Comedian Jim Breuer talks new residency at The Paramount in Huntington
On his most recent birthday, comedian Jim Breuer turned 50 and decided to raise the bar on his career. Known for his stand-up, storytelling, impressions and rock-and-roll hilarity, the Valley Stream native has finally crafted his dream show — “The Jim Breuer Residency: Comedy, Stories and More,” a monthly gig at The Paramount in Huntington. It kicks off Saturday, Feb. 17, and extends throughout the year.
“I’ve been trying to pull this together for a decade,” Breuer says. “In this show, you are going to finally get everything.”
IDENTITY ISSUE
Breuer has worked in multiple aspects of show business during his 30-year career. He was a cast member of “Saturday Night Live.” He co-starred in the cult film “Half-Baked” with Dave Chappelle. Breuer hosted his own satellite radio show, “Fridays With Jim Breuer,” on SiriusXM. He runs his own podcast (“The Jim Breuer Podcast”), authored a biography (“I’m Not High”) and even put out a rock album (“Songs From the Garage”). All the while, he toured the country doing stand-up and released family-friendly comedy specials. But this mix of mediums may have caused an identity crisis with the public.
“There’s a confusion of what I do. Are you the rock guy? Are you the family guy? Who are you?” Breuer says. “I’m the people’s entertainer. I’m still blue collar in my heart. It comes from strong Long Island family roots.”
ONSTAGE IN HUNTINGTON
The new show, set for ages 12 and older, will be presented in three parts interspersed with two pre-filmed segues. When Breuer first takes the stage, he will do a stand-up set.
“I plan on being very Long Island-centric,” says Breuer, who doesn’t use profanity. “I don’t bring politics, religion or media to the table. You won’t have to worry about anything that’s going to divide the room. I’m here to take you away from it all.”
After a quick skit featuring a special guest on screen, the show transitions into a storytelling segment, which will sometimes include a Q&A session.
“When the energy is really high, I feed off it,” Breuer says. “Those are the nights where I really take a left turn and we just go. Plus, there will be more crowd interaction than I’ve done before.”
The show concludes with a segment where Breuer will break out his musical impressions of Ozzy Osbourne, Brian Johnson of AC/DC, James Hetfield of Metallica and Rob Halford of Judas Priest, backed by a live band.
“It’s going to look like an ’80s metal concert with laser lights and confetti cannons,” Breuer says. “I’m focused on knocking this sucker out of the park.”
PASSION FOR PARAMOUNT
The Paramount is Breuer’s venue of choice — it’s where he filmed his 2015 special, “Comic Frenzy,” and his 2016 music video, “Old School.”
“The first time I played there, I knew I found my home,” Breuer says. “I love the energy of the room.”
Breuer is hoping to make The Paramount residency a destination, as this will be the only location he will be doing this style of show.
“I want it to be Long Island’s own and become something people take the train out and come see,” he says. “You are never going to get the same show. All of it will change every time.”
Right now his energy is high and he’s amped to hit Huntington head on.
“I’m ready to absolutely pounce every show,” Breuer says. “I want people to leave exhausted, completely entertained and wanting to come back four or five times. That’s the goal.”
“The Jim Breuer Residency: Comedy, Stories and More”
WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Feb. 17, March 3, April 14, May 12 and June 16 (more to be announced) at The Paramount, 370 New York Ave. in Huntington
INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com
ADMISSION $29.50-$79.50