Bob Smith has been one of my literary and comic heroes ever since the 80s in Provincetown when I saw him as part of the hilarious trio Funny Gay Males. Bob’s books make me laugh so hard I annoy people sleeping at the beach.
I’m delighted Bob and Eddie Sarfaty will be coming to Rehoboth on this combo book signing and comedy tour. Of course, in advance of the July 9 (one night only show—have we said that enough? Don’t miss it!) I got to ask the two comics some questions, just for Letters.
Fay: I know it’s been a while since you have been in Rehoboth. Can you tell us a little about your previous gigs here? We all lament the passing of the Renegade!
Bob: I loved performing at the Renegade and have always had a great time in Rehoboth, but my favorite experience was hosting Reho Pride. I had to auction off items donated by local businesses and one of the items was a huge gift basket containing twenty different kinds of lube. But people were embarrassed to bid on it. In frustration, I called out to the crowd, “Come on, I know there are a lot of sluts out there! Look at the skimpy outfits you’re wearing!” A nasty bidding war ensued.
Eddie: I hear that because of gay adoption, a lube basket is the hot father’s day gift.
Fay: How did the New York reading go with Lea Delaria reading from Bob’s book?
Bob: She was great! She couldn’t have been more believable as Dick Cheney if she’d shot the audience in the face.
Eddie: She did the impossible: She made Cheney funny!
Fay: Bob, tell us a little about the book and the notices it’s getting...anything special to you?
Bob: Remembrance of Things I Forgot is much more autobiographical than my previous novel Selfish & Perverse. The members of the protagonist’s family in this book have my family’s names and the story involves all of the infuriating things that have happened in our country during the last twenty years. Since the characters time travel, it’s full of imagined “what ifs” but the book’s arch villain, Dick Cheney, is certainly not fictitious. I think the novel resonates with readers because, at some point, everyone wishes they could go back and change their past.
Eddie: I think it’s a great premise. I’m working on a time travel novel about a guy who’s always five minutes late for everything.
Fay: So how did you two come up with this concept of One Voice, Two Comics? Great minds think alike?
Eddie: It seemed logical: Bob can’t speak and I can’t shut up. I wanted folks unfamiliar with Bob’s comedy to see how brilliant he is. I hate that because his speech is impaired from Lou Gehrig’s Disease/ALS, nobody is hearing his jokes.
Fay: You’ve both seen a lot of changes in the gay community during your comedy and writing careers. What’s your take on where we are today?
Bob: When I first started doing my gay wedding announcement bit in the early ‘90s marriage equality seemed like a pipe dream. It’s amazing that now it’s actually happening. And the best part is that the bit still kills.
Eddie: We’ve made incredible strides in being open—in the workplace, the media, the military—and now it’s easier to make public displays of affection even when you’re avoiding intimacy in the privacy of your own home.
Fay: Can each of you tell me what the most rewarding part of this current tour is?
Eddie: We get paid to do what we do at home—hang out together and mock people. Seriously, we’re great friends and we’re on the same comedic wavelength. I can’t think of anything better than hitting the road with Bob and making each other laugh.
Bob: My favorite part is hearing the book’s making people laugh while reminding them just how evil the Bush years were.
Fay: Oooh, now I can’t wait to read it…and see you both in person at CAMP Rehoboth! See you July 9.
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Get Your Tickets Now for Two Comics, One Voice at CAMP July 9
In a special one-night only event of laughter and emotion, CAMP Rehoboth presents the hilarious show Two Comics, One Voice —The stand-up comedy of Bob Smith and Eddie Sarfaty, performed by Eddie Sarfaty.
The event will celebrate the release of Bob Smith’s sharp and funny new novel Remembrance of Things I Forgot.
July 9 Is going to be a riot—and an evening you will not forget. Both men have had long, successful careers as stand-up comics and writers, and have been featured on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Comedy Central, HBO, and Logo. Rehoboth regulars might remember these two funny guys from appearances locally at The Renegade, Blue Moon, Pride, and more, and as part of the troupe Funny Gay Males.
In 2007 Bob Smith was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease which has slurred his speech. But to keep bringing Bob’s brilliant sense of humor to his fans, his friend Eddie Sarfaty has come to the rescue. Eddie will be performing his own razor-sharp material and Bob’s hilarious stand-up as well.
On July 9 there will be shows at 7 and 10 p.m., each immediately followed by a book signing by Bob Smith. Tickets are $20, and are available NOW at 302-227-5620. The room seats just 85 and tickets are limited, so CALL TODAY!