SATURDAY

In his 1975 book The Last Laugh: The World of the Stand-Up Comics, author Phil Berger describes David Brenner as “a tall thin Philadelphian with a wrap-around smile and a flair for boutique styles.” Presented with this quote some 27 years later, Brenner deadpans, “The only thing I like about that is ‘thin.’” Actually, the comedian still cuts a dapper figure, and he eventually cops to the boutique charge, admitting that for two years in a row he was on an entertainment industry 10-best-dressed list. According to Berger, Brenner could also win a congeniality award. Berger writes about how, after a fellow comedian stole his act, Brenner still sat down and offered the thief comforting advice before the guy’s Tonight Show debut. After Sept. 11, Brenner felt it his patriotic duty to escape a Las Vegas contract and bring his act to the people. “It’s beyond wanting to laugh,” he says. “People need to laugh.” But because Brenner takes a minimum of four to six flights a week, the joke’s now on him. “I was getting frisked 50 percent of the time,” he says. “Even on connecting flights I get searched. I walk down the aisle and get searched again. What do they think I picked up on the plane?” Disgusted at repeated incompetence, Brenner wrote to his former governor, Tom Ridge. “I suggested that he travel,” says Brenner. USA Today covered the comic’s complaint. “Here’s the ironic part,” says Brenner, with no trace of humor. “I’m now searched 100 percent of the time.” Commiserate with the original observational humorist at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW. $25-$35. (202) 432-7328. (Dave Nuttycombe)