By Jason D. Greenough | Observer Contributor
If you’re like me, live stage performances tend to hit you right in the feels. Something that always affects me is stand-up comedy, and for many different reasons.
The first, and possibly the most prevalent, is that I agree with most of the views and ideas that some of my favorite comics share. The story doesn’t change much with Neal Brennan’s new Netflix special, 3 Mics, but it hit me deeper than any other special has in recent history.
It’s deep, it’s innovative, it’s hilarious, it’s raw, and it’s real.
As if it comes as any surprise to any viewer, the premise of Brennan’s first Netflix special involves three microphones, each acting as a window to different parts of Brennan’s personality, alternating in a cycle.
First Mic, Downstage Right: Brennan begins in the spotlight with one-liners, and random, quippy thoughts that serve as a warm-up of the crowd, in a way that is reminiscent of an opening act. While bringing up good points, I wouldn’t say it was my favorite part of the show, but I did come to appreciate it as the special progressed, with the first mic serving as sort of a tension reliever. When we get to the third mic, you’ll understand why.
Second Mic, Downstage Left: There wasn’t anything much different from a regular stand-up special when Brennan hit the second mic, but his timing and delivery show just what a true comedic genius he really is. With not a lot of crowd work, Brennan still slayed the crowd into bouts of ferocious laughter, and that is not the easiest thing to do when you don’t talk directly to your audience.
Third Mic, Downstage (Center): The third mic was my favorite. The wind was taken right out of the room while Brennan switched from jokes and goofy musings to heartbreaking life stories in an instant. On the third mic, Brennan bared his soul, discussing his bout with clinical depression and subsequent substance abuse, the sudden demise of The Chappelle Show, which he and Dave Chappelle started together, and his tumultuous relationship with his alcoholic father. While still delivering these feeling and memories with his charm and wit, Brennan displayed an unmatched versatility in being able to stay true to form, and in the moment. The third mic showed that Brennan is a mastermind when it comes to gripping the crowd, and he did it with zero dramatics. Just himself, his veteran composure, and three mics.
I highly recommend this to anyone who 1) has Netflix, and 2) wants to see great, well-rounded talent. If you like the styles of Patton Oswalt, Mike Birbiglia and/or Bo Burnham, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Neal Brennan, if not love him!
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