Modified On September 26, 2008
On EasyReaderNews, by Andrew Wantuck.
I think that the first thing comedians, actors, musicians, painters, and a lot of people disagree with me on this, but the first and ONLY thing we should all do is entertain. That to me is a very honorable word; it’s not a shallow word. It’s very, very deep. Whether it’s drama or comedy, I think there is great honor, passion, and light in entertaining people. I think, in particular with comedy, people are kidding themselves when they think “I’ll be an engine for change.” (laughs) I don’t think that’s ever going to occur anyway. At that point the comedian is probably making a mistake. You understand that I am not talking about political material– that can very often be hysterical. ‘Cause again, funny is funny, but that’s just another topic for me. Like dating or parents or loneliness or football. I don’t think change should be involved. First of all, the problem is that you are telling half your audience that they are stupid. I don’t want that. When the lights go down in a room, I would like everyone to think “this is a safe place and I am ready to be entertained. I can just feel like a kid again.”
On the occasion of the impending recording of his DVD at the Comedy & Magic Club this weekend. Miller says he’ll close the DVD with an updated “Five Levels of Drinking” bit. That is a classic.