So did the script for his award-winning, one-man show in California, Straight Up With A Twist, about to spread its wings "everywhere," including a performance at his Ridgefield High School Class of 1982 20th reunion July 6 at the Sheraton Hotel in Danbury.

The actor, son of Charlotte Stroili of Ridgefield and Bruno Stroili of New Milford, will also appear at the Curtain Call Theater in Stamford on July 12, 13, and 14.

Defining "Renaissance Geekdom," his place in the world, Mr. Stroili said, "There is a whole segment of the population out there that is not addressed. The world is a cruel place when you're a heterosexual with good taste and a great eye for color. Basically, it's any affinity for subjects that lie beyond the realm of traditional American maleness [like] continental cuisine or women's fashions.

"A Renaissance Geek is one of the plethora of men who exist between Tim Allen and Woody Allen, and between Charles Bronson and Charles Nelson Reilly," he explained.

Self-discovery

In his monologue, the actor said he first leads the audience through his early years of self-discovery and introduces his family members as characters - brother John and a sister, Carrie. Portraying his relatives and a child psychiatrist, the writer/performer defines the reasons for his interests. He "wanted to impress girls."

In his 70-minute monologue, he switches back and forth seamlessly among the diverse characters, using a rubbery face and catalogue of voices. He offers some wry commentary on society's "knuckleheaded obsession with stereotypes," and also recounts his difficulties in growing up with the "social and aesthetic sensibilities of an arrogant homosexual."

Actually it was Paul Stroili's long-time girl friend, Monica Kaiser, whom he met in1989 and married on May 30 this year who suggested he create and promote a routine based on his experiences as a sensitive guy with good taste. First titled simply Renaissance Geek, the show was produced on half a shoestring in 1999 at the Gascon Center Theatre in Los Angeles where the actor's friend and director Bill Penton was general manager.

With the help of producer Denis McCallion, a four-week run was planned on Tuesday and Wednesday "dark" nights on another show's set, and blocking was adapted for the existing lighting.

'Pick of the Week'

The show was "Pick of the Week" in the LA Weekly and nominated for two LA Weekly Awards, Best Solo Performance of the year and Best Director.

With such an enthusiastic response after the initial eight performances, the show moved to the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles for an additional two-month run, closing only because of a pre-existing booking at the theater.

"Who knew the world was full of men who knew the difference between eggshell and ecru, not to mention all the women who love them!" said Mr. Stroili.

In the fall of 2000, he formed Renaissance Geek Productions and mounted a full-scale production at the Tamarind Theatre in Los Angeles. Again, the show was a success, the actor said, "with an incredible audience response and great notices from all the major LA publications, trade and otherwise."

He performed an expanded and renamed version of the show, Straight Up With A Twist, at the Grove Theater Center's Gem Theater in Garden Grove, Calif., in the summer of 2001, with the response surpassing all previous productions. The Orange County Register named the show one of the Top Ten Theater Events of 2001.

"We were delighted to share honors with such prestigious theaters as The Ahmanson, Mark Taper Forum, South Coast Repertory and La Jolla Playhouse," said Mr. Stroili, who is now ready to share his take on life "with the rest of the world."

Roots

After graduating from Ridgefield High (where the first line in his yearbook write-up was I was only joking...), the actor attended the State University of New York at New Paltz. Before moving to Los Angeles, he spent eight years in Chicago acting, appearing in commercials and doing audience warm-ups for the Jenny Jones show.

He has appeared in more than 50 plays, including the ACE Award-winning literary parodies, A Christmas Twist and Of Grapes and Nuts, in addition to Under Milkwood, Oedipus: A Requiem, and the original Chicago production of Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding.

His writing credits include the plays Cheese Louise, My Dinner with Arlecchino and The Day The Arts Stood Still. Featured in dozens of commercials, domestically and internationally, his past spots have received three CLIO Awards and two ADDY Awards. He is a winner of the Winston's No-Bull Comedy Break in the Nationwide Standup Comedy Competition.

Paul Stroili's television credits include Malcolm in the Middle, Brother's Keeper, Seinfeld, Getting Personal, Newt and Bob, Unplugged, Chance of a Lifetime, and The Untouchables. Films he's appeared in are Cold Justice and The Real Whatever.

"I gave the wrong impression growing up. I wasn't interested in sports, but I knew the difference between flan and crème brûlée. I was not gay; I just came to know 'the wrong things,' " he said, explaining the difficulties of fitting in, when there was no slot for his collection of interests.

"That's the joke in my one-man show. The world is a cruel place when you're a heterosexual with good taste and a great eye for color. During the 1980s I found out that women were looking for the sensitive side of their men. When, happy as a lark, I presented my sensitive side, the women began to think of me as their best friend and then made out with rugby players. "

"Life wasn't fair, but my sense of humor carried me through and I'm dedicated to enlightening other Renaissance Geeks to their special place in the world. Everyone loves the show because not an age group is neglected. Women especially love it and come back six or eight times to see it because it always changes and they enjoy the mock game show called 'It's All Geek to Me.' "

In August, Straight Up With A Twist, with ever-changing sharp, fresh humor highlights, returns for a showcase at the Gascon Center Theatre where it first opened in 1999. Paul Stroili is now preparing to share Straight Up With A Twist with the rest of the country and convert all Americans to an appreciation of Renaissance Geeks. For information on his performances in Stamford, call Curtain Call at 203-461-6358 x25 or visit www.curtaincallinc.com.