This Saturday night, Alan Katz will present his 7th annual Toys for Laughs comedy show at the Lakewood Elks Lodge. The price of admission is a new, unwrapped, toy valued at $5. I asked him how it got started.
Alan: I was producing a monthly stand-up show and I decided I would dedicate one show a year to giving back to the community. I came up with the toy idea because it sounded cool, and kids benefitted from it. Comics like to help too.
Sander: Who will the other comedians be?
Alan: Several nationally touring Comics will be donating the funny to the show. They have appeared on the Tonight Show and other late night shows, as well as Comedy Central and in the movies. Currently scheduled are Kira Soltanovich, Vic Dunlop, Mark Wilde, Laura Hayden, Jaz Kaner, and Celeste Davis. The show ranges to PG to R rated humor, so it would not be appropriate young children.
Sander: How do you choose which organization receives the toys?
Alan: For the last several years we gave to another org but the went away so I searched for a local org that was helpful to kids. For the Child provides comprehensive child abuse treatment and family focused mental health care, counseling, and therapy to strengthen families and provide the tools of healing to children. They are based in Long Beach and will pass on the toys to children in need. This year has been tough on kids and these toys will brighten a kids’ day and give them hope of a better life.
Sander: When and where will it be taking place?
Alan: The Show will take place on November 21st at 8pm at the Lakewood Elks Lodge, located at 12507 Carson St in Hawaiian Gardens. Free secured parking is available in the rear of the building. The Elks Lodge adoped my show and have made it one of their top events of the year. Admission to the show is a new $5 unwrapped toy. Most people bring 2 or more. Dinner [not included with admission-ed] will be served at 6pm, and drinks will be flowing all night, and they are cheap drinks too. For reservations, call the Lodge (562) 924-5744 or Ron Coleman 714-209-3331.
Sander: How did you get your start in the comedy scene?
Alan: I made my tv debut on the Gong Show at the age of 16. I did a burping act. I explained how I started burping, and showd different types of burps. I was a legend in school. I was on 6 Gong Shows and was Gonged each time in the minimum amount of time: 45 seconds.
Sander: Impressive! Did you do the burping all 6 times?
Alan: 5 Burping, and one as Kosher Claus, a half Santa half Rabbi who Sings HanaMas Songs like, “Oy Vey in a Manger”, “Rudolf the Hasidic Reindeer”, and “I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus so I Called my Jewish Lawyer and Filed for Divorce”.
Sander: And you didn’t get more than 45 seconds out of that one?
Alan: It was a tough crowd.
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In addition to organizing comedy shows, Alan also has a wedding chapel, and serves as a wedding officiant and planner. He also does ‘Silly-Grams.’