STAND-UP TUESDAYS: Steve Rannazzisi

December 3rd, 2013

Angie Frissore

Stand-Up Tuesdays is a weekly comedy spotlight written by the wonderfully talented Angie Frissore. Covering both known and unknown comics, Stand-up Tuesdays is your new source for all things funny.

This week, Angie puts a spotlight on Steve Rannazzisi’s comedy career. If you or your comedy troupe would like to be featured on Stand-Up Tuesdays, please email utgjames@gmail.com.

Comedian Steve Rannazzisi shares his unique views on air travel, parenthood, and being stoned in his brand new one-hour special, Steve Rannazzisi: Manchild, which aired in November on Comedy Central. Best known for his role as Kevin the League Commissioner on FXX’s hit show The League, Rannazzisi has performed with the famed Groundlings School and Comedy Troupe as well as the famous Comedy Store – landing him a spot on MTV’s Punk’d.

Manchild, overall, is an enjoyable hour of comedy from a guy who is very easy to like and relate to. Rannazzisi’s personal stories of ordering pizza while stoned and watching his son punch a stranger in the family jewels are absolutely delightful, and the imagery Rannazzisi paints truly makes you feel like you are right there watching these things take place.

There’s a strange pace to Manchild in that Rannazzisi starts off with almost nine minutes of air-travel related material, but moves much more quickly from topic to topic immediately afterward – ultimately facilitating one’s ability to get distracted and lose focus on what the comedian is saying. Rannazzisi quickly recovers, however, and finds a solid rhythm for the rest of the set. Now, this is not at all to say that Rannazzisi’s shorter jokes aren’t funny, as they certainly are; it just takes a little while to adjust to what seems like a sudden change of pace altogether.

Steve Rannazzisi’s Manchild may not be the stand-out comedy album of the year, but it’s certainly worth digesting, whether on video or digital album. The special has a little something for everyone – stoners, married folk, parents, and, well…assholes. Download your very own copy today at CC:Stand Up Direct for only $5.