Stand-Up Attends His Own Atlantic City Impersonator Contest

Contestants impersonating Sebastian Maniscalco during an Atlantic City contest got an unusual surprise on Friday, Sept. 19. The famous stand-up comedian crashed his own impersonator party.

Maniscalco is a renowned comedian with more than 20 years of experience in physical comedy and storytelling. The “Sebastian Maniscalco Impression Contest” was taking place at Nola's Bar & Lounge at Ocean Casino Resort. Maniscalco has a two-week residency there as part of his “It Ain't Right” tour.

During the event, a contest was held featuring impersonators mimicking Maniscalco's mannerisms, facial expressions, hand gestures, and signature catchphrases such as “What's wrong with people?” Others tried to copy his “Chipotle bit,” with one contestant, Mark Maggi, being a near-perfect look-alike. According to NJ.com, Maggi was dressed in a black leather jacket, black shirt, black jeans, and a nearly identical haircut.

“Very talented and I thought I was looking into a mirror,” Maniscalco said of Maggi in a YouTube video posted by The Press of Atlantic City.

Maniscalco is set to perform eight shows during his two-week residency, which began last Friday. Tickets can be purchased on the Ocean Casino's website.

In addition to the shows and impression contest, a Maniscalco retail pop-up store is featuring the entertainer's merchandise. Ocean Steak & Linguini by the Sea has a “Sebastian's Favorite Things” menu consisting of meatballs, chicken cutlets, and spicy rigatoni. Meanwhile, the casino has a Maniscalco drink, the “'It Ain't Right' Manhattan.”