Meg Stalter Brings Alt-Comedy to Boston with ‘The Prettiest Girl in America’

BOSTON, Mass. — Comic Meg Stalter, known for her distinctive brand of alt-comedy, is set to perform her latest tour, “The Prettiest Girl in America,” at the Wilbur Theatre on March 2. Stalter, 34, has garnered attention for her role as Kayla in the Emmy-winning HBO series “Hacks.” Her performance showcases a blend of awkwardness and bravado, making her a standout in the comedy scene.

Stalter’s rise to fame began during the pandemic when she created a series of comedic videos on social media. “I had to audition for my role in ‘Hacks,’ but they had me in mind. It became more tailored for me as we moved along in the process,” she said.

Fans can expect her unique character-driven comedy during the Boston show. “I’m playing a super-fake politician who is rich and self-absorbed, combining the types of characters I love to portray,” Stalter explained. “It’s a character who thinks of herself as the prettiest girl, which is inherently funny because of that delusional confidence.”

Stalter describes her characters as confident yet nervous, often poking fun at the various personas she embodies on stage. “I make fun of things I love, whether it’s actors or church moms. It’s all rooted in my own experiences,” she said.

Reflecting on her comedy evolution, Stalter noted, “In the beginning, I felt like I had to conform to traditional stand-up, but I found myself experimenting with character-based humor instead. Two years in, I figured out my style of ‘alt-weird’ comedy.”

Her influences include iconic comedians and shows, particularly Andy Kaufman. “I was obsessed with his ability to blur the lines between joke and reality. That’s my approach as well,” she added.

During our conversation, Stalter expressed the joy she finds in performing. “I wasn’t thinking about what would come next during the pandemic; I just needed to create and perform,” she said. “In the end, it’s about being entertaining without any fear of judgment.”

The Boston performance coincides with significant buzz around her work on “Hacks,” which has allowed her to explore her comedic voice on established platforms. “The writers really allow room for ad-libbing, but the script itself is so solid that it flows naturally,” she noted.

Stalter, who grew up in Ohio with a supportive family, credits her mother for sparking her comedic interest. “My mom would create sketches, and we would make our own little talk shows as kids. That encouraged my love for acting and performing,” she recalled.

As part of her performance, Stalter hopes to teach the audience about the entertainment industry while sharing her experiences. “It’s not just a comedy show; it’s about connecting and exploring how we perceive success and identity,” she said.

The upcoming act promises humor that resonates with attendees’ everyday experiences, empowering them to embrace their quirks through laughter. Stalter’s confidence shines through on stage, paving the way for a night filled with laughter and reflection.