Homespun stand-up Steven Kent McFarlin is big, really big, in the Netherlands.
Which still kind of baffles him, even though he's been big there since the 1990s.
He's a regular on Holland TV, has toured the country's top comedy clubs and theaters, and set the template that, he modestly acknowledges, many Dutch comics follow to this day.
But, he's quick to add, there's a catch: "Holland has about the population of L.A. There's not a lot of local competition."
Lucky Strike, the cigarette maker, was a longtime sponsor until the Dutch government, following the leads of nations worldwide, cracked down on tobacco.
He finds the whole smoking crackdown over there baffling.
In the Netherlands, "there are two sections — smoking or chain-smoking. People smoke everywhere over there," he said during a recent phone interview. "I was in the gym working out, and there was a guy on the bench press who had lit up a cigarette between sets."
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Every year when his two months abroad draw to a close, McFarlin hightails it home. He's "painfully patriotic," he said, which should not be interpreted to mean he is political. No, no, perish that thought.
"I say right up front: I don't know poop about politics," he said. "It's really a pretty small part of the show."
He's bringing the show to Laffs this weekend; it's his first Tucson appearance in several years.
You assume this innocent persona on stage that is disarming and kind of lovable — kind of squarely in the middle of the fence.
"I come from a place that is not entrenched in an opinion, that crosses whether you're liberal or conservative. In a way, I'm like Will Rogers."
But as a comic, is it hard to maintain neutrality in today's political and economic climate?
"Very much. I've never experienced a more divisive time in our country."
You're not this rabble-rouser with a scorching message.
"One critic said it was Will Rogers meets Bill Hicks, because it's got a little bit more edge than Will's stuff. Another said I view the world through rose-colored glasses, but the glasses are sort of cracked. . . . I know my primary obligation is to entertain. And it's a lot easier to make them laugh than to make them laugh and think."
How close is your stage persona to the real Steven Kent McFarlin?
"I think my onstage persona and my off-stage tend to blur in some aspects. Naturally, the message I use my character to convey is very heartfelt and part of my off-stage life. I am kind of a good-time Charlie type of person. I love sitting down and sharing stories with friends."
In addition to being big in the Netherlands, you're like a comic stud on college campuses.
"I'm not sure if my humor just appeals to that demographic or what the exact reason is. I've been Campus Comic of the Year and Campus Performer of the Year. I really enjoy it because it keeps me in touch with usually the latest new trends that will soon be reaching middle-age folks like me."
And you're a big hit on the USO tours.
"I've gone to, like, 23 different countries with the USO. Anywhere that flag flies I'll go, because these guys are the bravest men and women in the world."
• What: Steven Kent McFarlin in concert.
• When: 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday; 6:30, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Laffs Comedy Caffe, 2900 E. Broadway.
• Cost: $10; $15 for preferred seats.
• Reservations: 323-8669.
