‘Emophilia’ keeps spreading out

The sing-song inflection of his voice has diminished and his hair has faded from deep black to gray, but Emo Philips said his comedy is only getting better.

On July 12, he will bring his stand-up routine to the Sutra Lounge for its Thursday comedy night, “Dinner and Funny Business,” and is looking forward to spreading “ ‘Emophilia’ throughout Orange County.”

“I’m 51 now, and there’s a lot of stuff that happens to you in 30 years,” Philips said. “I have child experiences plus adult experiences which gives me so much more to draw upon. I was a bit awkward at first, but I’m more debonair now.”

When Philips was 16, he knew he wanted to be an entertainer, though he originally thought he’d be an impressionist or a jazz saxophone player, the “coolest thing in the world” after being a comedian.

“I could have been a celebrity impersonator, but I could only do one impression,” he said.

When he gave up the idea of imitating Groucho Marx for a living at the age of 20, Philips started performing at the two comedy clubs that had recently opened in the Chicago area.

His break came eight years later when he appeared on David Letterman’s show, which is where “Dinner and Funny Business” producer and host Norma Jean Riddick first saw him perform.

“He’s got an excellent stage presence and he really connects with the audience,” she said, looking forward to meeting him for the first time. “No matter how old you are, you can relate to his jokes.”

Likening himself to Jerry Seinfeld, Philips is careful not to get too specific with his comedy, preferring to address basic human behavior over current events or politics.

“If you perform all over the world, and especially all over America, everyone has to be able to understand what you’re saying so you can’t talk about stock car racing or a TV show that people haven’t seen.”

Having produced multiple comedy albums and having appeared in numerous films and TV shows — including “Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist” and the “Weird Al Show” — Philips views comedy as a nonviolent way to correct bad behavior.

“Especially with alpha males who would tear you apart with a sword, ridicule is a nice way to stop them in their tracks without challenging them to violence,” he said.

After 30 years on stage, Philips admits he still gets the occasional jitters, though he has learned to be less nervous, adding that preparation is key.

“Everyone’s No. 1 fear is always public speaking and it kicks in even if you’re talking to the Dandelion Club at a local women’s church auxiliary,” he said. “I try to remain cow-like, you know, go blissfully into a club not thinking about anything.

“Like a soldier, the more prepared you are, the less you worry.”

JESSIE BRUNNER may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at jessica.brunner@latimes.com.