December 2007

Zweibel Takes the Cake at the 2007 Thurber Birthday

Alan Zweibel, winner of the 2006 Thurber Prize for American Humor, had the audience rolling on the floor with laughter at the 2007 Thurber Birthday Gala Wednesday, Dec. 12 at the Westin Great Southern Hotel.

The event marked the 113th birthday of James Thurber and guests celebrated in style with a cocktail hour, dinner and of course birthday cake. Zweibel was surprised with a video introduction by his friends who included Billy Crystal, Rob Reiner, Garry Shandling, and Larry David. Guests were laughing before Zweibel was even on stage!

Zweibel told hysterical stories about trying to be a stand-up comedian, his days at Saturday Night Live, and his comical and poignant friendship with Gilda Radnor. To close the event, he spoke of how he now felt like a writer having won the Thurber Prize and having his picture hung at Thurber House.

New to the Birthday this year, was a raffle with the prize of having your name in Alan Zweibel's next piece and an autographed copy of his novel, The Other Shulman. The winner of this year's raffle was Jake Davis.

The 2007 Thurber Birthday was an event that will not soon be forgotten. We hope that you will join us next December to celebrate Thurber and the continuation of his legacy!