John Perrotta
John Perrotta has been making a name for himself in Rhode Island for many years. When he's not headlining shows, and making people laugh, he's booking shows and giving many of the area's best comics their first chance at stand-up comedy.
John has hosted shows, headlined shows, and worked with some of the best comics The Ocean State has to offer. This month he will be the second comedian to be inducted into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. But before he receives his honor, he answers 10 Questions for us.
1. You've been doing comedy now for 20+ years, what is it about stand-up that you enjoy the most?
"The thing that I love the most about stand-up comedy is the absolute rush that you get when you have that killer set. What a feeling it is to get off stage knowing that you did your best. I love interacting with the crowd more than anything - it's a blast!"
2. Some people call you R.I.'s version of Don Rickles for your quick wit and crowd work, what other comics have influenced you over the years?
"Don Rickles is my idol. I've always loved his act. And I've always loved the old style comics like George Burns, Henny Youngman, Rodney Dangerfield, Milton Berle; all of the old-timers were great comics."
3. Have you ever felt you went to far with a joke or had an audience member get upset with you over a joke?
"I have gone too far with a joke in the past. But I really try not to cross that fine line between good-natured ribbing and upsetting someone. One time I was working a bachelor party and two giant biker dudes picked me up and had me in the air ready to throw me out the window of the 'Edgewood Yacht Club'; and I'm a pretty big guy! That was probably the scariest moment in my comedy career!"
4. Along with performing comedy, you also own the RI Comedy Factory and book a lot of comedy shows in the area. What do feel goes into making a quality comedy show?
"I book a lot of open-mic shows. I have always prided myself on helping new comics get started. I prefer to book your basic 'headliner, feature, host' type of show - but it doesn't always work out that way!"
5. You are also known for giving new comics their first chance on a mic. What sort of things stand out to you when you see a new comic perform?
"I gave Bill Burr $25 to host a show for me years ago when he first started, and I had the chance to work with him 3 years ago and he hadn't forgotten it. I knew he was going to have a bright future in the business. I love helping out new comics and see them develop. The greatest feeling is when you help a comic get stage time and they start doing well and they take the time to say "Thank you". Recently, Corey Tenchara won the 'Catch A New Rising Star' competition and he sent me a message thanking me for all the help that I had given him. That made me feel that it's all worth while booking open mic shows!"
6. On October 19th you're being inducted into The Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. What does this honor mean to you?
"Being inducted into the 'R.I. Comedy Hall of Fame' means a lot to me. I know how much work that I have put into this business and this is truly a great honor. I started out working for and with guys like Brian Deery, Frank O'Donnell, Charlie Hall , Rockin' Joe Hebert, Colleen and Eddie Galvin, Greg Johnson, and so many others. I appreciate all they have done to help my career. And of course my 2nd cousin David Dilorenzo too! It really means a lot to me. There are so many more comics that will make it, too many to mention here. I am excited about being the 2nd comic to be inducted!"
7. In honor of your Hall of Fame induction, you are being roasted at 'DiParma Italian Restaurant' by several local comedians. How does it make you feel to be on the other side of the jokes?
"I will be a little bit nervous being on the other side of the jokes! But it's my turn to take it like a man!!!"
8. How would you say comedy has changed over the past 20 years?
"Comedy continues to evolve. When I started in 1983 - I got up 3 times and stopped. I regret that because the comedy boom was going on. In 1991 I came back and the boom was over. Clubs like Periwinkles, Stitches (in Boston), Catch A Rising Star (in Boston), The Brass Rail in Seekonk, MA, and the great Impasta in Warwick. That's when Rockin' Joe Hebert formed The Comedy Factory and we started putting our own shows together. My old friend and comic Tim Sullivan was also a big help back then. We created our own stage time. Today I feel that comedy is making a comeback. I don't like the politics of comedy though. Some clubs will use you while others won't. I've always hated that part of the business - but that's the way it is."
9. What are some career highlights for you?
"Back in early 1991, I went to an open mic in Norwood, MA. I asked for a spot and the booker said that he couldn't put me up. Well about 12 comics in a row bombed that night. So finally he put me up and sarcastically introduced me...saying "this guy thinks he's funny he's from Rhode Island." I had the set of my life. When I tried to get off the stage the booker signaled me frantically to stay up! That night I found out that I could make people laugh.
Some other highlights would be hosting the benefit show for the 'Station Nightclub Victims Fund'. I got to work with Dane Cook, Colin Quinn, Frank Santorelli, Stephanie Peters, it was a great honor. Also, wininning 'Rhode Island's Best Comic in the 2008 Providence Phoenix reader's poll contest was very exciting. I've also been honored to open for Eddie Money, Gilbert Gottfried, and other top acts. I can also say I've had the privilege to work with Tom Cotter from 'America's Got Talent', several time. He's a great comic and a fantastic guy. In fact, I started out at the same time with him and his wife Kerri Louise, who is also a great person and a great comic. I'd have to say the biggest career highlight for me happened this year when I organized a benefit show for my ex-wife who is battling a rare lung disease. My children were there and it was a big night not only in my career, but in my life. There's been so many other great highlights too...i love the business! "
10. What advice would you give to younger comics looking to get into the industry?
"I would tell younger comics to keep getting on stage as often as you can and never give up on yourself. you never know how far your career will take you."
John has hosted shows, headlined shows, and worked with some of the best comics The Ocean State has to offer. This month he will be the second comedian to be inducted into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. But before he receives his honor, he answers 10 Questions for us.
1. You've been doing comedy now for 20+ years, what is it about stand-up that you enjoy the most?
"The thing that I love the most about stand-up comedy is the absolute rush that you get when you have that killer set. What a feeling it is to get off stage knowing that you did your best. I love interacting with the crowd more than anything - it's a blast!"
2. Some people call you R.I.'s version of Don Rickles for your quick wit and crowd work, what other comics have influenced you over the years?
"Don Rickles is my idol. I've always loved his act. And I've always loved the old style comics like George Burns, Henny Youngman, Rodney Dangerfield, Milton Berle; all of the old-timers were great comics."
3. Have you ever felt you went to far with a joke or had an audience member get upset with you over a joke?
"I have gone too far with a joke in the past. But I really try not to cross that fine line between good-natured ribbing and upsetting someone. One time I was working a bachelor party and two giant biker dudes picked me up and had me in the air ready to throw me out the window of the 'Edgewood Yacht Club'; and I'm a pretty big guy! That was probably the scariest moment in my comedy career!"
4. Along with performing comedy, you also own the RI Comedy Factory and book a lot of comedy shows in the area. What do feel goes into making a quality comedy show?
"I book a lot of open-mic shows. I have always prided myself on helping new comics get started. I prefer to book your basic 'headliner, feature, host' type of show - but it doesn't always work out that way!"
5. You are also known for giving new comics their first chance on a mic. What sort of things stand out to you when you see a new comic perform?
"I gave Bill Burr $25 to host a show for me years ago when he first started, and I had the chance to work with him 3 years ago and he hadn't forgotten it. I knew he was going to have a bright future in the business. I love helping out new comics and see them develop. The greatest feeling is when you help a comic get stage time and they start doing well and they take the time to say "Thank you". Recently, Corey Tenchara won the 'Catch A New Rising Star' competition and he sent me a message thanking me for all the help that I had given him. That made me feel that it's all worth while booking open mic shows!"
6. On October 19th you're being inducted into The Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. What does this honor mean to you?
"Being inducted into the 'R.I. Comedy Hall of Fame' means a lot to me. I know how much work that I have put into this business and this is truly a great honor. I started out working for and with guys like Brian Deery, Frank O'Donnell, Charlie Hall , Rockin' Joe Hebert, Colleen and Eddie Galvin, Greg Johnson, and so many others. I appreciate all they have done to help my career. And of course my 2nd cousin David Dilorenzo too! It really means a lot to me. There are so many more comics that will make it, too many to mention here. I am excited about being the 2nd comic to be inducted!"
7. In honor of your Hall of Fame induction, you are being roasted at 'DiParma Italian Restaurant' by several local comedians. How does it make you feel to be on the other side of the jokes?
"I will be a little bit nervous being on the other side of the jokes! But it's my turn to take it like a man!!!"
8. How would you say comedy has changed over the past 20 years?
"Comedy continues to evolve. When I started in 1983 - I got up 3 times and stopped. I regret that because the comedy boom was going on. In 1991 I came back and the boom was over. Clubs like Periwinkles, Stitches (in Boston), Catch A Rising Star (in Boston), The Brass Rail in Seekonk, MA, and the great Impasta in Warwick. That's when Rockin' Joe Hebert formed The Comedy Factory and we started putting our own shows together. My old friend and comic Tim Sullivan was also a big help back then. We created our own stage time. Today I feel that comedy is making a comeback. I don't like the politics of comedy though. Some clubs will use you while others won't. I've always hated that part of the business - but that's the way it is."
9. What are some career highlights for you?
"Back in early 1991, I went to an open mic in Norwood, MA. I asked for a spot and the booker said that he couldn't put me up. Well about 12 comics in a row bombed that night. So finally he put me up and sarcastically introduced me...saying "this guy thinks he's funny he's from Rhode Island." I had the set of my life. When I tried to get off the stage the booker signaled me frantically to stay up! That night I found out that I could make people laugh.
Some other highlights would be hosting the benefit show for the 'Station Nightclub Victims Fund'. I got to work with Dane Cook, Colin Quinn, Frank Santorelli, Stephanie Peters, it was a great honor. Also, wininning 'Rhode Island's Best Comic in the 2008 Providence Phoenix reader's poll contest was very exciting. I've also been honored to open for Eddie Money, Gilbert Gottfried, and other top acts. I can also say I've had the privilege to work with Tom Cotter from 'America's Got Talent', several time. He's a great comic and a fantastic guy. In fact, I started out at the same time with him and his wife Kerri Louise, who is also a great person and a great comic. I'd have to say the biggest career highlight for me happened this year when I organized a benefit show for my ex-wife who is battling a rare lung disease. My children were there and it was a big night not only in my career, but in my life. There's been so many other great highlights too...i love the business! "
10. What advice would you give to younger comics looking to get into the industry?
"I would tell younger comics to keep getting on stage as often as you can and never give up on yourself. you never know how far your career will take you."
The comedy roast for John Perrotta is on Friday October 19, 2012 at 8pm at DiParma Italian Restaurant inside the Clarion Hotel in Seekonk, MA.
To get tickets for this event, call 401-461-7896
To get tickets for this event, call 401-461-7896