Christine Pedi, Roma Lopez, Frank C DiLella, Eda Sorokoff at Inside Ben Vereen's Surprise Birthday Party at Friars Club Photo
The Friars Club hosted a one night only event last night that will be remembered for many years by Ben Vereen. Chita Rivera brought him to the club for what Ben thought was a small dinner in his honor. When Ben walked out of the elevator the huge mahogany doors of the Milton Berle Room and Barbra Streisand Room swung open to a capacity crowd of Friars shouting "SURPRISE" and singing Happy Birthday. It was an emotional happy celebration as Ben's many friends toasted the legendary performer and humanitarian. Friar Board Member and Chairman of the Friars Admission Committee Bill Boggs officially made Ben Vereen an Honorary Friar. As Bill pointed out to Ben in his presentation, " I have the power to bestow this title on you….. being an Honorary Member entitles you to walk into the club at any time, enjoy a great meal in the Frank Sinatra dinning room…..and pay for it! "
Date Taken: October 18, 2016
More Photos...

Christine Pedi
Date: 2026-05-20From: Photos: Nikki M. James, Katerina McCrimmon and More in CHICAGO Reading at Gingold Theatrical

Christine Pedi
Date: 2026-05-20From: Photos: Nikki M. James, Katerina McCrimmon, and More Lead CHICAGO Reading at The Players Club

Riassa Katona Bennett, Joseph Thalken, Eda Sorokoff
Date: 2026-04-24From: Review: Hugh Panaro Does It Again in MAN WITHOUT A MASK at 54 Below

Hugh Panaro & Eda Sorokoff
Date: 2026-04-24From: Review: Hugh Panaro Does It Again in MAN WITHOUT A MASK at 54 Below





