Interview #6: Gab Bonesso

I've never really hung out with an official comedian before. I mean, I have friends who are funny but none of them actually get paid for being funny. Gab Bonesso is like my funny friends but even funnier. It's a nonstop super high energy funny that is way too much for a coffee shop. We were the loud table, for sure.

I've never been very funny. The only people that laugh at me when I try to be funny are my mother (because she's my mother) and my friend Sara (she's generous with her laughter). When I meet a charasmatic person like Gab who makes everybody laugh, I can't help but be amazed. I asked Gab if she has always been funny or if it was something that she learned over time. She replied, "I was born nuts it just translates to funny."

I realized that it is not only her words that make Gab funny—it's her awesome expressions. She can stretch and move her eyebrows like a yogi master. Her impersonations are spot on (request Jerry Seinfeld next time you see her). She's like a million characters in one fiesty package.

We met at Big Dog Coffee on the South Side, Gab's favorite spot. It was my first time there and I LOVED the colorful atmosphere and tasty drinks. They have an impressive selection of loose leaf teas. Bonus!

Nik and I went to see Gab perform along with John Mcintire at the Greybox Theatre (10 points for BYOB comedy!) last Wednesday night. The theme? Boomers vs. Millenials. One word: hilarious. I won't be surprised if she has her own cable network (or at least her own show) in the near future.

Here are the next opportunities to see Gab in action: 

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Name: Gab Bonesso

Job title: Comedian

Twitter: @gabbonesso

Neighborhood you live in: McKees Rocks (for street “cred”), Robinson Township (for resumes).

Coffee shop drink of choice: Foamy, Soy Cap steamed to 130 degrees.

Current shampoo preference: Sunsilk De Frizz Captivating Curls

Why do you choose Pittsburgh as your home? 
Well, technically my ancestors chose Pittsburgh when they fled Italy due to werewolves. (Seriously.) Why I’ve stayed here? Well, that’s something I’ve been working on in therapy for the past 7 years. So far what we’ve come up with is that Pittsburgh is very affordable and that I have “mommy issues”. (Not in that particular order.)

Who do you spend your time with?
My mommy. HA. No, seriously I spend most of my time with my family, my shark and my “gentleman caller”.

What are your favorite aspects of your job?
Saying whatever I am thinking. Releasing my mania. Making people laugh (cliche but so true).

Do you have a soul food?
Well, I am an Italian American and my mother is the greatest chef that I know. (Hmm, maybe my shrink’s right about the “mommy issues”?) Anyway, she makes this dish called: felagone. It’s easily my favorite food on Earth. It’s like this savory pie crust filled with either: potatoes, peppers, onions and cheese OR spinach, ricotta, feta, raisins and peppers OR hot sausage, peppers and ricotta. It’s so good that it makes me talk in tongues. For real. Food is my religion.

What are some of your recent personal goals?
Umm, well, I haven’t opened a window in my bedroom in over a year due to my intense fear of stink bugs. So… I guess overcoming my fear of stinkbugs would be one. On a professional level, I would really like to get an agent based out of NYC or LA.

What are your favorite Pittsburgh restaurants?
For Date Night Food: Umi, Avenue B., Lydia’s, Alla Famiglia and Soba. For Anytime Food: Big Jim’s, Mad Mex, Pizza Sola and Cafe on the Strip.

Describe your ideal day:
Some of my favorite days are the ones where I stay home in my pajamas watching old movies and eating Kraft dinner.

What is the most memorable live show you have seen in Pittsburgh?
1996 - Heinz Hall - Jesus Christ Superstar starring: Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson. Blew. My. Mind.

What do you think Pittsburgh will be like in ten years?
I would like to see a young Jackie Evancho (runner up on America's got Talent) as mayor of our 'burgh. Oh, and I would like Pittsburgh to have a professional basketball team.

What do you love most about the city?
The arts. I love the Cultural District. I love the Toonseum. I love The Warhol. Bricolage Theater, The August Wilson Center, CAPA, The Grey Box Theatre, The Brillobox… I could keep going, but I won’t. This city if full of vibrant, talented artists who display their work all over the town. It’s really quite incredible.