As my Cadbury Cream Egg hangover slowly wore off this morning I remembered a little news item I’ve been saving for the right moment. Perhaps I’ve just been hesitant as I thought talking about it might jinx this historic and amazing event in some cosmically unfortunate manner. Because it’s literally amazing in a ‘pull your balls out on the subway and sing Happy Days are Here Again’ sort of way. Here’s the rub: My wonderful sister got wind of an SCTV Reunion a couple of weeks ago, and before even telling me about it she’d procured two tickets to the event May 5th at their 51 Mercer Street location in Toronto.
“I am thrilled to have this wonderful collection of Second City alums come home and support their colleagues and friends who may be experiencing some difficulties in their life.†– Andrew Alexander – Proprietor/Executive Producer
My inside (literally) source, whom I shall refer to as “magic 8 ball”, tells me that the charity event is to help Tony Rosato with his treatment and/or legal bills – it’s no secret that he is currently incarcerated at a mental hospital in Ontario. Although I’m sure he isn’t the only alumnus to fall on hard times, he’s certainly the most well known having been an original member of the SCTV troupe, and he also spent 2 seasons (1980 & 81) on Saturday Night Live as a writer and performer. Here he is performing a skit with Robin Duke in 1979 – who can forget Crazy Crafts with Molly Earl ?
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdBec1pYM5k[/youtube]
Tony is and was a very funny man and for a while Lorne Michaels had very high, Belushi-esque, hopes for him. He apparently suffers from Capgras Syndrome which is a delusional belief that a friend or loved one’s body has been taken over by an imposter, Invasion of the Bodysnatchers style. It’s no joke, I wish him all the best and although I’m quite certain there are many who’d be happy to take my place now that the event is sold out – I’m very happy to be able to contribute to his cause. Here’s Tony with Eugene Levy doing Abbott and Costello, also from the early series #3.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JNS19XBjBQ[/youtube]
As if simply being at an SCTV Reunion wasn’t enough, I was further gob smacked to learn that my dear old Sis sprung for the top tier tickets which get us into a private cocktail reception with the cast. So we’ll be having drinks and hobnobbing with the likes of Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Joe Flahrety, Dave Thomas, Catherine O’Hara and Andrea Martin. Colin Mochrie will also be performing and I imagine lots of other Canadian Comedians will be on hand to support the cause. Will I finally get to meet Aykroyd? Will Marty do Jackie Rogers Jr. for me? Will I be escorted out while howling loudly like Count Floyd? All signs point to “yes“.
I’ve got my tickets as well! A once-in-a-lifetime / dream-come-true thing for sure. Maybe I’ll see you at the reception. I’ll be the guy clinging to consciousness as my childhood comedy icons mingle around me. I can’t wait.
Curt – I know where you’re coming from. I am flipping ecstatic. If you recognize me, please introduce yourself. I’ll be the tall guy drooling profusely over Catherine O’Hara.
Dave-
That’s just astonishing. You have no idea how envious I am. Have a great time
Hi,
Yes, once-in-a-lifetime is the best way to describe it. Even though it is planned to be an annual event, this show has the best chance to have as close as a full cast reunion as is possible.
I was luck enough to get tickets and arrange the trip. Coming in from Edmonton for 3-days just to see this . . . as is a friend of mine from the U.K., who is also a huge SCTV fan.
Cant wait.
I actually heard that the Benefit of Laughter is to raise money for a couple of the old Stage managers who have got cancer and can’t afford treatment.
People have this idea that because you work for Second City you’re a rich celebrity, but the unfortunate truth is they are like any other Canadian theatre artist.
You may be right superude.
I got my VIP pass in the mail today and am WICKED EXCITED!
I’m looking for tickets to the Monday show, Anybody know where I can find 2?
Hi Dave- It was certainly an odd coincidence but a pleasure to meet you and your lovely sister at the reception after the show after having been at this web page earlier in the day! The show was GREAT of course and my only disappointment was missing some of the jokes because I was already laughing so hard. Swarmy yes, but what a thrill to get a photo of one’s self with more than one comedic legend in the same night!! I commend what you and your sister have done and if you want any professional input from me just e-mail me.
Nice to meet you as well, Jack. And I thank you profusely for the offer. I just may do that.