LAZ RIVERO

LAZ RIVERO

Stand- Up Comedian
www.lazrivero.com

 

Laz Rivero is a Brooklyn based Stand-Up Comedian who is quite adamant that he will go absolutely anywhere to get some laughs – that’s the spirit! We love that so much about Laz Rivero and felt it was only fitting that we encourage him to bring his shenanigans to Pizazz News. Originally born in Cuba, Laz travelled by boat from Cuba with his family seeking refuge in the land of the 50 stars and 13 stripes; the United States. Not long after landing on U.S soil/bitumen, his dear mum got involved with the JW’s and so the young larrikin Laz grew up in a cult. We are mighty relieved for Laz that he wrangled his way out of the cult and found sanctuary with an alternative and considerably more entertaining lot of nut jobs.

Ladies and gentlemen what a delight it is to present the marvellous Laz Rivero to Pizazz News.

 

Q
My goodness Laz, I can only imagine the horror show of being brought up a JW. You MUST share some stories with us about this group, which I totally agree with you, and many others, is a cult. Share away!

A
Hi Natasha,  it was indeed a horror show! My biggest fear of all was, “Will my parents let me die if I need a blood transfusion?” Imagine worrying about that every day; yes, a horror show. At age 10, my mother informed me that I could no longer play little league, celebrate birthdays, Xmas (shit, all Holidays), salute the flag…too much to mention here. Let’s just say after that conversation is when I first thought about suicide, which is extremely common amongst kids in that awful cult, but I knew I had to persevere. I told myself to wait till I get a little older so I can get far away from this cult.

Q
When did you leave the JW’s and is your family still a part of it?

A
I never lost sight of my goal; which was to get the fuck out of that situation! So, after five years of severe beatings from my mother and older sister, they finally gave up and left me alone until I turned 18 and moved out. Yes, they are unfortunately still waiting for doomsday.

Q
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that only 144,000 Christians make it to heaven. I asked a JW about pathways to heaven only to find out I had to learn many other things before getting to that part, and basically, to cut an excruciatingly long, boring, story short, I had to become a JW – even though I was initially led to believe that I didn’t have to convert! How do you like them apples Laz? Can you explain what it takes to be in the 144,000?

A
It takes being completely insane. They just feel like they’re chosen. So yeah, 144,000 go to heaven, and the rest will live here on paradise earth with their very own pet lion or tiger. Btw, that number is about triple now because of their failed Armageddon predictions.

Every cult has a silver lining; owning your own pet lion or tiger, the JW’s should start with that.

Q
I thoroughly enjoyed your wonderfully effervescent live performance at “The Stand NYC” February 19, 2018, available on YouTube. I was particularly fond of your mother’s take on Michael Jackson’s “Moon Walk”, and his status as an ex –JW. What an enchanting woman.
“Only the Devil Walks Backwards.”

I thought to myself, “This ex JW Cuban refugee is onto something here!” So much humour can be extracted from religion, or growing up in a cult; would you consider writing more about this particular subject for your performances? Why or why not?

A
Yes, and thank you! I’m working towards a one person show that will not only resonate with my EX-JW community, but also with the general audience.

I like it already.

Q
Your “Brooklyn Rats” joke; just hilarious, pure shenanigans Laz! I totally bought the “Lynx and Owl” story until I remembered the size of those vermin. Was there any truth to it at all?

A
So much truth! I would hear them scurrying and rattling in the stove at night. It was terrifying until I adopted my first cat. She killed one to two every day. They got the message.

Laz Rivero LIVE at The Stand NYC February 19, 2018

Q
Do you have a picture of your Yorkie “Stacks”?

A
“Stacks” is actually “Rocky.” 🙂

“Rocky” aka “Stacks”

Totally cute shifty munchkin.

Q
You have performed Live in a number of places, which venue would be your favourite?

A
I love all the rooms that have welcomed me, but the Friday night show at “Broadway Comedy” is WILD!! It has more of a nightclub vibe. The audience is loud, rowdy and unforgiving, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

 

Laz Rivero at Broadway Comedy Club
The Art Factory by Gabe Collazo Photography

Q
How many minutes do you typically prepare when you are part of a cast?

A
I usually prepare anywhere between 8-30 minutes.

Q
When did you know that Stand-Up Comedy was something you wanted to do?

A
I had the itch all my life, but for the last year or so it has been all consuming. I was a late bloomer.

*Tacky pun insert: Glad you got that itch finally taken care of Laz.

Q
Who do you find funny?

A
So many: George Carlin, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Brian Regan, Ali Wong, Sebastian Maniscalco…Madeline Khan was my first love.

Q
What are your thoughts on being PC and artistic freedom?

A
Artistic freedom is everything, but at the same time I personally stay away from certain words that have no place in my act. Ultimately, audience will tell me what they think, and that’s all that matters.

Laz Rivero

Q
Are you restrained or given “guidelines” with regards to your content at certain venues?

A
Never.

Gutsy/tits/balls.

Q
What was the best experience you had at a venue?

A
My best experience is when I bomb so I know never to do that again.

Q
Can you share some new material you are working on now exclusively with Pizazz News?

A
Yes! I’m putting together a bit about how no one is really killing in the name of Satan.

 

You always hear “god is great” then boom.
Satan is just there shaking his head…”I told you so.”

Satan the know-it-all.

Q
Where are you performing next?

A
My next two shows are at “Broadway Comedy Club” and SNUG! at “The Pit.”

 

Laz Rivero, it has been a total joy interviewing you for Pizazz News, we love your shenanigans, and look forward to more from you!

Laz: Thank-you so much Natasha for the interview for Pizazz News and I can’t wait to get cracking on delivering more shenanigans. 🙂

 

The Man Cave Chronicles Podcast

Interviewed by Elias Giannakopoulos

Episode 50

Episode 50 w/ Stand Up Comedian Laz Rivero