Making Friends the Hard Way

It can’t be easy for an insult comic to make friends (trying to form small talk with someone whose joy arises from demolishing another would wear on even the most patient person). It’s even more difficult for comics whose material edges the boundaries of what’s funny, and what’s downright mean spirited. For example, it’s doubtful that Sarah Silverman and Brittany Spears will be making up anytime soon. Some people just can’t take a joke.

But that’s what makes Don Rickles, “The Sultan of Insults,” such an amazing person: Despite over 50 years of roasting people like a Friar’s clubber, he’s still made plenty of friends. Several of them (Billy Crystal, Bob Newhart, Chris Rock, and more) appear in the new John Landis film, Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project. Along with over 30 interviews, the doc contains several famous clips vicious enough to stun Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. Bask in the warmth Friday through Thursday at the Lake Worth Playhouse (713 Lake Worth Ave., Lake Worth). Tickets start at $6. Visit www.lakeworthplayhouse.org.
Dec. 21-27, 2007