What: Mike MacDonald (opening act Matt Billon)
When: Wednesday, 9:30 p.m.
Where: Stone’s Throw Restaurant, Best Western Carlton Plaza hotel, 642 Johnson St.
Admission: $20 atwww.stonesthrowcomedy.com or Stone’s Thow Restaurant
After an 18-year absence, Mike MacDonald is happy to be performing again in Victoria.
Then again, he’s happy to be anywhere.
On March 17, 2013, the Ottawa comedian underwent a seven-hour liver transplant. The 59-year-old, previously diagnosed with hepatitis C, had been on a waiting list more than a year.
MacDonald returned to the comedy stage only last September, performing at a Yuk Yuk’s nightclub in Ottawa.
Phoning from his hometown Monday, MacDonald — well known as a gruff guy — sounded extra gruff. He couldn’t recall the last time he played Victoria (Times Colonist records say it was the McPherson Playhouse in 2006).
“I know it’s been a while,” MacDonald said. “It’s been a long time.
On this particular day the comedian was battling a cold. Because he’s taking drugs to suppress his immune system (so the donated liver won’t be rejected) colds can because for concern. But MacDonald sounded rather pleased. It’s the first one he’s had since his operation, which is “pretty good.”
He’s a prominent comedian, even hailed in some quarters as the “King of Canadian comedy.” MacDonald has performed all over North America as well as appearing on the Late Show With David Letterman and multiple Comedy Central television specials.
Things went seriously downhill for MacDonald after he collapsed onstage one day. He had liver poisoning. His liver subsequently became infected, then his kidneys shut down. MacDonald needed a liver transplant.
His health problems had followed years of living a rock ’n’ roll lifestyle. Back in the day he shot heroin and did speedballs, maintaining a $2,500-a-week habit. MacDonald’s had other problems, too — struggling with a bipolar disorder, depression and migraines.
During his most recent health crisis, at least one silver lining emerged. A donation site was established to help MacDonald (who was unable to perform) and his family. The funding goal was $10,000 — about $50,000 was eventually raised. It was an astonishing show of support.
“Yes, I was very surprised,” MacDonald said. “My manager put it succinctly. He said most people don’t get to know what people think about them until they’re dead. I was lucky, I got to hear it while I was still alive.”
The comedian has long mined his personal life for his act. He says his recent ordeals are also grist for the comedy mill.
“For a long time now, I’ve been talking onstage about the cards that I’ve been dealt. Among them drug addiction, mental illness, the bipolar thing. I pretty well talk about all the things that happen to me.”
MacDonald said one of the biggest challenges on the road is watching his salt intake. That said, he’s starting to feel like his old self again. A Montreal review of a comeback show in October said it was a return to “the MacDonald of yore” with the performance earning “most deserving standing ovation.”
“I just try to do the best I can every day,” MacDonald said. “It’s coming back. It’s almost back to normal.”
