The next day, though, he learned only 17,999 audience members had completely lost themselves in the moment.
Hes more relaxed than his onstage persona, speaking more slowly and in a deeper voice.
It seemed like you lost your way, but then you got back on this set.
The expressive, physical side of Maniscalco’s comedy borrows a little from Jackie Gleason.Peter Fisher for Rolling Stone
Now, hes on the road, performing dozens of dates from coast to coast.
Maniscalcos folks should be no strangers to anyone whos followed his comedy.
Theyve inspired some of his best material over the years, while also encouraging him behind the scenes.
The elder Maniscalco was not too starstruck to complain about the inconvenience.
Hes like, I got clients.
I cant take three days off,' Maniscalco says of his dad.
In the summer, my father put me in the backyard, he joked.
For three months:Go in the backyard.
So I just ran all over.
Oh, its windy over here.
I tried that once: Im bored.
[His dad:] Go dig a hole!
Go look for worms!'
The way Maniscalco hollered and lunged during the bit had the audience in stitches.
His record MSG stint bested even iconic comedians like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle.
The only thing really off limits in his act is politics.
You see politics on your iPhone, he says.
You see it when you go home and pop on the TV.
You see it on the computer.
Politics is constantly in your face.
BY ALL ACCOUNTS, Maniscalcos life right now is good.
Nobody has ever asked me that, he says.
After thinking the question through out loud, he decides, Success for me is just being happy.
When has he been unhappy?
Have you ever had sciatica?
he asks, referring to a condition that sends excruciating nerve pain shooting down your leg.
It hits you like a lightning bolt.
A couple of years ago, those bolts would strike him mid-set and cripple his timing.
He couldnt play with his kids.
Even lying down hurt.
When I was doing that joke, I was thinking, Well, it doesnt hurt.'
When hes really into his act, though, he doesnt think much at all.
(The way she drives is awful, just terrible, he nevertheless maintains on Saturday.)
Those are the moments I love the most onstage, when youre in the pocket, he says.
I know Im having a lot of fun when I am just so carefree.
Success by more concrete metrics he recognizes only in hindsight.
So, for the moment, Maniscalco is just trying to enjoy the ride.
Hes doing 94 performances over eight months, by his count.
When hes offstage, he keeps life simple.
You could just see my mom is so over-the-moon happy, he says.
Im full, he deadpans.
I think Ive adjusted my perspective.
Im still hungry, but I know when to eat and when not to.
