Let’s face it. Some of the funniest people on the planet have come from New Jersey. Comic actors like Danny DiVito, Lou Costello and Tom Cruise (well he’s funny to me. Have you seen Rock of Ages?). Comedians like Joe Piscipo, Paul Venier and Vic DiBitetto
NEED NJ BORN COMICS rule the comedy stages and airwaves nationwide. Whether or not your humble editor belongs in that elite group is not for me to say. Thankfully, there are others who can speak for me. Here are some reviews of my work:
“Mr. DeLena, who resembles Burt Lahr (the Cowardly Lion), but has the rubbery limbs of Ray Bolger (the Scarecrow), danced, played the guitar, and charmed with his parodies of rock songs and pop singers…”
– The New York Times
“DeLena had the audience in his grasp almost immediately…a solid blend of different styles and themes that held their attention with ease.”
– The Newark Star Ledger
“DeLena knows what comedy audiences want and delivering it has been second nature for years. How refreshing a consummate professional like Gary DeLena is.”
– Newsday
“Gary DeLena is any one of three people on stage at any given time.”
– Philadelphia Enquirer
“He was always funny when I stuffed him into a locker in high school”
– Walt Pluzuski
The Music Box Theatre at the Borgata is the ultimate showcase for comedy. It is a truly grand theatre with seating for almost a thousand, with perfect sightlines and brilliant lighting and audio. The crew and stagehands working there are as good or better than any touring or Las Vegas show staff. The acts that perform there are the best in the business and include names you have heard before and most likely have seen on TV. Perhaps you have even seen me featured on HBO, Showtime, Fox, Comedy Central, America’s Most Wanted and Pawn Stars. Yes, I’m kidding. I’ve never been on Fox. I’ve also been lucky enough to share the Atlantic City stage with the likes of Kenny Rogers, Tanya Tucker, Tracy Lawrence, Huey Lewis and the News, Chicago and the Temptations, who let me sing “My Girl” with them on stage and called me “White Chocolate” the entire night. I wish I had that on on tape. Where were the cell phone cameras that night?
New Jersey audiences are the best. They’re tough, smart, uncompromising and unforgiving if you don’t deliver the goods. Thankfully, I will not be alone in entertaining them all week. Performing with me will be Rob Falcone and Alan Bursky.
This is a good time for comedy, especially in New Jersey, where our leaders say and do the craziest things on a daily basis. As I said, some of the funniest people on the planet have come from New Jersey.
Music Box Theatre August 13 – 19 (no show on the 18th)