Barry Dougherty

Last night, after a 4 year wait and re-schedules due to COVID and knee surgery, Lucie Arnaz hit the stage of 54Below with all cylinders on burn and guns ablaze! She performed an evening she calls “I GOT THE JOB” and kept the celeb filled New York City audience entranced from beginning to end, garnering multiple ovations that seemed as natural as breathing.

Longtime communications director of the Friars Club was given a heartfelt Bon Voyage in the Milton Berle Room yesterday and many show business notables were present and in video to honor the man who has written most of the published words and history of The Friars for the last 25 years.  Barry Dougherty's words...

Legendary entertainer Tony Bennett was honored by the Friars Club in celebration of his storied and successful career that has spanned 7 decades on June 20th and BroadwayWorld was there.

Friar Stewie Stone in introducing Friar Dominic Chianese said, "if you are a Friar you are not a member of a club, you are a member of a family!"

Friar Neil Sedaka, wife Leba and daughter Dara were in the Frank Sinatra Room of the Friars Club last night to attend a Tribute Show to Connie Francis and Neil Sedaka. Jenna Esposito and Jim Van Slyke performed the hit songs of Connie & Neil and the show was produced by Jeff Leibowitz, Laura Slutsky and Jenna. Friar Bill Boggs hosted. A special Tribute Menu was presented by Friars Chef Anatoly Veksler. It consisted of "Stupid Cupid Vegetables, Mama's Potato Crusted Brook Trout, Roasted Loin of Veal Is Hard To Do, Artichoke & Peppers On Your Collar Chicken Breast and Where The Chocoholics Are Pyramid." Connie Francis was present via a wonderful video message. An emotional highlight of the evening was when Neil was "coaxed" to take the piano bench. He sang a song he wrote for his cousin who recently passed away..Eydie Gorme.

Dozens of stars from the stage and screen joined roast-master Lisa Lampanelli in kicking-off this year's Friars Club Roast of Pat Cooper on Friday October 19 at the New York Hilton, (1335 Avenue of the Americas).