Comedian Bonnie McFarlane, Performing in Brick Saturday, Revels In 'Aggressive' Humor

She may have been born in Canada, but comedian Bonnie McFarlane won't have to travel far to perform in Brick this Saturday at the River Rock Cafe on Route 70.

“I can’t wait for the show,” McFarlane told Brick Patch this week. “One of my New Year’s resolutions was to do more shows in Brick, New Jersey. I just hope there is a stage.”

McFarlane's north- of-the-border roots run deep, but since marrying fellow comedian and Plainfield native Rich Vos in 2005, she's a Jersey Girl who says she entertains audiences with a flare most Garden State crowds are used to.

“I want the audience to have a good time, but I don't want to have to censor myself,” McFarlane said. “That is why sometimes, right before I perform, I will check out the demographic of the audience and work my material towards that. I want to leave them happy.”

Frequently featured on the "Opie and Anthony Show" on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, McFarlane said she loves doing stand-up because of the freedom that comes with it.

"I love the lifestyle because I am able to get up in front of people and talk about life and our families. Most of the stuff comedians get up there and talk about is just ridiculous and fun, but the audience goes along with it,” she said.

For the last year, however, McFarlane -- who has made her name writing for shows like “Spy TV” and “The Man Show” -- has been working on a documentary about female stand-up comedians.

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” said McFarlane, about the progress of making the film. “We have been editing for eight months and I just did not realize how much grunt work went into it.”

The documentary features interviews with stand-up comedians like Rosie O’Donnell, Joy Behar and other female comedians.

“What makes our industry so great is that once a comic, always a comic. If a comic has made it famous, she will sit around and just hang out and talk with other comedians,” said McFarlane. “It doesn't matter how offensive the humor gets because the more aggressive, the better.”

Her approach to the upcoming Brick performance: just talk to the crowd.

“I just want to make sure they do not hate,” McFarlane said with a laugh.

“Please don’t hate me!” she shouted.

Show tickets are on sale for $25, with an optional dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. and McFarlane taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. The show will be held at The Comedy Shoppe at River Rock Cafe, 1600 Route 70, at the foot of the bridge to Brielle. For more information, call 732-840-1110.