Mary Santora Dishes On The Best Part Of Her Comedy Album 'Hillbilly Boujee'

It’s been a big week for Mary Santora.

The Cleveland comedian is releasing her first album, Hillbilly Boujee, and pre-sales started on Wednesday (January 27).

Santora, who you can also catch on 100.7 WMMS as a cohost of The Alan Cox Show, has performed stand-up comedy nationwide for almost a decade.

Her signature “straight-forward and conversational style” has contributed to her path as an award-winning performer.

Santora earned the Best Female Comedian title from the Cleveland Scene in 2016, 2017 and 2019. She also earned Best Comedian at the Cleveland Comedy Awards in 2019 and Best Undiscovered Comedian in Ohio by Thrillist in 2018, according to a press release announcing her album.

Her career has also included performances alongside Dave Attell, Tom Papa, Jen Kirkman and Kyle Kinane, among others, according to her bio.

Hillbilly Boujee sheds light on Santora’s childhood and a called-off wedding, diving in “with honesty, vulnerability, and comic relief, showing people that laughter can help you through even the most challenging times,” the release explains. Santora performed the set at Cleveland’s Hilarities 4th Street Theater in December.

“The opportunity to record my first album in my hometown, in front of family, friends and fans who have been supporting me since the dive bar open mics, was an incredible experience,” Santora said. “I’m so grateful for the community’s continued support, and I am looking forward to sharing my story and dark sense of humor through this album.”

Catch up with Mary Santora in this quick Q&A session:

Q: What's the best part about getting to record an album?

A: The best part about being able to record an album was definitely doing it in Cleveland. Being able to share this wild ride with friends, family and fans who have been there since day 1 has been awesome. It wouldn’t have felt as special anywhere else.

Q: How did you come up with the name Hillbilly Boujee?

A: The name, “Hillbilly Boujee” was actually created by a good buddy of mine and fellow comedian, Cody Cooper, a few years ago. I laughed so hard when he described me as that and ran with it. It’s like, I’ll treat myself to a nice steak dinner, but then I’ll ask for a to go box for the bread.

Q: Favorite place to eat in Cleveland?

A: Oh man, there’s so many amazing places to eat in Cleveland, I’m not sure I can pick just one. Joe’s Deli in Rocky River is pretty incredible and as a lactose intolerant person who loves dessert, I have to shout out Cleveland vegan. Their cupcakes are out of this world. 

Q: Favorite comedian or musical artist?

A: My favorite comedians are Brian Regan and Kathleen Madigan. They heavily shaped how I perform and write. Favorite musicians are John Mayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Zac Brown Band and Fall Out Boy. 

Q: Any other "fun fact" people would be excited to know about you!

A: Fun fact-I’ve never been to a haunted house. I avoid all things horror at all cost. 

Pre-order Hillbilly Boujee here.

The album will be available on streaming platforms on February 26.

Photo: Rustin McCann