Jimmy Tingle |
Opening a comedy club in a Cambridge Chinese restaurant was a laughable idea unto itself. But around 1978, comic (and occasional Phoenix contributor) Barry Crimmins persuaded Inman Square restaurateur Shune Lee to let him book himself and other stand-up acts desperate for a venue. Those acts came to include Lenny Clarke, Jimmy Tingle, Bobcat Goldthwait, Denis Leary, Paula Poundstone, Steven Wright, and lots of other high-profile quipsters.Tingle (who organized this weekend’s events), Crimmins, and a collection of announced and surprise-guest Ding Ho alums will gather this Sunday and Monday for two reunion shows to benefit comedian Bob Lazarus, currently undergoing treatment for leukemia.
The bill will also include Lazarus himself, Wright, Clarke, Steve Sweeney, Mike McDonald, Tony V, Ken Rogerson, Chance Langton, Bill Braudis, pianist Martin Olson, and heaven knows who else. Advance tickets go for $40 to $50. (Interest is high; this was originally a one-night-only event.) Arlington’s Regent Theatre has donated the use of its auditorium for the festivities.
“The Ding Ho Reunion — A Benefit for Comedian Bob Lazarus, ‘One of Our Own’ ” begins at 7 pm on Sunday, May 4, and at 7:30 pm on Monday, May 5, at the Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street (off Mass Ave), in Arlington. Call 781.646.4849 or visit regenttheatre.com for tickets.
