Comedy is always best when it is personal. Some of the most relatable comedians draw from their own tragedies. Many choose to share their stories. Others use their jokes as ways to hide their own shortcomings. In 3 Mics, writer/director/comedian/producer Neal Brennan shares much of what has shaped him into the man he is.
Neal takes a very unique approach in 3 Mics. The stage has three microphones, each shot with a different theme of lighting. The microphones represent different styles of approaching the crowd. Throughout the show, Brennan will finish with a sequence, the lights will go dark, and when they come back up, he’s moved to a different mic, thought process and delivery.
Brennan’s no stranger to stand-up and certainly not to comedy. He’s perhaps most recognized as the co-creator of the wildly popular Chappelle’s Show, with friend Dave Chappelle. He has also written, produced and directed another fifty or so projects, including Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show. What he brings to this special is something unlike anything he has brought to stage or screen anywhere else.
Growing up, Neal was the youngest of ten children. His father was a violent alcoholic and the comedian admits to suffering from manic depression. He shares several painful memories of life in those conditions, how it effects his mood and motivations, and his relationships. These stories are insightful and impactful and they take courage to share.
Brennan punctuates these stories with comic relief. His delivery is smooth and his demeanor is humble. 3 Mics represents some of his most personal, well-written pieces of his journey. This one is definitely worth the watch.
