When stand-up comedian, writer and podcaster Sam Morril plays the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Miller Theater on May 13 for the Philly stop of his Class Act Tour, the New York-based comic won’t come armed with political observations or long winding stories. Instead, Morril – known as the open mic comic who trounces Joaquin Phoenix in ‘The Joker’, and as a podcaster with a taste for liquor and a nose for sports – is a briskly intelligent, original mind who just happens to like the Philadelphia 76ers… if the Knicks aren’t playing.
Morril spoke with Metro ahead of this weekend’s show in Philly.
Knowing that you are a writer, first-and-foremost, was the word always a part of the comedy act?
Definitely. I always thought of myself more as a writer than a performer. As time went on, though, I learned to perform, be more of myself onstage. Get more comfortable in your own skin. I gravitated toward the comics I found quotable as opposed to character-driven comedians. I read joke books as a kid – jokes that you could tell, speak out loud. I though that was cool to anyone. My performance style is just like that, which makes it pretty easy to steal. Meme hacks on the internet love to steal from me.
Joke books like the old Milton Berle series? Whose books did you find quotable?
Rodney Dangerfield. The classic Henny Youngman stuff. Stephen Wright. Mitch Hedberg. Good quotes that were broad, but unique. That I could tell my friends and my mom…. It’s about making yourself likeable as quickly as possible. Why do you think that stand-up comedians open up their sets with something self-deprecating? It’s about making yourself likeable to a room full of strangers.
Do you recall the first comedic moment that you ever got paid for?
The first real road gig that I did was in Pittsfield, MA. I was in college, a sophomore. I opened the show, and was bummed that the guys I opened for didn’t want to stay in the hotel room overnight – they wanted to drive back to New York. The joke that I recall landing was “My English teacher said that I am like a young Hemingway.” “Why, because I’m a great writer?” “No. Because you’re an alcoholic who is going to kill himself.” Out of a fresh-faced kid, that joke was shocking.
How do you feel audiences take to your material now, as opposed to three years ago when many crowds got more conservative?
It’s better now, actually. The idea that we’re in this divisive time… yeah sure… but it’s the media who lives to define us, and for clicks. When I hear comics complain, I always counter with how good it is for me.
Do you think that wealth of good feeling comes from the fact that you do not lead with a political agenda?
People know where I stand on issues, but why hammer audiences with that? I’m an entertainer.
Of the two podcasts that you co-host and produce, “Games with Names” has the coolest vibe. Why focus on sports? And why not make it part of your comedy?
I have jokes about the NBA, but I don’t like doing jokes that leave out half of the audience. I have noticed that most women, with exceptions, are not huge basketball fans.
So, how is this Class Act Tour different than your past showcases?
It is a lot of the same topics I always tread but with slightly different views. There are still a ton of mass shootings, abortion is still an issue. I’ve regressed as a human a bit, so I’ll have relationship stories and new social commentary. The world hasn’t changed that much.
What do you think about coming to Philadelphia at a time when the 76ers are in the playoffs? What’s your take on the team?
I like your team, but I’m obviously a huge Knicks fan. It would be nice to see the Sixers do well because Embiid is great and Harden is right behind. If the Knicks are out, I’ll root for the Sixers to go to the finals in the East because I hate the Celtics and I hate Miami with all of my heart.
