Perry Sak is so New England that some think he may actually have partaken in the Boston Tea Party.
It’s a silly notion, of course. Had Sak actually been present for the historic event, it most certainly would have been a Boston Bud Light Party.
Talk with Sak for 30 seconds and there’s little doubt to where he grew up, pal. His Boston accent is thicker than New England Clam Chowdah and twice as chunky. Sak forms instant bonds with other New England Patriots fans, and his re-writing of the of Miami Dolphins fight song is one of South Florida’s most memorable bits.
Oh, and he knows how to put a room together.
This week Sak joined Applause Break to discuss his comedic influences, his favorite comedy movie, and more.
Applause Break Q&A with Perry Sak
Why did you start performing stand-up comedy?
Always loved watching comics and I idolized them. To the point where I was too nervous to even talk to them after the show. Wanted to do stand-up since I was a teenager but I waited until I was 47 for my debut.
Who is your favorite comic and why?
The guys I found the funniest are the old school guys since I’m 116 years old – Eddie Murphy, well, cuz he was Eddie Murphy. Dom Irrera, Richard Jenny and Robert Schimmel. Why? Cuz they were f****** great and they could say whatever the hell they wanted back then.
What do you do when you’re not performing stand-up comedy? What is your job and hobby?
Business owner, 31 years strong. Interior Magic: Blinds, shades plantation shutters and flooring. GREATEST PRICES AND SERVICE IN FLORIDA!
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had and what made it so bad?
When I moved to Florida in 1984 I got a job selling pest control services over the phone. I had to memorize a big long script I still remember it. After calling random people and getting rejected call after call after call with my boss standing over me I said I’m going to my car I just got to get something and then my tires were screeching and he came running out waving his arms and I was out of there.
How often do you write? What’s your process and inspiration?
I write daily. I text myself quick notes or I send myself emails under the section “Jokes.” Problem is, I don’t go to the Mic’s often enough to try out the new stuff as much as I’d like to.
What’s your pre-show routine?
On the day of the show I like to get home go in my room, shut the door, put the AC cold put on, the TV on, and just chill out for at least one or two hours. I think, make some quick notes, and sometimes I will listen to some of my sets on audio to get me in the mood. I will only listen to the good ones, LOL, and then of course 4-6 Bud Lights and give me the mic.
How do you dress for a performance and why? Describe your look.
Depends on the venue but I always drape to the left
What’s the best comedy movie ever and why?
Airplane, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
How does your dream performance go?
Nobody beats me up after the show
What’s the strangest thing a heckler has ever said to you? How did you respond?
I don’t get heckled often almost ever, probably cuz they know you’ll kick their ass. Having said that I got the s*** beat out of me by five guys on New years Eve filming a show in Hollywood, Florida.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you at a show?
In front of over 200 people at the New York comedy club when I was very new, I was hosting and there was a table full of girls in front. The place was packed. I said, “Anyone celebrating a birthday?” And they said, “It’s her birthday.” I said, “Normally you would show us your boobs,” and the whole table full started pulling their boobs out. The owner’s brother ran up to me and said they have to stop and the girls eventually got thrown out of the show. It was wonderful.
Where do you see your comedy in five years?
The same s***** hell holes I perform at now.
What else should comedy fans know about you?
Occasionally I drape to the right instead. Oh, and I’m very mature.
What are your IG, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts so that we can link to them?
IG: @PerrySak | Facebook: @PerrySak7
Catch Perry Sak on Sept. 30 at Grand Palms Country Club in Parkland, Oct. 8 at Coastal Karma Brewing Company in Lake Park, Oct. 14 at Creole Garden in Tamarac, Oct. 21 at Groucho’s Comedy Club in Melbourne and the following night at the Holiday In Oceanside in Vero Beach.
