Jersey City’s Mike Marino Back in Town

By Evelyn Bonilla 

Mike Marino, as a comedian, actor, and writer has learned his craft well. Born in Jersey City, and raised in the Marion section; Marino, entered the world of theatre at an early age, and is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Marino has appeared in over 200 national television commercials, and has received a Best Actor Clio Award Nomination. He has acted in many Prime Time soaps and television shows including: As the World Turns, One Life to Live, Becker, Nikki, Frasier and Party of Five. His film credits include Crooks, Steven Kingâ€s Lucky Quarter, Volaré, Walking on the Sky, Three Tables and Hangin†in Hedo.After great success in film, theatre, commercials and soaps, Mike began touring the nation performing at countless comedy clubs. His stand-up material ranges from cutting edge to his Italian family roots. His comedic style has landed him guest spots on many shows including: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

where he was made a regular sketch player. Mike has hosted some of the most prestigious award shows including: The Beverly Hills Film Festival, the Montreal Film Festival and the Feast of San Gennaro – Los Angeles. He has also headlined several USO Comedy Tours and The Just For Laugh Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada.His comedic material is unique, and his delivery is direct, and hilarious! Fans across the country are in awe at this former Jersey City boy’s ability to keep them laughing off their seats. Thatâ€s why His smash comedy DVD, “Mike Marino, New Jersey’s Bad Boy of Comedy” is one of the hottest comedic DVD’s on the market and that keeps this very talented performer on the road all the time.

Although Marino calls the West coast his home, the East coast just can’t get enough of him where he performs at many venues throughout the year.

But after this month; Marino, might be spending a lot more time right back here in Hudson County. If only in character for a new sitcom called “Marinoâ€s”

March 23rd – 27th Mike Marino will be in Hudson County shooting a Pilot for “Marinoâ€s” which is the creation of comedic sitcom writer, Sarit Catz (Full House, Coach) we hear “Marinoâ€s” is original as it is hilarious! Based on an Italian American family who owns a traditional deli in Hoboken, NJ and resides above the deli, Sarit Catz wants the pilot to explore the ins and outs of a real Italian family and their New Jersey roots.

Catz explains, “This sitcom was developed and created around Mike Marino.” On our first meeting, I noticed his unique character voice and I instantly saw the show.” “Marino has great persona and an instinct point of view.”

The Pilot will feature some very talented actors. Among the cast will be Mike Marino, as the owner of the deli. Concetta Tomei will play Mike’s mother, Joe Grifasi (Uncle Leo), Carolyn Morrison (Mike’s sitcom sister “Val”), Kevin Kash (an Irish ex-husband to Val and Mike’s best friend in the sitcom). The children will be played by young actors Bridget Megan Clark (Angie-teenage daughter) and Carmen LoPorto (Angie’s little brother Tommy.) Now added to that will be fashion boutique owner Wendell played by actor (Carman Lacivita), who happens to have a business right next door to the deli and lovable guy “Sammy the Ham” (who works at the deli), played by actor David Brown.

The Pilot which is set in Hoboken, NJ will actually be filmed in Jersey City, NJ in the well-known eatery, “Matarazzo’s Deli. This will serve as the actual sitcoms backdrop.

With an excellent writer and an amazing cast “Marinoâ€s” the Pilot has a great chance of being picked up and elevated to sitcom status. This would have Marino following in the footsteps of some very funny and talented comedians like; Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano, George Lopez, The late Bernie Mac and others.

If you havenâ€t seen  one of Mike Marinoâ€s shows; on May 16, 2009 Marino will be performing at the Rahway Theater, in Rahway, NJ.
Bob Gonzo, Marino’s agent explains, “Mike will be appearing at the Rahway Theater and across the country this year.” “Look to his website for dates and times of his upcoming performances.” Jersey Cityâ€s Mike Marino is definitely taking the country by storm, not only does he have a new sitcom in the works and a country wide comedic tour, he also was recently inducted into “New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame for 2008. The Comedy Hall of Fame features some of New Jersey’s most talent comedians such as Jerry Lewis and Joe Piscopo just to name a few.

Talented, versatile and definitely hilarious, Mike Marino is without a doubt, one of New Jersey’s “hottest” comic’s working the country right now!
 
To view comedian Mike Marino” upcoming scheduled visit his website at www.mikemarino.net.Also view Marino induction into the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame at www.newjerseycomedyhalloffame.com

The post Comedian Mike Marino – Back in Jersey City to Shoot TV Pilot – ” Marino’s” first appeared on River View Observer.