by Will Thomas
So I'm here with Jenna! Jenna, what's your origin story?
My origin story...well, I was born on an island of fierce women warriors. I always knew I was a bit different when a group of strange men attacked, killing my mentor. I joined a strange man to take down Nazi forces.... oh wait, that's Wonder Woman sorry. I grew up in Dillon and Townsend, MT where I was an awkward, quiet child building up years of self-deprecation.
I mean I was totally on board with the first story! But the second has more substance. Did you have any encounters with ghosts or anything supernatural growing up?
Not personally. I had a lot of friends that did though. One of my friends saw ghosts all the time. I did have on experience with an Ouija board. We asked it if anyone had died that night. It said "yes". That's it. Wasn't super chatty about it.
A very awkward Ouija board. Hold onto that one! That's a story. But ok, onto comedy. Do you have a specific pre show routine you do before you go on?
I kinda do this dance I call the flour sifter, because it's shaky and very white.
HA. I’ll have to see that! Now, there is one question ice been dying to ask. Where did you get your fedora? Its perfect!
Haha! I got that little hipster beauty at Cactus Records in Bozeman! To even sound more hipster, I think it's called a trilby? Don't quote me on that, I'm definitely no fashion connoisseur but I'm trying to make it my signature!
It's a great look. So, what's a day in the life of you?
Let's see. I'm a proud cat mom, currently aspiring to be Ultimate Cat Mom. I'm training my wee little one to walk on a leash and to attack on command at Stranger Danger. I work a day job selling tours into Yellowstone and encouraging folk to not get eaten by grizzlies. I Uber on the side, even though I am a terrible driver-- I try to become a dutiful grandma during uber hours. I constantly sing songs I write in the moment, probably because wish my life could break out into a song and choreographed dance number. I drop puns whenever I can, and of course perform comedy whenever I can.
I feel like all of that needs to be a series. A complete TV series. If it was, who would play you?
I've often been told I look like Emma Stone. She's quirky enough to handle the depth of such a role!
An excellent choice. Now, I want to go back to Ultimate Cat Mom. Montanans love their pets. But, is there a degree i.e American Ninja Warrior obstacle course to become the UCM?
Ohh yess. It takes YEARS of training of body and mind to become the UCM. You train until your mind breaks from the mental games of your cat's dissociative affection, your fingers callous from making home made sweaters, your legs burn from hiking up mountains and fording through streams with your cat strapped to your back in her "catback", and her instagram has more than 100K followers.
Hilarious! That's dedication. Not many can attain that pinnacle! Props to you on that endeavor. Which brings me to the final question. Dreyfest is a compendium of art and expression. With your outlook on the world…Will pineapple on pizza ever be ok?
I tend to describe myself as an optimistic cynic. The glass may be half empty, but it's still water I can drink. A fun fact is that pineapple on pizza was invented by 17th century "witches", and if a woman was caught buying dough AND pineapple, pious religious zealots would serve piping hot pizza...if the women burned the roof of their mouth they weren't a witch, but they also suffered from such severe burns they were unable to eat again and starved. As such, I look forward to a world where people can eat whatever the hell they want and not be judged or burned at the stake as a witch or heretic. Just keep your eyes on your own plate, that's what I say.
I applaud this! Wholeheartedly. Well, that concludes this interview. Jenna, thank you for your time! We look forward to seeing and hearing you in August!
