By Lynn Venhaus
A career path that includes comedy, live theatrical performances and an upcoming Robert DeNiro film has taught Amadeo Fusca to be open to challenges that come your way. Known for his energy and quick wit, the actor says that getting laughs from an audience is always the cherry on top to making a live connection.
Recently in town for “Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus Live” at the Playhouse at West Port Plaza, Fusca explained the part play-part stand-up comedy based on the 1992 best-selling self-help book by John Gray is a revised version of the one-man show now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Evolution Tour. He was here before, in 2016, and last year at The Pageant. He will be in other major cities this spring with the revamped version.
Gray’s book exploring the differences between the sexes has sold in excess of 50 million copies, been translated into 40 different languages and is one of the most recognizable titles in the world.
He said you can expect the same delightful, light-hearted comedy that is definitely for adults. Eric Coble, the original writer, and director Mindy Cooper are back to inject new life into the script, ensuring its relevance and resonance with today’s audiences. Moving swiftly through a series of vignettes, Fusca covers everything from dating and marriage to the bedroom.
Fusca does his homework, using local references, works in ad-libs and improvises, too — he’s so familiar with the material, and how audiences will respond.
He enjoys engaging an audience, hearing all the laughs and giggles, and seeing couples elbow each other as they see themselves on stage. Fusca said it’s a great night out – combining storytelling, comedy and some sage wisdom from the book.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Amadeo has now performed “Men are From Mars Women are From Venus Live!” in over 60 cities, across 30+ states and in front of 75,000 people and counting.
In 2013, he won the legendary Friars Club “So You Think You Can Roast?” competition beating out 55 other comedians roasting ‘80s child star Ricky Schroeder and NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman in the process. As the winner, Amadeo was among the dais to roast Jack Black along with comic legends such as “Roastmaster” General Jeff Ross, Sarah Silverman, Amy Schumer, Bob Saget, Jerry Lewis and more!
In addition to his theatrical comedy, Amadeo can also be seen in various television and film productions including: “Princess Cut” on HBO MAX, “NCIS” on CBS, “That Damn Michael Che” on HBO MAX, Marvel’s “Daredevil” on Netflix, “Boardwalk Empire” on HBO, “The Holiday Dating Guide” on Lifetime, “Almost Family” on FOX and “As the World Turns” on CBS.
Sometime this year, you can catch him as Lucky Luciano in the new Robert DeNiro film “Alto Knights” directed by Barry Levinson.
He had been performing his infamous character World Renowned Conductor Salvatore Giovanni across the globe to roaring reactions in the world’s greatest variety show run by Zach Zucker called “Stamptown,” which played at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
But now, he has developed Salvatore into a solo show that may just play on this stage one day as well…
For more information, please visit his website at www.amadeofusca.com.
Take Ten Q&A with Amadeo Fusca
1. Why did you choose your profession/pursue the arts?
I grew up in a household where we followed the Oscars very closely every year. I would watch all the best dramas and analyze who I thought should win. On top of that, we just watched a lot of great TV shows at my house as well. Including classics like Taxi. I always admired the work and felt good doing it.
2. How would your friends describe you?
Nocturnal
3. How do you like to spend your spare time?
Seeing shows, gambling on sports and word games.
4. What is your current obsession?
Fanduel Faceoff – A betting app with games
5. What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I never learned how to ride a bike
6. Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?
When I was awarded the winner of the Friars Club “So You Think You Can Roast?” Competition and got to Roast Jack Black.
7. Who do you admire most?
My Mom for everything she’s endured in life and keeps on persevering through.
8. What is at the top of on your bucket list?
“Go into Outer Space”
9. What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?
Perform (:
10. What’s next?
Heading to London to perform some shows with my World Renowned Conductor Character Salvatore Giovanni and then shows in Davenport, IA, Cincinnati, OH, Burnsville, MN and Sioux Falls, SD.
More About Amadeo
Age: 37
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, PA
Current location: Los Angeles, CA
Education: BA in Acting from Point Park University Conservatory of Performing Arts
Day job: Acting
First job: Busboy
First role: Albert Peterson in “Bye Bye Birdie”
Favorite roles/plays: Jerusalem – Mark Rylance
Dream role/play: Something Funny & Serious that hasn’t been made just yet.
Awards/Honors/Achievements: Friars Club Roast Competition Winner
Favorite quote/words to live by: “All I know is I don’t know”
A song that makes you happy: “Good Riddance” by Green Day
The producer of the “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus” Evolution Tour is St. Louis based Emery Entertainment has produced and promoted thousands of events around the globe, including superstar attractions Blue Man Group, David Copperfield and James Taylor. The talented team assembled for this production continues with the award-winning playwright Eric Coble, direction by Broadway veteran Mindy Cooper, and animation & video production by the talented animators at Bazillion Productions.
Westport Playhouse is back, hosting plays, musicals, films, comedy, private events and much more. Enhanced with a new 40-foot video screen backdrop, upgraded lighting and a new sound system, Westport Playhouse is located at 635 Westport Plaza in Maryland Heights. For more information or to see a list of nearby restaurants,
Performance times are February 14-16 at 7:30 p.m.; February 17 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; and February 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through MetroTix at www.metrotix.com or by calling 314/534-1111. Additionally, tickets will be available at The Westport Playhouse box office one hour prior to show time. All seats are $67. Use promo code MARS to save half-off.
visit www.westportplay.com. For more information on the tour, visit www.marsvenuslive.com.
Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.
She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.
She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women’s and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.
