Mars v. Venus touching down on Cedar Rapids stage

Amadeo Fusca is a non-stop ball of energy while delivering the theatrical comedy of “Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus Live!” landing March 8, 2024, at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids.

“I’m like a cartoon character onstage,” Fusca, 38, said while calling from Pittsburgh. “I play multiple characters and just have as much fun as possible with the material.”

The lighthearted comedy is inspired by John Gray’s New York Times bestselling book. Fusca is the focal point as he veers from scene to scene as the production jumps from dating to marriage to sex.

“This show resonates so well with couples,” he said. “It’s easy to relate to. Every show, the audience is so responsive. ... I can see from the looks on their faces that many of the people have experienced what is being presented. The stories I’m part of onstage are perfect for date night. It’s so much fun for me watching the couples nudge each other and look and laugh at each other.

“This is a night for couples to let loose and crack up.”

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Fusca is a charismatic entertainer who excels as a comic-actor. Based in Los Angeles, he portrays Lucky Luciano in the Barry Levinson film “Wise Guys” and appeared on HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and Lifetime’s “Holiday Dating Guide.”

In 2013, Fusca won the Friars Club’s “So You Think You Can Roast” contest, beating out 55 stand-up comedians for the opportunity to roast child star Ricky Schroeder and NBA icon Dennis Rodman.

“I had such a great time with the roast,” Fusca said. “But I always enjoyed watching the roasts over the years. I approached from the vantage point of an actor. I never chased stand-up. I identify as an actor.”

Fusca noted that the roast experience and his side gig as a New York City tour guide helped him prepare for his role in the “Mars-Venus” solo show.

“Doing the tours helped me connect with people,” he said. “That was an invaluable experience.”

For two hours, the amiable Fusca delivers funny anecdotes about his own relationships while rendering advice from Gray’s popular book. Fusca is self-deprecating and clever. He slips in local references and is adept at ad-libbing.

“I learned a lot while I was in Upright Citizens Brigade, which led me to improv and sketch comedy,” he said. “Everything I’ve done has prepared me for acting roles and this show, which is a blast to do.”

Fusca is a jack of all comedy trades and is at his best delivering physical comedy. His movement when detailing the evolution of sexual activity in long term relationships is laugh-out-loud funny. It’s easy to see why a comedian, who is a skilled thespian is ideal for such a role. A performer who is primarily a comic might not be able to pull off bits that require subtlety. Fusca slips in contemporary humor that is not part of Gray’s book, published in 1992.

“Obviously much has changed since then,” Fusca said.

The book hit shelves when few had cellphones and the internet was not part of the lexicon yet.

“But relationships weren’t different then,” Fusca said. “When you get down to what’s most important in our lives, things remain the same. What was funny then about relationships is still funny.”

The show is a work in progress for Fusca.

“I’m constantly editing myself and looking for the right buzzwords,” he said. “I’m always looking to connect and deliver that extra wave of laughter. What I like most is the crowd’s reaction. I love it when they grab onto something I say or do and just laugh at this relationship humor.