Eugene Mirman, a comic, immigrated to the U.S. from Russia when he was 4.
The young lad was seeking a better life. It freaking worked, he has said.
Now living in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mirman plans to return to Russia next year with a film crew in tow, documenting the journey home. He could perform sets in English and Russian, although “the one in Russian would be shorter and less coherent,” he said.
Before Russia comes Seattle, however. Mirman plans to play the Moore Theatre tonight as part of the Sub Pop 20th Anniversary Festival.
Last week from his home, Mirman spoke with The Herald about cheese, e-mailing fans and schizophrenics.
What drew you to stand-up?
Wealth.
You list your e-mail address on your Web site. How often do you respond to fan e-mail?
When they seem not crazy, I respond. And when they seem crazy, I want to respond, but can’t, emotionally.
This is a broad question, but why do you think something strikes people as funny?
That is broad question. … I think that people laugh when something’s funny. I guess they also laugh when they’re tickled, and some people, like schizophrenics, laugh at the wrong reasons. Ultimately, I don’t know.
You’re performing here with a pretty solid lineup of comedians, including David Cross and Patton Oswalt. Is there any sense of competition between you guys?
I would say no, not at all.
Do you go through any sort of pre-show warm up? How do you prepare yourself for a show?
I eat about a 3-pound wheel of cheese. That puts me in the mood. And then I put on the Vaseline.
What should people expect from your set?
They should expect to have their minds blown.
Reporter Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455 or arathbun@heraldnet.com.
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