By Daily Press staff
Moms — they can be absolutely maddening, or sort of funny. Amy Borkowsky saved the answering machine messages from her mother for more than a decade. She realized that the messages that drove her crazy were also entertaining and universal.
Borkowsky will present her one woman show “Amy’s Answering Machine: Messages from Mom” on Sunday, May 15 at 4 p.m. at Beth Shir Shalom in Santa Monica.
For the past five years she has been performing stand-up comedy based on “Messages from Mom” at comedy clubs around the country. Borkowsky plays actual messages along with commentary about reminders to go to the bathroom before getting in line at the DMV, or how to adjust the clocks for daylight savings, and tips on how to keep from catching gum disease from kissing.
Borkowsky’s television appearances include interviews by Matt Lauer on NBC’s “Today” show and Jane Clayson on the CBS “Early Show.” She also appeared on MSNBC, “Lifetime Live,” “Pure Oxygen,” “Fox News Live” and the “WB Morning Show.” Borkowsky has been profiled on NPR. “National Enquirer TV” profiled her as “the comedian who’s making a career out of listening to her mother.”
A $10 donation is suggested to attend the Santa Monica performance. Free child care will be provided, but you must call in advance for a reservation.
Beth Shir Shalom is located at 1827 California Ave. — one block North of Wilshire Blvd. Parking is $3 and will be available at Wilshire Courtyard just North of Wilshire Boulevard from 19th Street. Beth Shir Shalom, a progressive reform Jewish congregation, is known for its musical, educational and social-action programs.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 9, 2005. Read the original PDF.