When it comes to self-promotion, comedian Mike Vecchione, a Youngstown native, will do whatever it takes to get his name and comedy to new audiences.
That’s exactly why he, albeit reluctantly, started posting content on a certain social media site known for dancing and fun.
“The landscape has changed; now I’m on TikTok,” said Vecchione, calling from his New York City home. “It’s OK. I think I have to be on it. It’s not my target demographic, but I have to be on there and try. If you don’t do it, you get left behind.
“For instance, I posted a stand-up clip this morning and it got 30,000 views. It’s like, where am I going to get that kind of reach in the clubs? There’s no way, so it’s something we have to do. The reach is unbelievable.”
Something Vecchione, an Italian-American comedian-actor known for his rapid-fire delivery, feels he now has to do on stage is talk about the pandemic if for no other reason than to provide catharsis for audiences.
“There’s a lot of COVID stuff in my material,” Vecchione said. “I don’t know if people are saying don’t talk about it, but it’s been like two years of us going through this. I realize how much I talk about it, but we’re all going to remember this time period.
“There’s also a lot of relationship and mental-health stuff in my set,” he continued. “You’re trying to make it personal but also have to relate to the people. It’s got to be accessible.”
That accessibility is translating into Vecchione garnering national attention of late.
Not only is he a regular on Comedy Central and SiriusXM, but the funnyman’s recently made his fifth appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Vecchione was also on the big screen alongside Pete Davidson in the Judd Apatow-directed “The King of Staten Island.” He also appeared in Netflix’s “The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show.”
Next, he returns to Cleveland, appearing April 15 and 16 at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre.
While he tours constantly, Vecchione handpicked the upcoming Hilarities dates because they lead directly up to the taping of his next special in Nashville. It’s being directed by his close friend, the critically acclaimed comedian Nate Bargatze.
“That’s a great club, so it’ll be a good read as to where I am,” Vecchione said. “Sometimes you’re on the road and the material isn’t resonating, so you’re like, ‘Is it the material or is it them? I thought I had this and now I don’t.’
“Then you realize, ‘Oh, it’s the late Friday-night show. They’re not wanting to hear jokes about Bible stuff I’m trying to do.’ So I need a place that’s going to give me confidence going into the taping.”
Because he opened the door, we’ll walk through: Bible jokes?
“I’m Roman Italian Catholic, so I’m trying to do these jokes about Jesus and Catholicism without making fun of Jesus,” Vecchione said. “Because I’m Catholic, I’ve heard that done a million times.”
What Vecchione is attempting to do is thread a needle that’s easier said than done. It’s sort of like in a room full of Mafioso making fun of the mob without offending the mob boss.
“Right, you don’t make fun of the main guy,” Vecchione said.
In keeping with that sentiment, Vecchione admittedly doesn’t want to disappoint his main guy and avid supporter, Bargatze. That means, he’d better bring his A-game for not only Cleveland audiences but the upcoming Music City gig.
“Oh, yeah, I’m going to bring it,” Vecchione said. “I’m going to bring it hard.”
Mike Vecchione
When: 7 and 9:30 p.m. April 15 and 16.
Where: Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, Cleveland.
Tickets: $25 (requiring purchase of two, four or six-ticket blocks) .
Info: 216-736-4242 or pickwickandfrolic.com.
