Funny Girl!

The Single, Divorce Comedian Mom Opens for Joe Gorga

Michele Traina, star of Divorce Diaries on Amazon Prime, is set to bring her hilarious one-woman show to White Plains Performing Arts Center on November 16 as the opening act for Joe Gorga of Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Known for blending humor with personal stories, Traina’s stand-up is based on her real-life experiences navigating life after divorce while raising her young daughter and caring for a handicapped dog. This performance is part of her nationwide tour promoting her Amazon Prime series and highlights her unique ability to connect with audiences through stories of single motherhood, dating struggles, and co-parenting.

We spoke with the funny girl from her home in New York.

I caught your recent live show in West Nyack and you had the crowd rolling in the aisles.  What inspired you to turn your divorce into stand-up?

Michele Traina:  Divorce and everything that comes after it can be chaos and there’s so much comedy in chaos.  I try to dive into divorce authentically from my lens. I’m not the rich divorcee.  I’m the working middle class mom who has three college degrees and is in debt up to her knees. I poke fun at the ‘failures’ that some people are afraid to talk about and make them feel ok with themselves because if you are on the road to your happiness, it’s better than being on the path to something you’re not meant to be on.

Has embracing the funny side helped you navigate the challenges of being a single parent?

MT:  Comedy has helped me to process a lot of pain and challenges, especially with dating. Dating has been a nightmare. Ali Wong got Bill Hader from her divorce dating life. I got more therapy and a new gyno.  

How has your comedy evolved as you’ve toured the country with your live show? 

MT:  It has evolved so much since its inception as a one woman play in NYC.  A slew of characters that have crossed my path have become material for the live show and even characters for the series.

I want to ask you about the Amazon Prime series, but first, what’s it like balancing your career as a performer with being a mother? 

MT:  It can be difficult to juggle being a mom and showing up at the NYC clubs for spots. I have had to pave my own path for how I expand my career. The fortunate part is that my daughter is the voice of reason when things get overly chaotic. Anytime I feel ‘imposter syndrome’, she is the one speaking to me about how funny and beautiful I am. I’m very lucky to have a special bond with her.  My daughter is truly my inspiration to keep pursuing my goals.

How are gay audiences responding to your act?

MT:  I’d say gay and queer audiences are very connected to my show. “Divorce Diaries” is about hopeful love and failing beautifully. I think most everyone can relate to the universal themes of love, loss, and family.

You’re opening for one of our favorites, Joe Gorga.  How did that come about? 

MT:  My manager got me the gig! I am a huge Bravo fan and have watched all of The Real Housewives of New Jersey seasons so getting the crowd pumped is an honor.  Joe Gorga is one of the nicest people I’ve worked with. Down to earth and very kind to everyone. The show is funny, relatable, and a must see for all Real Housewives fans.

Speaking of TV, was it cathartic to turn your story into a series on Amazon Prime? 

MT:  Filming “Divorce Diaries” was one of the most amazing and exciting experiences because I’ve been envisioning it since the day I filed for divorce and had to move back home with my parents and Italian family. When it was running in film festivals, I’d hear the audience laugh and it was extremely validating and inspired me to film more episodes.

What’s your advice to anyone going through a divorce and struggling to find their sense of self?

MT:  My advice to all who are struggling to find their sense of self is the same – get back to what you love to do and continue to fill your day with it. Performance is what gets me out of my dark places and back to seeing the light.

Michele Traina opens for Joe Gorga at White Plains Performing Arts Center on November 16.  For tickets, visit WWPAC.com.  For more information on Amazon Prime’s Divorce Diaries, visit https://www.amazon.com/Michele-Traina-Divorce-Diaries/dp/B0B8PFSJMG.