Jerry Seinfeld performs surprise set at Sebastian Maniscalco's Madison Square Garden show

Jerry Seinfeld has made his Madison Square Garden comedy debut at age 70. The Massapequa-raised comedian took the stage as a surprise guest of fellow comic and friend Sebastian Maniscalco, who was kicking off his five-night run at the arena on Wednesday.

"This guy has taught me so much as a comedian," Maniscalco told the crowd over the loudspeaker from backstage. "I’ve been a fan of his since I saw him in 1981 on television. I want you to welcome the king of TV, the king of stand-up — Jerry Seinfeld!"

The crowd roared with unexpected excitement as Seinfeld casually took the stage.

"Thank you, Sebastian, for inviting me. That was beautiful," he said. "By the way…What’s the score of the Mets game?"

Immediately connecting with the crowd, Seinfeld clearly stated his local background.

"I’ve never played at Madison Square Garden in my life," he said. "I was born in Brooklyn, grew up on Long Island and have lived in New York City, my entire adult life, except when I was in L.A. for a little bit [when he was filming his NBC sitcom, ‘Seinfeld’]."

Once the pleasantries were done, Seinfeld clicked into his signature style of observational humor.

"I tried to watch the news the other day, but they didn’t have anything ‘new’ even though that’s the name of the show. The phone has ended the news because the guy who comes on says, ‘I’m sure you’ve all seen this by now.’ The news has become the ‘we knows,’ ” he said. "They used to say no news is good news now all news is no news. Fake news is bad news. But they will not report it on the news because they know that you know, there’s nothing you don’t know and we go, ‘I knew it!’ “

The audience clapped when Seinfeld announced he was celebrating 24 years of marriage to his wife Jessica.

"Whenever you say that kind of information to a crowd, you get the same applause as when an injured athlete gets escorted off the field," he said. “[Claps loudly] Good for you!"

He then shared some techniques and strategies to having a successful marriage.

"I do not ask my wife ANYTHING ever! If you want a long marriage, leave your wife alone. She’s got it!" Seinfeld declared. "People ask me, how do you know what’s going on in your house if you don’t ask any questions? I listen in on my wife talking on the phone to other people. When she’s on the phone, I’m like a deer in the woods that suddenly hears the snap of a twig. I find out things like where she’s going, places I might be going and what kind of mood I’ve been in for the past few days."

Just as Maniscalco introduced him, Seinfeld returned the favor by bringing on the evening’s headliner.

"The first time I saw this guy on stage I knew he had that magic thing very few comedians have. It’s just like lightning and we are able to be alive when he’s doing his thing," he said. "A lot of comedians, if they become successful, don’t tour as much. This guy is out there all the time making people happy. I love him. Here’s Sebastian!"

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.