen onstage. Typically, something strikes me funny so I jot it down in my notebook. I read over it again the next day; if its still funny to me, I'll try talkin about it at an open mic. I record all my new ideas and then replay them to decide what to keep.

*Do you enjoy the process of writing?

I love the writing process. I just wish I was better at it.


*Do you ever want to convey a message?

The best part of performing for me is when you get one of those moments on stage when you feel complete comfort. Like, you could talk about anything and make it funny....total freedom. I wouldn't say that I necessarily want to convey a message in my material but I do want the audience to leave a show and feel as though its ok to let their guard down and be silly and goofy.

*What's hacky to you?

I'm not sure what hacky is anymore. It seems like the definition is always changing. I know that I don't like it when I feel as though a comic is not being genuine with the audience. I like all kinds of comedy as long as they feel honest.

*What is your day job?

I work at the Government Printing Office as a Program Analyst