A Well Done Roast

[puppetmaker]

There are places I go and I can't quite believe that I am there.

Last night was one of those nights as Peter and I went to the Friars Club so Peter could participate in the George Takei Roast. It was the second in the series of contest roasts for The Friars Club Presents: So You Think You can Roast. Peter was not one of the contestants but was asked to speak which was why we were there. This was a Friars only event.

The Friars Club is an old monastery that was converted into a private club for comedians and their guests that has been around for over 100 years. The Friars' leadership is made up of a series of positions similar to those in an Abbey, including positions such as "Abbot," "Dean," "Prior," and "Scribe.". All members in good standing are called Friars. Both Ed Sullivan and Frank Sinatra have been Abbots.

The architecture of the building is stunning. The stained glass is amazing. The photo collection is beyond words. And the food was top class. We started with cocktails in the lounge then had a wonderful steak dinner and then went to the Roast itself.

And George was well roasted indeed. 5 (well 6 since there were a set of twins that worked together) comedians took their turn at the contest. These will be up for viewing probably by the beginning of next week at the site. There were other comedians as well including Jim David and Gilbert Gottfried. The Roast master was an old friend of George's Alec Mapa who is a stitch and a half.

I am very proud of Peter because he held his own with people who do stand-up for a living in front of a crowd of people who know what's funny. And they thought he was very funny. I was getting compliments from various people about his part of the roast.

Behind the cut are a few pictures since I didn't want to kill anyone's dial-up.

We had a lot of fun. This morning my throat hurts and my sides hurt but it was from laughing harder than I had done in a very long time.

I am grateful for opportunities like this.



Peter and Alec Mapa (No he is not in Entourage but he is in Ugly Better and Don't Mess with the Zohan)



Peter and Gilbert Gottfried (who has a lovely 14th month old daughter)


Peter and his good pal George Takei who asked him to participate in the Roast

Comments

[gryphonrose.livejournal.com]

That's very cool!

[chris-walsh.livejournal.com]

This is really neat. Yes, I'm using "neat" to describe a roast, like the one in The Aristocrats, but I'm sick like that. :-) (I saw that film in a big sold-out movie theater, and I was alternating between doubled-over laughter and yelling "Oh My God!") And the best roasts come from love and fondness, so I'm glad Peter was able to roast a friend.

Thanks for sharing the pics.

Gilbert Gottfried (who has a lovely 14th month old daughter)

Good, so she won't understand the jokes!

And now off-topic, unless the topic is amusing you!

[chris-walsh.livejournal.com]

I just read words that reminded me of you over on the Harlan Ellison Dot Com message board:

"Also, for fans of radio drama, drop by the BBC radio site (or see if you can track down the first series online) and check out the truly riotous Dickens hommage/send-up "Bleak Expectations". Anthony Head is a scream as the evil and wicked Mr Gently Benevolent!"

BBC Radio has a link at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/bleakexpectations/

[bainidhe-dub.livejournal.com]

that is so very COOL!!

[lacombe.livejournal.com]

Great photos! I'm glad to hear you're doing well!

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

That is so neat! Cool! Fantastic...I'm just speechless at this point :)

[chite.livejournal.com]

That is really really really cool!

[kittenboo.livejournal.com]

how wonderful!

[lordrexfear.livejournal.com]

That is seriously awesome. Was Howard Stern there? Just asking...

I'm wondering how Takei got into the Friar's Club... at what time was he a comedic actor other than well... his recent voice over work where he takes stride in himself?

[millysdaughter.livejournal.com]

What a fun event!

[elva-undine.livejournal.com]

So rad!

[amarafox.livejournal.com]

Coolest thing ever!

[bayarts.livejournal.com]

Fantastic that you got to attend this event. Sounds like it was a lot of fun.

I recall a big bruhaha back in Esther William's last years when she was ejected from the club for wearing a pant suit. Do they still have that ridiculous dress code for women?

[puppetmaker40.livejournal.com]

No. They got rid of that one. But men have to wear jackets after 4pm. Fortunately Peter was wearing that really smart looking suit *grin*

[wherdafux-d-cat.livejournal.com]

Oh how fantastic! I'm grinning like a fool just imagining a roast for Takei, heh. I'm glad he was able to invite Peter and that Peter was able to oblige. (I'm sure he really had to have his arm twisted. ;) )

[querldox.livejournal.com]

I'm just sayin', if a long standing comedy club has a position called an "Abbot", they should also have a position called a "Costello".

[lunalovegoddess.livejournal.com]

Cool! I'm glad that you both had a great time. Alec is a real trip, and he reminds me of a friend. George seems like a helluva guy.

~peace~

The Friar's Club

[santossparky.livejournal.com]

Heh, my Bar Mitzvah reception was there 37 years ago. Dick Shawn told me my "date" was a keeper.

Little Satomi stands 40 inches tall at 2 1/2! Give Peter the family's best.

- Alan

[hergrace.livejournal.com]

Wow! Just wow! You two were destined for greatness.

Love that nice shot of Peter with George.