Ike Avelli is an American stand-up comedian, writer, producer, author, recording artist, and adult variety show creator based in New Jersey. He is best known for creating, writing, and starring in a series of highly successful, packed-house adult variety shows, most notably his long-running hit "50 Shades of Gay". 

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Avelli accidentally began his comedy career in 2009 when he stepped in as a last-minute replacement for a drag queen at a holiday party. Since writing his first official show in 2013, he has written, produced, and headlined 16 original adult variety acts combining stand-up comedy, live music, drag performers, audience participation, and prizes. 

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Career & Live Variety Shows:​

• "50 Shades of Gay": This landmark production premiered during NYC Pride in 2015 and has been selling out cabaret theaters nationwide ever since. The production won the Providence Fringe Award in 2018 and has continued massive touring blocks through 2026, including a 4-night run at the San Diego Fringe Festival. 

• Other Major Productions: His catalog includes popular seasonal and themed comedy spin-offs such as "I've Slept My Way To The Top... Twice", "I Thought I Would Be Dead By Now", "Bitter Betty's" and the joint Pride production "Hated Rivalry" alongside co-star Jeza Belle.

 

Books, Podcasts, and Digital Media

• Literary Work: He is the author of the diary-style book A Year In The Life Of Ike Avelli... And It Ain't Pretty, which chronicled his life through 2017 and ranked as an Amazon Top 20 new release.

• Media Curation: He is a mastermind behind the popular pop music curation project and podcast Loose Lips, which kicked off its sixth season in 2026. 

• Recording Artist: Released Music on his own label Avelli Records, "A Christmas Ho:" EP (2025) and "Proud and Free" a duet with Jeza Belle.

 

Awards and Recognition​
Nominated for the 2013 Glam Award for Best Comedy Performer.
Winner of the Get Out Magazine LGBT 2014 Comedian of the Year.

Nominated for the 2015 Glam Award for Best Comedy Performer.

Winner of the 2018 Providence Fringe Award for 50 Shades of Gay.

Nominated at the 2022 Glam Awards with 50 Shades of Gay for Best Cabaret Show

Winner of the Get Out Magazine LGBTQ 2023 Comedian of the Year

Nominated at the 2023 Glam Awards with 50 Shades of Gay for Best Cabaret Show

Nominated at the 2024 19th Annual Peoples Choice Podcast Awards for Loose Lips

 

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