Fans of the Professor Blastoff podcast already know that Tig Notaro's performance is a must-see this Wednesday, but, in case you need convincing, consider one of the moments that rocketed Notaro into the national gaze:

One night at LA's comedy hotspot the Largo, Notaro took the stage and instead of carrying on with her normal set, she starts hesitantly, "Hello. Good Evening. Hello ... I have cancer."


Notaro had been diagnosed with breast cancer earlier that day, and, rather than pretending like nothing happened, she stood up there and told the truth. The beauty of the moment is Notaro bounces between making the audience sad and uncomfortable to laughing and uncomfortable at every turn, even so far as reassuring the crowd several times that it's okay.

The moment has been lauded by comedians like Louis C.K. for its raw honesty and emotion. It was featured on NPR's "This American Life." Marc Maron even chose to replicate the scenario in his show. Of course, Maron was the heroic truth teller for the "Maron" rendition because it's his TV show and he likes to keep the focus on him, but it's still flattering maybe since he used Notaro as the concierge.

As for standout moments in recent stand up history, Notaro's is definitely up there, which is why you should go see her when she performs as part of her "Boyish Girl Interrupted" tour at the Rialto Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 24 starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available, along with more information, on the Rialto Theatre's website.