A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Temple

If you don't have plans yet for Saturday night, consider spending the evening laughing yourself silly at the Temple Beth Am Comedy Night at 8 p.m. in Parsippany. Bringing together three of the funniest comics working today, the temple's annual fundraiser promises a night of laughs, fun, cocktails and snacks.

On the bill is headliner Johnny Rizzo from Connecticut. One of the stars of "Night of a Thousand Guidos," Rizzo has been one of the premier acts working around the country for over 25 years. As physically funny as he is witty, you will have tears in your eyes watching him contort and twist every inch of his body and face.

The evening also presents Montclair's Pat Ceasar, seen on television shows such as "Law & Order" and on stages all over the northeast. Offering a female's comedic angle and insight, she is one of the fastest rising women comics around.

Rounding out the bill is Brett Bickley, formerly of California and Connecticut, who now makes his home in Lake Hiawatha. After 30 years on the move and performing all over the world, Brett fell in love with a Parsippany girl and settled down in Morris County.

Not only is Bickley one of the acts on the bill, he's also a temple member.

"This show is important to me in a number of ways," he said. "My family and I attend Temple Beth Am and my father-in-law was the rabbi here for over 20 years before he retired, so I have a real connection here. Being able to offer people the chance to see a NYC-quality comedy show right here in Parsippany, plus be able to raise money for the synagogue is a win-win for everyone."

Tickets are $30 per person and the evening is BYOB. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:15 p.m. Snacks will be served and there will even be magicians performing walk-around magic before the show.

Temple Beth Am is located at 879 S. Beverwyck Road. For information or to place a reservation, call 973-887-0046 or send email to comedy@tbaparsippany.org.