The 1st annual Hallandale Beach Police Athletic League comedy show, featuring the “Godfather of Boston Comedy,” Don Gavin, along with Frank Santorelli, formerly of “The Sopranos,” will be held Saturday, April 25, in the Sport of Kings at Gulfstream Park.
“What better way to spend the evening than helping a great cause and getting some laughs in as well,” said Hallandale Beach Police Major Ken Cowley. “It’s at a great venue, a place that’s been very kind to us through the years, so we thought it be the perfect match.”
Presented by Paul Kiley and www.floridacomedyshows.com, the $50 (per person) admission ticket includes free hors d’oeuvres - starting at 7:30 pm - and entry to the 8:15 pm show, in addition to a complimentary cocktail, $25 Free Play for all new Players Club members, a silent auction and raffle, with a large flat screen among the prizes.
All proceeds will benefit the PAL’s youth sports programs such as “Cops & Kids Together – Filling Playgrounds, Not Prisons.”
A former high school teacher in Weymouth, Mass., Gavin has toured in over 100 countries in conjunction with the USO over the last 20 years and headlined prominent comedy festivals such as The ‘Just for Laughs’ Comedy Festival in Montreal since trading the classroom for the stand-up circuit.
Known for his rapid-fire delivery, which keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, Gavin has collaborated with Robin Williams, Dennis Leary and Martin Sheen. His quick-wit and one-liners earned him rave reviews during an appearance on the ‘Late Show With David Letterman’ last year.
Deep-rooted in New England, Gavin grew up in West Roxbury, taught English for 12 years in Weymouth and Scituate and makes his home in Nahant. He works the cruise ship circuit for about 30 weeks a year in addition to the local club scene.
“As an educator you’re an entertainer, the only difference now is that people listen,” said Gavin. “I don’t think too many kids were listening to me back then.”
Lovable ‘Georgie the Bartender’ on “The Sopranos,” actor/comedian Santorelli has appeared in several motion pictures, including ‘Meet the Parents,’ ‘Crooked Lines’ and ‘Johnny Slade’s Greatest Hits’ and been the featured act in venues such as The Improv and Caroline’s on Broadway.
Lauded for his irrepressible enthusiasm, Santorelli, who also has appeared on “Law & Order” and “Spin City,” has done commercials for Olive Garden, Coor’s Beer and McDonalds.
“I’m what you call an all-purpose comic,” said Santorelli, who grew up in Cleveland, impersonating presidents, artists and TV personalities, before starting his stand-up career at the Comedy Club in his hometown. “I’ll give you some jokes, do a few impersonations – a little of everything.”
Call 954-457-1466 or visit www.hallandalebeachpal.com and/or www.floridacomedyshows.com for additional ticket information.