Sebastian Maniscalco Comes to Hasbrouck Heights this Saturday

Sebastian Maniscalco has made a career out of saying what everyone else is thinking.

From the absurdity of the dating scene to buying groceries, his poignant observations on the everyday frustrations of life have made him a hit on the stand-up comedy circuit. Now, Maniscalco is taking his act to Hasbrouck Heights, where he will headline at Banana’s Comedy Club on April 2. 

“I don’t really write material as much as I re-enact situations,” said Maniscalco, who has appeared on television shows including The Jay Leno Show and also had his own Comedy Central special.

After graduating from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Corporate Organizational Communications, Maniscalco moved out to Los Angeles to pursue his comedy career. While performing on the stand-up circuit he was approached by actor Vince Vaughn to appear in his 2005 documentary, "Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days and 30 Nights-Hollywood to the Heartland." 

Appearing in the film alongside fellow comics Ahmed Ahmed, John Caparulo and Bret Ernst, Maniscalco said he considers starring in the film to be his big break.

“You felt like you were in a rock band,” said Maniscalco. “I’m coming from waiting tables to performing in front of 3,000 people, in a million dollar tour bus with Vince Vaughn. That was exactly what I dreamed about.”

The film put Maniscalco into the realm of headlining comedy clubs across the country, as well as receiving opportunities to perform charitable work. In 2009, he performed on a 10 day, six city USO tour in Guam and throughout Japan.

“There are some other similar tours where the comedians get paid to go, but I’d rather just give my time,” said Maniscalco. “We weren’t in a war zone or anything, but the troops still needed entertainment.”

The world travels are continuing for Maniscalco with an upcoming documentary to be released this fall called "Just Like Us," which features him touring comedy clubs in the Middle East, and a one-hour comedy special being shot in California on April 8th.

However, Maniscalco said he is always excited to return to the east coast.

“I love coming to that part of the country, and especially to New Jersey,” said Maniscalco. “It’s more my crowd, with people that can relate to my humor. I don’t have to omit anything like I would in other parts of the country.”

Showtimes are at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m..; tickets cost $20)