Sebastian Maniscalco just completed his five-day run at Madison Square Garden as part of his ongoing “It Ain’t Right” tour — and we already miss him.
As an authentic fan (and just as authentic Italian), seeing Sebastian live at NYC’s premier entertainment destination was appointment viewing. Thankfully, the wily observational comic lived up to my impossibly high expectations.
“I feel like I’m with 17,000 of my friends when I’m back in New York,” Maniscalco shared with the sold-out stadium at the end of his Sept. 19 performance I attended. “Whether it’s the way we grew up or otherwise, there’s something special about New York.”
Staying true to himself, “It Ain’t Right” explores what’s currently going on in society — and in Maniscalco’s life — including paying $70 for parking and going through each decade of life. Regardless of who you are, you’re guaranteed to laugh as the 53-year-old picks apart what irritates him.
Let’s start at the beginning, though.
Special guest comedians Pat McGann and Pete Correale got the ball rolling before Maniscalco’s headlining set.
“McGann and Correale are my openers, but they’re full performers in their own right,” Maniscalco exclusively told the New York Post when he announced that he was extending his tour into 2025.
That’s right.
After the final punchline of Correale’s set, the evening’s headliner strode to the stage clad in his half-Mets, half-Yankees bomber jacket that exuded the Big Apple aesthetic perfectly.
He quickly jumped into his act complete with his usual humor, quick wit, slow roll delivery and on-stage motions that amounted to an exceptionally lively performance. Of course, the crowd ate it up.
What’s more, Maniscalco told The Post that he’s “enjoying the tour more” this time around. For one, his wife and children are joining him at certain parts of the tour and is performing on a triangular stage to interact with the audience more.
Compared to his previous specials, ‘It Ain’t Right’ somehow feels more relatable. Sure, his material is universal but what separates this from past works of Maniscalco’s is how he converses with audience members during the show. This improvisatory element was a refreshing spin on boilerplate stand-up shows where comics deliver perfected routines, and made the 17,000+ member arena seem more like you’re at your Sunday dinner table than the Garden where the Knicks and Rangers play.
Regardless of where you may see Maniscalco for in 2024 or ’25, you can expect the unexpected. The night before I attended, Jerry Seinfeld made an appearance that *everyone* was thrilled about. Who knows? Maybe a favorite comics of yours will pop in at the show you attend.
No matter who shows, though, you’re still getting Sebastian and, for our money, that’s more than worth the price of admission.
Final verdict: Maniscalco shined in one of his best tours yet. Delightfully entertaining and remarkable in every sense of the word, the one-of-a-kind headliner proves yet again that he’s one of the best in the biz. Don’t miss him when comes to a venue near you.
Missed the show?
He’ll be at Albany’s MVP Arena on Oct. 3, Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena on Nov. 15, Buffalo’s KeyBank Center on Nov. 16 and Syracuse’s OnCenter on Nov. 17.
Next year, the ‘It Ain’t Right Tour’ rolls into Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on March 7, Newark’s Prudential Center on March 8 and Belmont Park, NY’s UBS Arena on March 15.
Sebastian Maniscalco tour schedule 2024-25
All 2024 ‘That Ain’t Right Tour’ dates, venues, and links to tickets available can be found here:
Newly added 2025 ‘It Ain’t Right’ dates
All recently announced 2025 Sebastian Maniscalco show dates can be found below.
Sebastian Maniscalco comedy specials
Back in 1998, Maniscalco launched his comedy career after moving to Los Angeles.
In the 25 years since, he’s released six comedy specials.
If you’d like to catch up with his observational, one-of-a-kind material prior to seeing him live, you can chart Mansicalco’s growth as a comic by checking out each of his hours listed below (we know we will before seeing him live at MSG).
“Sebastian Live” (2009) streaming on Amazon Prime
“What’s Wrong with People?” (2012) is not available online
“Aren’t You Embarrassed?” (2014) streaming on Netflix
“Why Would You Do That?” (2016) streaming on Netflix
“Stay Hungry” (2019) streaming on Netflix
“Is It Me” (2022) streaming on Netflix
Following the tour, Maniscalco let us know that the ‘It Ain’t Right Tour’ will be spun into a special, though he hasn’t disclosed where it will air.
Sebastian Maniscalco tour openers
Maniscalco is bringing a pair of special guests along with him on the road.
To make sure you’re acquainted with their work, you can find each comic’s social media accounts below.
Pete Correale: Instagram
Pat McGann: Instagram
Huge comedians on tour in 2024
Many of the biggest names in comedy are bringing the funny to massive venues all over North America these next few months.
To make sure you’re in the loop, here are just five of our favorites you won’t want to miss live.
• Steve Martin and Martin Short
Who else is out and about? Check out our list of the 107 biggest comedians on tour in 2024 to find out.
Catch Sebastian on tour at https://www.sebastianlive.com
