On March 31, local celebrities and politicians will get the chance to repay a local comedy legend for all his swipes at them over the past 20 years with PAYBACK: THE ROAST OF CHARLIE HALL.
“It’s a show that’s been 20 years in the making,” says comedian Rockin’ Joe Hebert, who’s co-producing the show at Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club. “Charlie’s had his fun with a lot of people all these years. This is their chance for some payback.”
Hall recently retired his award-winning comedy cabaret, THE OCEAN STATE FOLLIES, which skewered just about everyone in and around the news. Among those scheduled to appear on the dais:
• Channel 10 news anchor Gene Valicenti
• Patty Nolin and Bethany Lynn Giammarco, both veterans of OSF
• Local comedians Ace Aceto & Rick Beretta
• Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell, who worked for Hall over 30 years ago
• Local drag goddess Kitty Litter
• Local magician Bruce Kalver
• And more!
“We’ve got some surprises lined up for Charlie,” says co-producer Frank O’Donnell, who will act as the show’s emcee. “It’s going to be a great night.”
Anyone interested in joining the roasters on the dais can contact O’Donnell directly at frankocomedy@cox.net.
As part of the evening’s festivities, Hall will be honored as the first inductee into the newly-created Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame . “No one’s had more of an impact on Rhode Island comedy than Charlie Hall,” says Hebert. “From helping to create Periwinkles, Rhode Island’s premiere comedy club, to creating the Ocean State Follies, Charlie has done it all. It’s fitting that he’s our first inductee.”
PAYBACK: THE ROAST OF CHARLIE HALL starts at 7:30 at Catch A Rising Star Comedy Club, inside Twin River Casino in Lincoln. Tickets are $30. Partial proceeds from the evening will go to Hall’s charity of choice, the Station Fire Memorial Fund.
“I’m not used to being on the receiving end,” says Hall. “I think I’m a little afraid.”
Charlie Hall let’s loose while being inducted into The RI Comedy Hall of Fame by Rockin’ Joe Hebert