Boston comedy legends will come together on Sunday, September 22, to celebrate and honor the life of the late Bob Lazarus, whose battle with leukemia came to a tragic end in 2009. Hosted by Jimmy Tingle, The Bob Lazarus Memorial All-Star Comedy Benefit will take place at Ahavath Torah Congregation in Stoughton, MA, and will feature performances from Steven Wright, Lenny Clarke, Mike Donovan, Steve Sweeney, Patty Ross, Tom Gilmore, Jonathan Katz, Mike McDonald, Frank Santorelli, Emily Singer, Tony V, Mike Bent, Chance Langton, Steve Calechman and other comedic guests as they pay tribute to their dear friend.
Lazarus enjoyed a rich comedy career spanning three decades in which he toured throughout the country, opening for comedian Steven Wright, and racking up extensive television credits including Showtime’s “The Brotherhood” and “Funniest Person in America” as well as Comedy Central’s “Stand Up and Deliver”. Throughout his battle with leukemia, Lazarus never lost his sense of humor or his passion for humanity and continued to perform right to the end.
The benefit will take place at Ahavath Torah Congregation, of which Lazarus was a devoted member. Rabbi Jonathan Hausmen of the Congregation fondly remembers Lazarus as “a cherished and active member of the congregation,” and spoke of the benefit’s ongoing mission.
“This gathering of his very funny friends makes sure his memory lives on while also raising needed money for both his family and the temple,” states Rabbi Hausmen. “Since we started in June 2009, the show has had a ripple effect of both healing and growth for the community and we welcome Bob's comedy family."
Lazarus, a staple of the Boston comedy scene, was truly beloved by not only those close to him, but anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Comedian Tim McIntire, former co-owner of Mottley’s Comedy Club, recalls his admiration of Lazarus.
“[Bob was] just a tremendously good dude through and through, and a really good comic that always kept it real. At the end, he was doing jokes about his cancer, and I always admired that.”
The Bob Lazarus Memorial All-Star Comedy Benefit is not only an amazing opportunity to see some of the best comedic talents to come out of Boston on one stage, but also serves to raise funds to benefit Lazarus’ wife and daughter and the Ahavath Torah Congregation. Tickets are general admission and range from $40 to $118 (with higher-priced tickets including reserved seating and a meet-and-greet after the show with the performers). To purchase tickets, visit www.jimmytingle.com or call 877-280-7831. While tickets will be available at the door, you’ll want to snag yours in advance to ensure you don’t miss a second of the fun.
