Review: Relatable Comedy Amuses in MEN ARE FROM MARS - WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS, LIVE!

Let's talk about sex.

The differences between the male sex and female sex can seem astronomical, and to Dr. John Gray, the communication between the two sexes is at least interplanetary. In 1992, he penned the relationship book Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, and the Live!, one-man show adaptation by Eric Coble is amusing at the Greer Cabaret Theater through October 14.

Leading the interplanetary mission is Pittsburgh native Amadeo Fusca. Amadeo is personable, relatable, and sharp-witted, allowing for his delivery of the one-man show to flow seamlessly from personal anecdote, to audience engagement, to impromptu therapy session.

Amadeo knows how to read the audience and play to them, customizing the experience for the particular crowd while keeping the hilarity to a maximum. Often times, this comedy did not allow for a breath between jokes.

The show journeys through selections of Amadeo's life, tailored aptly for the Pittsburgh crowd. Take for example date night: of course Amadeo loves his wife, but when a Penguin - Capitals playoff game goes into overtime, it's hard for him to focus on anything but the game - how yinzer of him!

The show is underlain with the philosophy and context of Dr. Gray's book; in fact, Dr. Gray appears on a video screen twice to explain an idea that is acted out by animated men and women. Have you ever thought maybe your significant other were using a point system to tally up all the good things they have done for you? Well, you are in for a cackling treat either way.

The success of this show can be attributed to two integral and complimentary parts. First, the material is well written and universally identifiable, however stereotypical or broad it may seem on the surface. The second is the delivery from the Amadeo, a comic who can deviate from the script only to enhance its message and laughter.

Although comedy can be subjective, this combined force will get at least a chuckle from even the most contempt of audience members (i.e. the unfortunate Capitals fans).

To see or not to see score: 7/9; Recommended Show

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