If you go
Todd Barry
Where: Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington
When: 9:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Info: $20; 703-486-2345; arlingtondrafthouse.com
Comedian Todd Barry is pretty straightforward when saying why he tours so much. “That’s how I make my living,” he deadpanned during a recent phone interview. “It’s the way I make my money.”
For Barry, who is performing Friday and Saturday night at the Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse, touring does pay the bills. The New York resident is a frequent visitor of the D.C. metro area and was last here in October. In March, he’s traveling to Glasgow, Scotland, and Melbourne, Australia, for some international gigs.
“I like to get out there, bring it to the people,” the 45-year-old said.
Barry doesn’t like to classify his humor, but it’s a pretty straightforward, subdued, observational type of joke telling. And yes, funny. Very funny.
Having his humor translate overseas is sometimes tricky, because of cultural differences.
“It’s always a little nerve-wracking when you go outside of the States,” he said. “There are things that you take for granted. When it works, it feels great.”
Recently, Barry has done other things that have felt great. He did a show in Seattle last week that benefited the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and has done some Haiti benefit shows. Giving back is something he can’t say no to.
“It’s just easy,” Barry said. “When somebody asks that you help out, it would be awful to say no.”
Barry has done more than stand-up, and his credits include roles on the television show “Flight of the Conchords” as well as a part in the award-winning motion picture “The Wrestler” — he played Mickey Rourke’s boss, Wayne. He’s done a lot of voice-over work, including for the show “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.”
“I quite like it,” Barry said of his voice-over work, adding that he doesn’t have to dress up to get the job done. “It’s kind of easy.”
On Barry’s last trip to the D.C. area, he got a tour of the White House. He’s played the Drafthouse on Columbia Pike a number of times and is a big fan of the venue.
“I love it,” he said. “It’s good. You do one show a night, and it’s a nice theater setup. It’s a little more captive audience.”
