The show opened with L.A. Based Latin Rockers, Ozomatli who pumped up the audience with Cumbia-esque beats and an unexpected cover of Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough". The notorious, and single, Martin Moreno hosted the evening introducing the touring comedians Shaun Latham, Rick Gutierrez and Alfred Robles who each fueled the audience with infectious comedy, but the night belonged to Gabriel Iglesias and after a fifteen minute intermission of comedy highlights from his Stand-Up Revolution TV Show (officially picked up for a second season on Comedy Central) the show theme song began to play with the audience in perfect sync singing "Hey! It's Fluffy!"
The shock was evident from Gabriel who resembled a first grader about to perform "Twinkle, Twinkle" on a kindergarten stage. A GIANT smile, a major twinkle in his eye, and a deep breath was almost too much for Iglesias who had to take a moment to absorb where he was and what this performance truly meant for him. There is NO doubt in my mind that his mind flashed back all the way to the beginning of his comedy/acting career in 2000 when Iglesias joined the cast of Nickelodeon's "All That." The sweat was instant, but the roaring acceptance by the Fluffy Fans (and I do mean other Fluffy Peeps) was enough for Gabriel to start the show. It was a monumental moment for both the audience and the comedians. Everyone became a part of history and I couldn't have been more thrilled.
The comedy was ALL new unheard, uncharted, and virgin to the fans who attended. Iglesias has been described as unbelievably witty, electrifying, and clean. I don't agree. It's his ability to hook his audience with detailed story telling that relates to all people no matter their creed, color, or preference, BUT don't mix up your latin types because according to the comedy master a Puerto Rican is NOT the same as a Mexican and any error in judgement may result in a minor implemented injury by something sharp. All kidding aside, this comedian's ability to wash away the differences of each person in exchange for the similarities that make us a family has empowered Iglesias to travel and share his comedy throughout the US and around the world including a very incredible performance in Iran (where Fluffy is number TWO on youtube.com). The story of that show is INCREDIBLE and you will have to attend to hear the details including who the number one comedian on youtube in Iran actually is. I will give you a clue. "Silence! I Kill You!"
As the night came to a close, and Gabriel continued his stories you could sense the selfish desires from the fans for more time and more stories with Fluffy. This is when it hit me the hardest. Like every legendary music group, you MUST have an encore with your most popular songs. So, how does a comedian…let me rephrase that…how does a giant size comedian who is ready to dive into the thirty plus cakes waiting for him in the back that's being stared at and guarded by a "NOT STONED" comedian waiting for Iglesias to wrap up and finish his set? You perform and tell the popular stories.
The audience did NOT miss a beat and Iglesias taunted the New York City Union Workers (IASTE Local One Mobsters) by unplugging his one stage timer sending the night into over time. Gabriel called out the audience for story requests and the feed back was LOUD and immediate. Stories such as "The Racist Basket," "Donkey," and "Making Cops Laugh," and it was in his final piece "New Car" where Gabriel's true and humble side almost left both audience and comedian in tears. The audience sang back loud enough to make the floor shake. I am sure, Martin Moreno was selfishly taking it all in backstage since the audience was yelling his name, but the moment paused Gabriel's story and the light that radiated from his energy said to me that whatever doubts he ever had about his career, whatever people ever said to possibly derail his ability to try, or whatever took place to challenge Gabriel to rethink his choice to perform comedy, it was all squashed tonight.
I don't know if Gabriel will ever read this or if this will ever make it to someone who has ever felt they weren't somebody with a purpose or a plan, but I want to formally be the first to say don't quit! When life seems impossible and you are ready to give up, don't! Pursue your dreams harder. Welcome to the big leagues Gabriel! Your performance at Radio City Music Hall left an audience seeing and believing in how one man who one day is a part time employee struggling to make ends meet at a cell phone store can find monumental success when he pursues his dreams and becomes a house hold name in comedy and you did it with the greatest reason of all. You love to and remember that actors and musicians can have their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a few bucks, but not everyone can blow the roof off Radio City Music Hall. Some people only win awards and don't truly connect with their fans, but Gabriel Iglesias has done both by earning the hearts of his fans. Saturday night was sensational and almost too good to be true and the memories of this performance is one for the history books. Nothing will take that Fully's success as a comedian…not even a missing video tape of his nude performance now floating around in some viral black hole. Here's to Gabriel Iglesias, the man who can truly have his cake and eat it.
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