Arthur Fratelli is one of several new grounds acts performing at the 2011 N.C. State Fair.
Did your mom every tell you to stop showing off? Chances are Arthur Fratelli heard the same thing from his mom. Good thing he never listened because if he had, we may not have been lucky enough to have this professional showoff come to the N.C. State Fair. Fratelli is one of the amazing grounds acts that will make this year’s State Fair one to remember.
Since this is Arthur’s first time performing at the N.C. State Fair, we decided to take some time to learn a little more about him and his act. And, what better way to learn more about this professional showoff than by going directly to the source. Here’s what we found out:
1. Welcome to the N.C. State Fair. For those who haven’t seen your act before, what can we expect?
My performance is more than just a guy doing tricks. My A.D.D. personality is the basic template for my show. I dart around a lot-juggling, talk with the crowd, magic tricks, some yo-yo moves, sight gags, I bring people on stage, poke a bit of fun at myself, few kung fu techniques and a few humorous anecdotes make the show fun. I have silly stuff for the kids and cerebral material for the Mensa members. The show is skill-based, with a lot of original routines and comedy material. It has been refined over the last few years and I am always adding new material.
2. Tell us a little bit about Arthur Fratelli. Where are you from?
My name is Arthur Fratelli, I am 28 years old. My hobbies include competition level beatboxing, bonsai tree manicuring and lying about my age and hobbies. The Amazing Arthur Fratelli World Headquarters is located in Omaha, Nebraska. I have three beautiful children. Four total. Yes, I am on Facebook.
I perform as The Amazing Arthur Fratelli-Professional Showoff and Comedy Superhero. It’s much easier than saying, “The joke telling, juggling, yo-yo, magic, mentalism, audience participation and time share sales representative guy.” By the way, I don’t really sell time shares-that’s a joke…
3. When did you know you wanted to entertain?
I knew for sure I was going to make a living on stage when I received my SAT scores. It’s strange, my mother said she knew what I would be when I graduated from high school…….thirty.
4. What’s your favorite part of entertaining?
In a word-audiences. I love audiences. The instant feedback of a crowd, the reactions from the kids and the laughs from the adults. It’s addictive.
5. Do you have any advice for novice yo-yoers reading this blog?
Advice for yo-yoers….the yo-yo scene moves so fast, it’s impossible to keep up. There are so many new tricks and varieties of yo-yo play out there. The sport has evolved so quickly with the rise of the Internet. My best advice would be – get a yo-yo and have fun!
6. What’s rotating on your Pandora station?
I have a deep love of surf music-The Ventures, the Mermen, I can’t get enough surf music. Since I was 10 I’ve had a deep connection with The Beatles. I am a flat out Beatles addict. I like all the 60s music. Something about that time frame…the music gods were sending some gifted musicians to us.
7. Are you a dog person or a cat person?
I do yo-yos, so I have to say I find myself walking the dog quite a bit…are you going to print that? (Editor’s Note: Yes, yes we are.)
8. If you were a farm animal, what would it be and why?
Farm animal? This interview has officially taken an odd turn….let’s see….horses are cool. So are geese. Last week, I was kicked out of the zoo for feeding the geese…….to the alligators.
9. If your show was a fair food, what would it be and why?
Fair food? Kettle corn is fantastically delicious. I also have quite an affection for funnel cakes with cinnamon and sugar.
10. This year’s theme is “Love A Fair.” What do you love about State Fairs?
I have done quite a few state fairs and I love the fact that there is so much to do. You can’t possibly do it all in one day. You have to come back over and over.
After the more serious questions, we decided to harness our inner James Lipton (or at least our inner Will Ferrell portraying James Lipton) with some questions from Inside the Actors Studio.
1. What is your favorite word?
Prestige is a great word.
2. What is your least favorite word?
Frumpy is a terrible word.
3. What sound or noise do you love?
Sincere applause and the bass line on The Beatle’s “Day Tripper.”
4. What sound or noise do you hate?
City buses.
5. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Lead singer in a band or an AM radio talk show host.
The Amazing Arthur Fratelli – Professional Showoff and Comedy Superhero will perform in front of the Expo Building during the 2011 N.C. State Fair. Check out Arthur’s one-of-a-kind act Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 14-23 at 2, 4 and 6 p.m., with an extra show at noon on Saturdays.
