Sebastian Maniscalco Set Perform First Comedy Show In Intuit Dome Aug. 17th

In 25 years of stand-up comedy, Sebastian Maniscalco has played every kind of stage where jokes are told.

“Some of these venues definitely have a history behind them,” says Maniscalco, whose It Ain’t Right Tour brings him to the new Intuit Dome for its first-ever comedy show on Saturday, Aug. 17. “Like the Hollywood Bowl or Madison Square Garden.

“I grew up in Chicago, so when I go to the United Center, I have the memories of the Chicago Bulls winning championships there,” he says. “So sometimes it’s a personal connection to the venue, and sometimes it’s just a historic one.

“For me, moving out here in 1998, I did all these little rooms all over town,” Maniscalco says. “Performing at the Comedy Store on Sunday. There used to be a place called Miyagi’s near there, had sushi and comedy on Tuesdays. I never really thought that it would reach to where it has in the sense of performing at these arenas.

“I mean, yeah, sometimes you go to a city and it’s just another arena that happens to be in that city,” he says. “Then you go to the Intuit Dome and see what’s behind it and how much money was spent to make the experience really beautiful for the fans.

“To be part of the grand opening weekend is special for me.”

Maniscalco’s popularity as a comedian has exploded over the past decade. He’s also slipped into movie and TV roles, such as the current Max series “Bookie” and the 2023 feature film “About My Father” in which he played a version of himself and Robert DeNiro portrayed his father.

“For me, TV and film is more of a muscle I have to get used to, and I see myself doing more of it. But as far as standup, put it this way: If I got a Saturday night standup show, I’m chomping at the bit to get up on stage. If I have a six o’clock call time, not so much. It’s a different feeling.”