The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
He’s laughing on
Brian Regan hitting socially distanced Hilarities for three-night run
Brian Regan is one of today’s most recognizable names in comedy. He’s known as one of the “clean” guys, who, in the same vein as talented counterparts such as Jim Gaffigan and Jeff Foxworthy, avoids profanity and off-color subjects. ¶ He’s refined his craft so well that he was able to turn one of comedy’s biggest legends — Jerry Seinfeld — into a huge fan and friend. ¶ Since beginning his journey into the tricky business more than 30 years ago, he’s toured nearly nonstop, hitting nearly 100 cities across North America each year.
His comedy specials can be found on Netflix. And, despite the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, he is reaching his audience in person again at limited-capacity comedy clubs, including Hilarities 4th Street Theatre in Cleveland, where he is set to perform Aug. 31 through Sept. 2.
In a recent email interview, he talks about upcoming projects, transitioning back to smaller crowds (which he doesn’t seem to mind) and sprinkling in material about managing his experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder into his recent work.
Q
Many comedy clubs are open again, with limited capacity and other restrictions. Did you consider other routes before the return of clubs? For example, several comics have been performing outside in parks or even parking lots. I believe you’ve done a drive-in recently?
A
I have been open to all kinds of venues. So far, I’ve only done comedy clubs (making people sit at six feet apart tables). I have my first drive-in theater performance in about a week — with fans flashing their lights and honking their horns. I have an outdoor amphitheater next month, where I’ll be trying to make people and bugs laugh.
We are also looking to book a minor-league baseball
stadium, where I’ll be throwing screwballs from the pitcher’s mound. I don’t think I would’ve even considered some of these venues six months ago, but the world has changed. Q What about doing comedy remotely, via Zoom, etc.? What have those experiences been like? Lag times can be a challenge and, of course, they lack the satisfaction of instant laughs.
A
I have not yet tried comedy via Zoom. Right now, I don’t think I want to go that route. But who knows how I’ll feel in the future. (I guess I should know, since I’m me. But I don’t know NOW about how I’ll feel THEN.)
QWhat is it like performing in front of smaller crowds due to capacity restrictions now? A I like all crowds, large and small. I’ve performed in front of 70,000 people (Gator Growl at the University of Florida)
and in front of one person (Comic Strip, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) when I was first starting comedy. The 70,000 (crowd) seemed to like me. The one person (show) did not. Q Since you’ve started including material about OCD in your sets, have fans reached out in solidarity? What was the response like?
A
I have gotten supportive feedback from people about the OCD bit. It’s a condition with a very wide spectrum. There are those who truly suffer, so it is important to me that I do not come off as being callous toward those with OCD. What can you tell me about your set for these Cleveland shows? Are you avoiding any particular subjects (pandemic, political and social issues, etc.)?
QA I am working towards a second Netflix special, which, right now, we are hoping to shoot in late October. So the Cleveland shows are tweaks of the material for that special. Of course, the Netflix shoot could get blown out of the water between now and then.
Q
Do you feel comfortable mentioning President Donald Trump? I read that you are surprising your fans recently with unusual subjects for you. A I like to do jokes that everybody can laugh at, so I avoid that minefield.
QIt’s no secret Seinfeld is a huge fan of yours — even having executive produced your “Stand Up and Away!” series on Netflix. I’d love to hear about the first time you remember meeting him. A The first time I met Jerry Seinfeld was when I was walking offstage after a set at the legendary Catch a Rising Star in (New York City). He had walked in during my set and was going to go on next. He had kind words for me. I felt like I was being knighted. I have greatly appreciated his support over the years.
Q
Who were your early comedic influences?
A
George Carlin, Kelly Monteith, Richard Pryor.
Q
Do you think it’s easier or tougher to be a comic today versus when you started? Technology helps performers share their work more easily now, but the market is also crowded and cancel culture has become a phenomenon of late.
A
I often wonder how I’d do now if I was new to comedy and trying to break in. I am very lucky, and thankful, that I got in when I did. Q Do you have a favorite new comedian at the moment? A There are so many comedians doing great things, so I am reticent about picking some, knowing I would be excluding others. (This whole answer was designed to show off that I know the word “reticent.”)
Q
Any future projects on your mind — aside from Netflix specials? A I’m in a TV series called “Loudermilk.” The first two seasons were aired on DirecTV’s The Audience Network, but now it is being shopped to a larger streaming service. The third season has been shot but has not yet aired. I feel like I did some pretty good work in Season Three, so I’m hoping it lands somewhere soon so people will think I’m a thespian.