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Brilliantly Brill: Letterman talent coordinator headlines stand-up

Posted on February 11, 2010 by Staff

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.”

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.

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