Charlie Tyson
Staff Writer
The headliner for the North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival’s stand-up portion is Eddie Brill, house comic and talent coordinator of “Late Show with David Letterman.â€
Brill has actively worked in comedy for over 25 years. He will perform Saturday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. at Cat’s Cradle, along with fellow comics Mike MacRae and Aparna Nancherla.
A fixture on the global comedy scene for decades, Brill comes to the festival as more than just a performer. As a talent booker, he plans to look closely at the stand-up talent performing at the festival and will also teach a workshop.
In between “Letterman†tapings, Brill spoke to The Citizen about his work in comedy and his involvement in this year’s festival.
The Citizen: Ever been to Carrboro?
Eddie Brill: I haven’t, oddly enough. I love North Carolina and have been there many times visiting friends, but I’ve never worked there.
TC: What brings you to Carr-boro for the festival?
EB: This gentleman Zach [Ward], who has such a passion for comedy, and when he contacted me, I realized, I’ve been doing this for a very long time, and when a young guy or girl comes along with a passion that you see in yourself, you want to be involved. That’s what I’m coming for. The fact that it’s in Carrboro gives me a chance to see a place I’ve never seen before.
TC: When and why did you start performing comedy?
EB: I fell into it. I went to college in Boston at Emerson College. I thought I would go there for broadcast journalism. My very first week in school I met Denis Leary and Steven Wright.…We formed a comedy group, which was fun. In 1984, I got to start a comedy club in New York City called the Paper Moon. That was my first time in maybe three years back onstage doing stand-up, and I haven’t stopped since. I travel all over the world and do my comedy.
TC: What aspects of the comedy festival are you looking forward to?
EB: I get to do three things I love like crazy [teach a workshop, check out comedians and perform] – it’s a triple threat. It’s hard to pick the favorite. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be performing with my friend Mike [MacRae]. That’s the juice. I love doing standup.
TC: Describe your act?
EB: If you like George Carlin, you’ll like what I do, because he was my hero. I would say it’s smart and silly. Makes you think, makes you laugh.
TC: Why should people see you?
EB: Because they will have the time of their life. They should see the show because the woman opening [Nancherla] is very funny, and Mike MacRae is very funny as well. I won’t say I’m the greatest comic in the world, because I’m not; but I will say that you’ll leave in a great mood. In a time with so many negative things in the world, this show is an antithesis.