Sebastian Maniscalco talks comedy, SNL impersonation and invisalign

Key Concepts

• Observational Humor: Comedy based on the observation of everyday life and its absurdities.
• Invisalign: Clear, removable dental aligners used for teeth straightening.
• Older Fatherhood: The experience of being a parent at an older age, with associated physical challenges.
• Chicago Comedy Scene: The influence of Chicago's sarcastic and self-deprecating humor on Maniscalo's development as a comedian.
• Non-Political Comedy: A deliberate choice to avoid controversial and political topics in stand-up to provide an escape for the audience.
• Self-Deprecating Humor: Making oneself the subject of jokes, often highlighting personal flaws or embarrassing situations.
• Spoof/Parody: An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.
• United Center: A major indoor sports and entertainment arena in Chicago.

Sebastian Maniscalo's "It Ain't Right" Special and Tour

Sebastian Maniscalo's current "It Ain't Right" tour is experiencing significant success, with shows selling out nationwide. His new comedy special, also titled "It Ain't Right," is set to stream on Hulu starting Friday, November 21st. The special delves into the "absurdities of society," touching upon themes like social media and the challenges of aging.

Topics of Observation and Frustration

Maniscalo identifies several aspects of modern life that "ain't right" and serve as fodder for his observational humor.

• Invisalign Usage: A specific pet peeve is people wearing Invisalign aligners during the day. Maniscalo finds the visible saliva accumulation between the aligners and teeth distracting and believes they should exclusively be worn at night.
• Aging and Fatherhood: At 52, Maniscalo is an "older father" to a six-year-old and an eight-year-old. He describes experiencing physical discomfort, such as "charlie horses" during intimate moments and general soreness from the physical demands of parenting, often resorting to icing his knees at the end of the day.

Filming the Special in Chicago

The "It Ain't Right" special was filmed in Maniscalo's hometown of Chicago, specifically at the United Center. This return to his roots held significant personal meaning.

• Hometown Connection: Performing in Chicago, a city that "molded" him as a comedian through its sarcastic and "razzing" culture, was a familiar and special experience. He notes that even now, his Chicago friends continue to tease him relentlessly, preventing him from developing a "big head."
• Family Presence: Having his family, including his father, mother, and children, present during the filming at the United Center added to the significance of the event.

Stance on Political Comedy

Maniscalo has made a conscious decision to steer clear of controversial topics and political issues in his material.

• Providing a Break: He believes audiences are already "inundated" with politics through various media platforms. When attending a comedy show, people seek a "break" and an escape from these pressures.
• Focus on Family and Observation: Maniscalo's comedy centers on family dynamics and observational humor, finding that "whatever the president is doing is not as funny as what my father's doing." He feels that engaging with politics can "split the audience" and is not his personal interest or passion.

Reaction to Saturday Night Live Spoof

Maniscalo recently saw a viral clip from Saturday Night Live where comedian Marcelo Hernandez performed a spoof of him.

• Flattering Imitation: Hernandez had reached out to Maniscalo on a Thursday to be part of the sketch, but Maniscalo was unable to participate due to a prior engagement. Upon seeing the final product, Maniscalo was "blown away" and found it "very flattering."
• Perception of Success: He humorously notes that despite 27 years in comedy, it took a Saturday Night Live spoof for people to acknowledge his success. He praised Hernandez's performance, particularly the "exaggerated movements and whatnot," and even suggested Hernandez did a better job than he does, citing Hernandez's ability to perform "jumps and splits."
• Desire to Host SNL: Maniscalo expressed a desire to host Saturday Night Live himself and even perform a skit with Marcelo Hernandez, making a public plea to "Lauren" (presumably Lorne Michaels) to consider him for the show.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Sebastian Maniscalo's "It Ain't Right" special and tour highlight his signature observational humor, focusing on relatable societal absurdities and the personal experiences of aging and fatherhood. His deliberate avoidance of political topics aims to provide audiences with a much-needed comedic escape. The filming of his special in his hometown of Chicago underscores the deep connection he has with his roots and the formative influence of its unique comedic culture. The positive reception to a Saturday Night Live spoof of his persona further solidifies his presence in the comedy landscape, while also sparking a desire for him to participate in the iconic show.