Drunk salad served. Dad's on a cell phone? (11 photos)
Sunday, September 30, 2012 by: Connie Carello
Last evening at 8 p.m., three well known funny men took to the stage in the auditorium of Korah Collegiate.
On his “Back to Basics World Tour,” Joe Avati alongside of Freddie Proia and Guido Grasso, otherwise known as the ‘merchandiser,’ had approximately 200 Saulties burst into laughter as they poked fun at well-known Italian customs and phrases.
Returning to Sault Ste. Marrie after seven years, the bilingual Australian-Italian Comedian had promised a fun, fresh show that people have not seen before, and he delivered.
As a precursor to Avati’s performance, Proia took to the stage with a humorous rendition of an “Italian Gino” about to go on his first date to nowhere else but the night club.
Spraying hairspray in massive amounts and using a water bottle of cologne to shower himself, Proia had audience members gasping for air in between belts of laughter.
Grasso immediately followed; an actor who performed in the recent film “Mirror, Mirror.”
As the merchandiser, Grasso plugged products during his skit for the show including a T-Shirt with a slogan “Non-Sutch” an Italian version of the “Von Dutch” brand.
“See when people ask you what Non Sutch means, you can say I don’t know. When they ask again you can say, Really, I don’t know!”
After a brief intermission, the Italian Jerry Seinfeld took to the stage.
Born and raised in an Italian household, Avati’s childhood has provided him with a substantial amount of material.
Whether you are Italian, are married to one, or even live next to one, Avati’s jokes highlight the humorous behaviour most Italian families are known for.
“I remember my seven year old neighbour coming over for dinner, and before he left he was drunk! And that was just on the salad!”
Spectators ranged from age 20 to their late 80’s.
From this, Avati was able to compare his childhood to that of the young 20-year old now growing up in an Italian household.
Considering technology has become a huge phenomenon over the course of the last decade, Avati commented on how his has changed the Italian household – making fun of his father using a cell phone.
After a quick costume change, Avati returned to the stage dressed in a sophisticated grey suit with shiny black shoes to accompany Proia and Grasso in a series of humorous songs that were reworded with a comical twist.
Audience members sang along, clapped their hands, and met the men with a standing ovation at the conclusion of the show.
For Maria Narducci, the night was one to remember as she attended with family and friends to celebrate her 75 birthday.
Other audience members agreed, “he nailed us right on! His jokes remind me of my childhood, especially the way certain Italian people act and talk, he could not have been more spot on!”
The show was highly entertaining with exceptional performers who really understand what it means to grow up Italian.
Using a conversational approach with the audience, Avati had members partaking in the fun by voicing their own memories of frequently used, highly questionable but immensely funny Italian phrases and customs.
Next stop for Avati is Toronto, where he will be recording an interview with George Stroumboulopoulos that can be viewed on Tuesday October 2 at 7 p.m.
