Tony Viagra- What A High! (Comedian) (August 2021)
Issue Sixteen- August 2021:
By Mercedes Barreto
When you are looking to experience a good time, there are many venues to enjoy. Choosing such experiences could be considered rather difficult, what with the rather extremely talented pool of entertainers in our communities taking the stage. Tony Viagra is a comedian you won’t regret experiencing, throughout his comedic routine and overall performance. We review his work and craft in this guided article.
What is comedy to you, and what does your comedy mean to others? Why is it important, and how so?
“Comedy is the ability to make others laugh. What my comedy means to others is complicated because people are individuals with each one having their own taste in comedy. My comedy style is an adult over-the-edge comedy that appeals to a very specific type of audience. There are probably 1000 different answers to what my comedy means to others. Comedy is important because standup comedy has been my passion forever. Comedy is a healthy way to take lemons and turn them into lemonade. I took a horrible devastating event, my divorce, and turned it into standup material. I turned my rejection by some woman into standup material.”
Has Covid had a specific impact on your working routine? On your routine in general? In a positive way, or more negatively?
“COVID-19 has had a dramatic effect on my stand-up comedy, both positive and negative. On the positive side, Covid created zoom comedy shows and other means of internet comedy shows which have been a bonanza for standup comedians looking for opportunities to work their standup. The solitary time at home during covid has allowed me to write new material and work on my older material. Another positive is the networking I’ve done with comedians worldwide through internet comedy shows. I have new friends in India, Canada, England, and New York. On the negative side, covid killed live shows which have been huge for comedians and comedy clubs. The vaccine has facilitated the resumption of live shows. Since the reopening, I’ve done five live shows, and it’s great to be back on stage in front of a live crowd. Live crowds are great and preferable over online internet shows because live crowds enable a comedian to gauge which material works based on audience response.”
What are four words that describe your beginning with comedy, and in detail?
“Four words that describe my beginning in comedy are persistence, determination, focus, obsession. Persistence in finding a venue to work my material. Determination to never giving up pursuing my standup comedy dream. Focus in that I always keep my eye on the big goal, moving my standup to the next level. Obsession is why I’m where I am. My obsession with being the best I can be and more. I have an MBA and a JD and am an attorney, standup comedian, and a disabled veteran due to my obsession with never accepting no and never accepting negativity.”
Why should we go to your comedy showings, and how can we learn more about them? What is different about your showing that is unlike the rest?
“A great reason to see my standup is to laugh. That’s the whole point. The best way to learn more about my shows is to attend my show. My show is different from most comedians in that my character, Tony Viagra, is unique in that it’s unusual to see a comedian performing as a crazy character who took years to develop. Also, my self-deprecating style of humor is unique.”
Who have been your inspirations, and influences in your career? How have you prepared for this role in life?
“My inspirations have been comedians Jackie Vernon and Hennie Youngman. I prepared to be a comedian by going to law school, being in the Air Force, and practicing law for many years.
Not to mention that comedian Stanley Myron Handelman influenced me. “
When do you feel the best moment in a show is when you feel the audience is truly captivated by your humor? What is the most special moment in
a showing that you can recall?
“The best moment in a show is when I feel the crowd connect to my humor through loud laughter. The most special moment I recall is when I opened for Doug Stanhope in front of 600 people who went crazy over my comedy. What a high!”
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