Watching the Glow-Up: Why I’m So Proud of Ricci Armani

One of my favorite parts about being around comedy clubs isn’t just the performances on stage. It’s the chance to watch people grow.

Comedy is one of those art forms where the audience only sees the finished moment: the joke landing, the laugh, the applause. What they don’t see are the years of late nights, small rooms, half-packed crowds, and the constant trial and error it takes to find your voice. Stand-up comedy is built on persistence, and the people who stick with it long enough eventually start to shine in a way that feels really special to witness.

That’s exactly what it’s been like watching Ricci Armani over the years.

I still remember the first night I met him.

At the time, Ricci was hosting a show where my now-husband, JR Berard, was headlining in a little bar in Enumclaw, WA (Cole Street Brewing). It was already a huge night for us because it was the first time my mom was going to see JR perform live. Anyone who has introduced their partner to family through something meaningful knows how monumental that moment can feel. There were nerves, excitement, pride, everything wrapped together into one evening.

Ricci stepped into the room as the host with this fiery energy that immediately set the tone for the night. Hosting a comedy show is no small task. You have to warm up the crowd, read the room, keep the energy moving between comics, and make sure the audience stays engaged. It’s one of the hardest jobs in stand-up, and Ricci handled it with a confidence and spark that was impossible to ignore.

But more than anything, there was an instant connection.

Some people just walk into your life and it feels easy right away. By the end of that night it felt like we’d known him much longer than a single show.

That’s one of the things I love most about the comedy world when it’s at its best, it becomes a family pretty quickly.

Over the years since that night, JR and I have had the chance to watch Ricci grow as both a comedian and a person, including meeting and falling in love with his partner. In a funny way, we sometimes joke that Ricci is a little bit like our comedy kid. We’ve been together almost exactly as long as we’ve been watching him grow in this scene. (it also may have something to do this this photo of JR, Rachel Aflleje and their “child” Ricci Armani) Of course he’s built everything himself, but there’s something deeply special about seeing someone you care about step more fully into their talent year after year.

Original poster from comedy show at Cole Street Brewing featuring Rachel Afflleje, JR Berard & Ricci Armani

Ricci Armani pose with JR Berard & Rachel Aflleje in front of an Octoberfest cardboard cutout (taken with a cellphone)

And Ricci’s glow-up has been incredible to watch!

He’s built something really unique with his wildly successful show, My Straight Friends, which he co-hosts with comedian Joe Dombrowski and has taken all across the Pacific Northwest. The concept is clever, the energy is fun, and audiences absolutely love it. What started as a great idea has turned into a show that continues to grow and travel between Seattle & LA including the prestigious ComedyStore. Bringing people together for nights of laughter and connection.

Seeing that evolution from fiery host to a creator running a largely successful show, has been something that makes me incredibly proud.

Comedy isn’t an easy road. It takes resilience, creativity, and a willingness to keep pushing forward even when the rooms are tough or the road gets long. Watching Ricci navigate that journey and come out stronger, sharper, and more confident has been amazing.

Ricci Armani on stage performing at Jai Thai on Broadway in Capitol Hill, Seattle (taken with cell phone)

Because when you know someone from early in their journey, you understand what it took to get there.

You remember the early shows.

The risks.

The moments where someone is just starting to figure out who they are on stage.

And then one day you look up and realize they’ve built something really special.

That’s what it feels like watching Ricci Armani now.

The Pacific Northwest comedy scene is full of talented people, but there’s something extra special about seeing someone you’ve known since the beginning step fully into their moment. Watching him bring My Straight Friends, to audiences around the region, featuring names such as Iliza Shlesinger, Craig Conant, Brad WIlliams, Susan Rice, Kumail Nanjiani and many more. Seeing crowds respond, and feeling the excitement around the show, it’s the kind of thing that reminds you why this community is so special.

For me, comedy has always been about more than just the stage.

It’s about the people.

The friendships that form in green rooms.

The conversations after the show.

The small community that gathers around a microphone and a spotlight night after night.

And watching Ricci grow into the comedian and show creator he is today has been one of the absolute joys of being part of that world.

Ricci Armani on stage at Club Comedy Seattle

We love him dearly, we’re endlessly proud of him, and honestly?

It’s been pretty incredible watching our “comedy kid” grow up.

If you ever have the chance to see My Straight Friends live, go! Grab your friends, buy the tickets, and experience the show for yourself. The energy in the room is unforgettable and supporting comics like Ricci is one of the best ways to keep the comedy scene thriving. 🎤