As I have said before, it takes a lot for me to find amusement in most
comedians (see Day 215). A few months ago, I saw Sebastian Maniscalco on Netflix and I was surprised to be in a continual state of
laughter in front of the TV. My blog inspiration psychologist, Maslow, describes a characteristic of a person who is self -actualized as having an “unusual
sense of humor”. This is just what Maniscalco has with an added injection of physical body contortions and vivid facial expressions that are just off the chart funny. He often tells his life stories though a hilarious Italian lens. It feels like he is
telling my story because I am a product of Italian immigrants. I was excited to see my first "TV-stand -up comedian" live at Heinz Hall.
Refection
I have to admit that I was in awe that a guy could sell
out Heinz hall (2676 seats) for an hour or so of comedy. Looking around at the packed house I thought about how we all must
really need or value laughter in our
lives because the seats ranged from mine,
$64.00 (the cheaper seat) to over $200.00.
I could just hear my Italian grandparents saying, “Are you crazy! You work hard
for your money and you’re throwing it away! For what, a laugh!”
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| My grandparents Girolama and Santo |
Yes, I spent my hard earned money and never stopped laughing. Maniscalco has a way of telling a story and then
making a face or motion that is stand-alone funny. His talent reminds
me of Jackie Gleason, who could make me laugh just with his eyes and his sarcastic anger about everyday life.
Maniscalco does not use much vulgarity
and has a relatively clean show. He did
not need to resort to politics (no Trump jokes) for a laugh. He opened with a little complaining about getting
around in Pittsburgh and the 17 buses that he counted in town. Then he reminded
us about the United passenger that was dragged
off the plane and he just kept going. I
found myself nodding in agreement to
most of what he said about his family-“In
my family, if you have a problem, we tell you.”
Not everything in his show is from an Italian point of view. His annoyance with Facebook postings and wedding party dances made my cheeks hurt from laughing
(watch here), (What Wrong With People watch here).
I know I sound like I am Maniscalco’s
number one fan but he sure gave me a needed rush of endorphins, the body’s natural
feel good chemical. Maybe that is why we
value comedy so much -it gives us a natural high. (Sorry Nana and Nonno –I spent
the money!)
Spiritual Reflection
We are filled with laughter;and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the Lord has done for them." (Psalms 126:2)
Other sources