How to go
What: “The Nobodies of Comedy Tour”
Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Cost: $30-$50
Tickets: Call (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com
There are perks to being a nobody in the world of stand-up comedy.
After all, unfamiliar comedians have the luxury of surpassing expectations simply because they’re an unknown quantity.
You can be treated to some of the funniest up-and-comers on the national comedy circuit Friday at the Victoria Theatre, as the Victoria Theatre Association presents the aptly titled “Nobodies of Comedy Tour” as part of the Victoria’s Projects Unlimited Variety Series.
Five comedians are scheduled to participate in the tour. Matt Bergman recently opened for Mike Birbiglia on a leg of his Comedy Central Live Tour. Tony Deyo has performed at the HBO Aspen Comedy Festival and can be heard regularly on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Tim Krompier is a comedy writer for United Stations/Pulse Radio Networks in New York City. Liz Miele was recently featured on Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham.” Ralph Tetta has performed in concert with such greats as Drew Carey, Adam Sandler, Denis Leary and Bobcat Goldthwait.
In advance of the performance, here’s your chance to become acquainted with Deyo and Tetta.
Tony Deyo
Hometown: Buena Vista, Va.
Favorite comedy idols or influences: Jerry Seinfeld and Brian Regan. "You can't really emulate them, but I certainly looked up to them and learned from them."
Favorite movie comedy or sitcom: "Caddyshack" and "Groundhog Day."
Did you always know you wanted to be a comedian? "I really didn't expect to make a career out of this. The odds are really astronomical in terms of succeeding as a comedian. In fact, I was a middle and high school band director in Texas before I became a comedian. I actually still write marching band shows during the summer since that's a slower time of year for the comedy scene."
What topics do you enjoy discussing in your act? "I've been married for 15 years, so I talk about that, and I also have a 1-year-old son, which I talk about as well. I enjoy talking about my life, and I just hope the audience relates to the stories."
What makes you laugh? "I still enjoy seeing my fellow comedians perform."
Ralph Tetta
Hometown: Rochester, N.Y.
Favorite comedy idols or influences: "George Carlin and Richard Pryor. I actually served as the assistant road manager for one of Carlin's tours. But am I or my comedy like Carlin or Pryor? Absolutely not."
Favorite movie comedy or sitcom: "The Big Bang Theory" and the Tom Hanks movie "Punchline."
Did you always know you wanted to be a comedian? "I've always enjoyed people, which is important in this business. When I was in high school I worked as a cashier at a small grocery store. I still remember trying to make people laugh while they waited in line. So, getting people to laugh and enjoy life was always important to me."
What topics do you enjoy discussing in your act? "My act changes from night to night, but I enjoy always saying something about whatever town I'm in. I was at the University of Dayton in 2010. Ohio has definitely become my niche. I've played so many cities there from Cleveland to Tiffin to Mansfield. There was one time I almost got into a car accident during a blizzard headed for East Liverpool and when I got there only 12 people showed up."
What makes you laugh? "Anything that is honest or sincere and mostly self-deprecating."
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