Dave Russo is serious about victory

Last weekend after winning the preliminary round at the first Boston Comedy Festival, Dave Russo set his sights on the semifinals. He won that. And last Saturday night, at Nick's Comedy Stop on Warrenton Street, Russo was the last contestant standing in a field that started with 75 comedians. Before a standing-room-only crowd, Russo was named Boston's Best Comedian.

"It's a little overwhelming," said Russo, by phone Wednesday on his way to a New York comedy club. "All of a sudden, I got all kinds of feedback from New York. They invited me down to Stand-Up New York to do my material for some industry people."

A few years back, when the Malden High School student was preparing to wrestle for the Massachusetts State Championship in the 112-pound class, he brought together all of his mental powers to concentrate on one goal. He won that match, and he was subsequently named Massachusetts High School Wrestler of the Year.

"The comedy was very, very, very similar to getting ready for the wrestling," said Russo. "I just had to mentally prepare myself. And it worked."

Early yesterday, after driving all night from New York, Russo reported that things went well.

"There were people there from the TV industry, college agents, and club owners," he said. "I got a lot of good feedback."

Russo's material wasn't the only thing that worked during the Boston Comedy Festival. The festival itself was a surprising success, even to those who were optimistic at the beginning.

"We had to turn away more than 100 people at Nick's for the finals," said John Tobin, who produced the festival with his partner, comedian Jim McCue.

"The writers' group with Bill Braudis, Brian Kiley, Paul Mercurio, and Brendon Small went really well," said Rick Jenkins, comic and manager of Comedy Studio in Cambridge, referring to the panel of writers who work for Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart, and others. "Overall, we did very well."

Plans are already underway for the 2d Annual Boston Comedy Festival, at the same time next year. Tobin and McCue, under the Atlantic Entertainment banner, are already in negotiations to open up bigger venues such as the Emerson Majestic Theatre and the 57 Theater. And they're looking for more sponsors.

"Next year, we'd like to localize it more in the Theater District for the closing weekend," said Tobin.

Meanwhile, Russo is appearing with Frank Santorelli and Johnny K at Giggles at the Prince Restaurant on Route One in Saugus tonight at 9 and tomorrow at 8 and 10:15 p.m.