In the beginning of his 2016 one-hour special, Socially Unacceptable, Joey Diaz says, “Let me tell you a little story.” It is at this point the audience should take a deep breath and strap in. That might be the only break in the action viewers get at a live Diaz performance.
The comic was born in Havana but oozes North Jersey with every word, movement and action. “Uncle Joey” grew up in North Bergen, N.J., and is a character in a world of characters. In the same special, Diaz explains his persona to the crowd: “I’m like that uncle. Everybody’s got that uncle like me. He’s a little f***ed up. He did some time. But he’s your mother’s brother. He borrowed $800 from your dad, never paid him back. He pawned Grandma’s wedding ring by mistake, but he’s f***ing solid. He’s got your back and sh*t.”
Diaz is a charismatic storyteller, often recollecting being on the wrong side of the law and the crazy situations he found himself in while addicted to cocaine. Now clean, Diaz brings a ferocity to his performances. Like that uncle, the one who your mother tells you not to get too close to, you just want to keep going back for more because he’s so damn entertaining.
Treasure Island, 9 p.m. Feb. 22, starting at $27.95 plus tax and fee. 702.894.7722
