‘Duppet’ comedy contends depression, which COVID-19 makes more real
The Coronavirus Pandemic and its infectious deadly disease – COVID-19 have affected many 
aspects of everyday life like health, careers and the global economy.
For Comedian John Poveromo of New Jersey, this is very real. Poveromo would rather be headlining in his show, Duppet, around the country now, but instead he is in self-isolation like the rest of us.
In the meantime, he has turned to social media, and has his relatable, real-life-experiences comedy, Duppet streaming on Amazon Prime.
The short, Duppet, is “derived from Poveromo’s own struggles with depression,” states his bio.
It is “a comedic short film dealing with issues of depression and anxiety, which manifest themselves in the form of a puppet named Duppet,” the bio. info. states.
Even though Poveromo and others can relate to these mental health struggles in Duppet, he does not limit himself to just on-stage performances. He is also a comic book writer and artist, with his published artworks called, Drawings from a Nobody.
However, in early March, shortly before the Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown, Poveromo had a stand-up act that was scheduled at Curlies in Rochester, N.H., where he is a regular.
“I love going back there,” said Poveromo. “I get to hang out for the weekend, see a lot of regulars and a lot of new faces…It’s really just a great feeling…”
Poveromo first got interested in comedy when he was a child, drawn in by the relatability of the adult comics he saw on screen, and encouraged by the world of Jim Hensen, which would later be proven an inspiration for him.
“When I was a kid, comedians were adults who didn’t take the world so seriously,” said Poveromo. “So, it’s a weird way to see things because growing up, you’re surrounded by your parents, your teachers, people who come from a place of authority and then you see a comic and they’re older and they’re breaking away all the bulls***.”
And learning from those he admires, Poveromo has his own list of admirers who love his comedy.
“John Poveromo’s cutting edge, quick-witted sarcasm is hysterical and it’s fun to watch his playfulness with the audience as he drives home specific points with his spot-on punchlines. In a world full of bland, he is a refreshing shot of young vibrant adrenaline that goes straight to your funny bone! This kid’s got the goods!!” states Joey Kola of the Rosie O’Donnell Show, Rachael Ray, and Kevin Can Wait.
