Even though the Flight of the Conchords may be the bigger name on their nationwide tour, opening act and seasoned comedian Eugene Mirman has been keeping audiences entertained for years. From his various Youtube videos to his established role on HBO's ""Flight of the Conchords"" and his work on Adult Swim's ""Delocated,"" Mirman has seen it all. I was especially excited to talk to Mirman, as he is arguably the funniest alum of my high school, though Rachel Dratch gives him a run for his money.
Mirman got his fist big break into comedy after an appearance on ""Late Night with Conan O'Brien"" and a big role in the Aspen Comedy Film Festival. In Aspen, Mirman was able to ""hang out with [his] good friend Demitri Martin, and was able to meet other talent,"" like Flight of the Conchords members Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement.
According to Mirman, this kind of connection helped secure him a role on the show. ""When [Flight of the Conchords] were making the show they were thinking of Americans they know,"" Mirman said. This connection helped him land the role of Eugene, a part written specifically for Mirman.
Touring with Flight of the Conchords isn't the first time Mirman has toured with a musical act. Mirman explained that many of his initial gigs were musical in nature. ""My other big break in comedy was being approached by music booking agent who is now my booking agent, who wanted to know if I wanted to open up for the Shins in New York,"" Mirman said.
Mirman agreed, and once he decided to remain with his agent, he opened for many other musical acts such as Modest Mouse and Yo La Tengo, and performed at music halls rather than a traditional comedy club setting.
That isn't to say that Mirman only plays music halls. He still maintains a regular show in New York, and is always trying new material in clubs, because according to Mirman, ""the only way to develop new material is to test it out on audiences.""
Mirman has kept busy in other aspects too. He recently ""wrote the shit"" out of a new book, a book he described as ""a fake self-help book, and a guide to life.""
Finally, Mirman talked about giving the commencement speech at our alma mater, Lexington High School. Mirman admits freely to being a terrible student and taking remedial classes, but still believes he can bring inspiration to the professionals of tomorrow.
""I'm not sure what I'm going to say, but I know I'm not supposed to swear a lot,"" Mirman deadpanned. ""I do have a very positive attitude, in that I do believe in the American Dream. Coming here from another country and getting work as a comedian was great. If you work at it, you can do it kid!""
Mirman then thought for a moment and decided on his theme. ""Mix that inspiration with swear words, and then warn them about electric bills. And then warn them about minorities.""
I'm sure my sister, a senior at LHS, will benefit from Eugene's words of wisdom.
