Surviving Comedy

I attended my first meeting of the CSCC (Cancer Survivors Comedy Club) tonight. We met at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley. At six the headliner, Rich Shydner, talked for an hour about the history of stand-up comedy. Pretty interesting talk. He defined stand-up comedy as basically one person in front of a group of people trying to make them laugh. Origins in the mid 19th century including Mark Twain. He charted the history thru Vaudeville, Burlesque, Roy Rogers, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Lenny Bruce, Phyllis Diller, Elayne Boosler, etc.

I did not know Lenny Bruce was a fisherman. My dad who died five years ago on December 9, 2014 was a HUGE Lenny Bruce fan.

Had dinner at a nearby brewpub and then saw the show. Other than Rich Shydner, the comedians were forgettable. The whole time, I could not help thinking about Peg. She has not talked too much about it; but, quitting stand-up must have been so hard. It was her community and such a big part of her life. 

One of Peg's first shows in San Francisco was at the Purple Onion, where Phyllis Diller starred. Peg's last show in SF at the Punchline was memorable. She was so good that night. I was so proud. That is how I will always remember her comedy career. I felt sorry for the comedians who had to go on after her. She had such good stage presence. I laughed so hard I cried.

What am I doing in a Cancer Survivor's group in the first place? Although I am a cancer survivor, I don't really feel worthy. Between diagnosis to complete removal of a growth on the bottom of my foot, I hardly had time to worry about dying. I had one horrible day. I feel completely cured. It is about supporting friends.

I am noticing that I hate to make small talk in social situations. Parties, dinner parties, etc. So superficial. It feels like a waste of time. I didn't used to mind. These days, I feel much happier around close friends or family. People who matter in my life.