Stand-up comedy is an art form that comes from the depths, it cuts to the core of the audience because it comes from the soul of the performer. Few comedians on the circuit today embody this fact more than Joe Matarese does. His act often revolves around his “subtly” dysfunctional Italian family, his own neuroses, life with a four year old kid, and his marriage to a psychologist (who he claims is an ideal match).
The Act is deeply personal and autobiographical – a humorous, self-reflective jaunt through his two decades of bachelorhood and a long line of failed relationships, which have led him to “fix Joe.” Working through his own dysfunction, Matarese is focused on making this relationship work.
He’s neurotic and still not completely convinced he shouldn’t be on pills – but all of this leads to him being one of the funniest guys around. This has led him to countless appearances on television – including stand-up performances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Comedy Central Presents (his very own 1/2 hour special), Comedy.TV, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, and Comedy Central's Premium Blend. He also won $20,000 on Bravo reality show “Better Half” – when he successfully taught his wife to perform stand-up.
He was a regular contributor to the roundtable on E!’s Chelsea Lately; he has also appeared on The Howard Stern Show and Breuer Unleashed both on Sirius Satellite Radio. Matarese also hosts his own podcast called “Fixing Joe” where he deconstructs the concept of self-help and talk radio by enlisting celebrity guests, listeners, as well as friends and family to help him on each new episode.
Joe Matarese will be performing this weekend at Laughing Derby from May 14th-16th; times vary and tickets are available $12-$15. Matty Litwack will be opening the show.
(photo provided by Matarese)
