Last weekend fans of comedic legend Robert Klein got to experience Robert’s comedy first hand at the Westport County Playhouse. Yours truly was the host of the event, a benefit for the Mikey’s Way Foundation; a wonderful non-profit organization that helps pediatric cancer patients cope with the hospital boredom, isolation, and stress that often comes with debilitating treatments for life-threatening diseases.
I was delighted to be the Master of Ceremonies. The event was held at the iconic 1931 historical playhouse that has hosted such talents as Gloria Swanson, Jane Fonda, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Eileen Heckart, Jerry Stiller, Estelle Harris, Eartha Kitt, and Christopher Plummer, just to name a few. Here I was, opening for the talented and very funny Robert Klein.
As I child I visited the playhouse many times. Now flash forward and I find myself on stage with a packed house offering my own jokes, anecdotes, and tales. I was delighted to help support this amazing charity here in my own hometown of Westport, Connecticut.
After doing my official opening and introducing a short video about the foundation, I took to stage left. My assistant had my phone and read me a text message that said, “take out whatever you have in your pockets.” Apparently, my house keys were creating an unsightly bulge in my pants pocket. I was happy to be there. I just wasn’t sure I wanted people to know I was that happy!
