From left to right we have the “very funny” Rene Garcia, Beny Mena (also very funny), Cesarlino, Socially It’s Anita then Lainie and last, but not least the “HILARIOUS” headliner of the 11 p.m. show @ the Irvine Improv August 30, 2008 … (drum roll please) … MANNY MALDONADO!
The story about how Manny became a comic is comedy in itself. Manny’s goal was actually to play professional football. HE’S HELLA SHORT THOUGH!! After high school he attended junior college to pursue a dream in sports broadcasting. While in college he participated in speech debate and found that his speeches were always funny. Not too long after Manny dropped out of college he tried stand up comedy. Many years later, Manny is recognized as one of the hottest rising Latino comics in the country. Mr Maldonado has worked over seas and coast to coast in some of the best comedy clubs. Manny has worked with Dave Chappelle, Dave Attel, and George Lopez. His TV credits include B.E.T.’s Comic View, Latino Laugh Festival, Comics Unleashed, and Que Locos (just to name a few). In 2007 and 2008 Manny was selected to perform on the “Crown Royal New Latin Kings of Comedy Tour” with comic legend Paul Rodriguez. Manny also has a comedy special titled “Comedy Rehab” and it will be out this fall!
When I first encountered Manny it was at the Brea Improv when comedian Jeff Garcia was headlining. Manny’s performance had me in tears and I “instantly” became a fan of his comedy. What was really cool was that Lainie and I (who was with me at that show), were able to hang out with Manny and his friends next door at the Yard House. Ever since then we have all been friends.
Manny can be found on Myspace … www.myspace.com/mannymaldonado. On his page you can find his calendar that shows where you can catch one of his hilarious comedy acts. QUE PASO, QUE PASO! If you have ever seen Manny live or know him personally you will know that que paso, que paso is his trademark!
Through Manny we have had the pleasure of meeting his good buddy and our new friend comedian Rene Garcia. These two together equal some major side hurting laughter. Before Lainie and I were Socially it, we were Hellavaistic. As Hellavaistic we promoted a few nights at the Ivar in Hollywood. We invited Manny to come out and join us. I was very pleased when he came, because he is such a busy guy. He came with Rene and that was the first night we met Rene. Ever since then I knew he would be a good friend too. Since being friends with Rene he invited me out to see him perform at the Ontario Improv. It was great! There at the Ontario Improv is where I first got to see Beny Mena take the stage. He too is a funny comic and they are all friends.
With that all said, you know August 30, 2008 was a special treat for me. Manny headlined and Rene and Beny did their set too! This was Manny’s first time doing stand up at the Irvine Improv. Of course Socially It had the special invite to attend. I was so pleased to be a part of this. There were two other comics in the house who performed too and they were Edwin San Juan and Gene Pompa. The entire show was great. Each comic had their own personality and kept the crowd laughing.
To the show Lainie and I were accompanied by our new good friend Cesarlino. We three were the first into the Improv. We got special treatment and got to get seated before they let anyone else in. Cesar, Lainie and I were chillen at our table and low and behold comedian Mo”Nique came out the back. We were like OMG! We knew she had 2 shows earlier that night. One at 7pm and the other at 9pm. Manny’s show did not start until 11pm. We just HAD to get a picture with her (and we did). She was SO nice! She gave Lainie kiss on the cheek!
