Comedian Joe Matarese performs at Hump Day Comedy & Dinner at Stage West in Scranton on Oct. 17
From a press release:
New York comedian Joe Matarese, seen on “America’s Got Talent,” Comedy Central, the “Late Show with David Letterman,” and more, will return to Northeastern Pennsylvania to headline the first Hump Day Comedy & Dinner night at the new Scranton venue Stage West on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
There will be a dinner hour from 7-8 p.m., followed by the 18+ show with local comedians and Matarese.
Tickets, which are $30 and include dinner, are on sale now and can be purchased in advance via Eventbrite or at the door (301 N. Main Ave., Scranton).
Joe Matarese grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, minutes outside of Philadelphia, and now resides with his wife and two kids in the New York City burbs. His 30-year comedy career is much like his favorite movie, “Rocky,” in that he’s hit a lot of doubles and triples, but he’s yet to hit the home run. But just like Rocky, he’s going the distance.
In those 30 years, Matarese’s talent for turning real-life struggles into comedic gems has landed him appearances on the most sought-after television and radio shows, including the “Late Show with David Letterman,” “America’s Got Talent” (where he received a standing ovation from all four celebrity judges and the 2,000 person crowd), “Chelsea Lately,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “Comedy Central Presents” (his very own half hour special), “The Howard Stern Show,” and two one-hour specials entitled “Medicated” and “The Poster’s Wrong.” You may also recognize him from Bravo’s reality series “Better Half,” where he taught his wife to perform stand-up and she brought home the $20,000 prize.
His completely autobiographical act pokes fun at his subtly dysfunctional Italian family, his own neuroses and use of medications, life with two young kids, and his marriage to a psychologist (his perfect match).
Matarese has hit the stage four times at the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival, leading to two development deals with major television networks. He was also the creator and star of a 13-episode web series funded by Official Comedy, “Fixing Joe,” a scripted comedy based on his first podcast of seven years with the same name. Look for his new podcast, “Stand Up Lie Down,” with Dr. Keith Ablow as well as his performances at a club or theater near you.
