The legacy of comedy is often marked by those who dared to challenge norms, and one figure who easily stands out in this realm is the late Joan Rivers. Recently, an intimate gathering celebrated both Rivers’ lasting impact on comedy and the life of her longtime publicist, Scott Currie, as he turned 60. The event took place at the River Club in New York City, adorned with humor that reflected Joan’s essence. With tributes that included her quintessential wit, the evening became a blend of laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt memories, reminding everyone present of the incredible talent Rivers was.
A notable detail was the menu that featured one of Rivers’ hilarious quotes: “I’m so old, my Bible is autographed,” a line that perfectly encapsulated her humor while paying tribute to Currie. This small but impactful gesture set the tone for the evening—an acknowledgment of Joan’s unparalleled ability to make light of life’s age-related insecurities. Melissa Rivers, Joan’s daughter, took the stage to share her thoughts about Currie, amusingly describing him as “the son my mother never had.” Her speech not only highlighted their close relationship but also illuminated Joan’s infamous penchant for, shall we say, “acquiring” items from restaurants and hotels.
Melissa’s anecdotes painted a vibrant picture of Rivers’ larger-than-life personality and gave guests permission to embrace the mischievous spirit of the evening. “An unattended housekeeping cart was her holy grail,” she quipped, evoking laughter while etching a memorable image of her mother into the minds of guests. The humor did not stop there. Melissa and Currie jokingly incited the almost 90 guests to “take anything that’s not nailed down!”—a clear homage to Joan’s cheeky spirit. The event felt less like a formal gathering and more like a celebration of camaraderie, much like a night out with Rivers herself.
The transformation of the River Club into the iconic El Morocco—one of the 20th century’s most celebrated nightlife spots—was orchestrated by event designer Preston Bailey. His attention to detail brought an exquisite touch, with blue and white zebra stripes capturing the club’s signature style and creating an atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by. The inclusion of palm trees, cactuses, and even replicas of the club’s famed ashtrays solidified the setting and reminded attendees of the glitzy nights that once unfolded at that location.
Much like the venues Rivers frequented, the party attracted A-listers and notable personalities, creating a landscape buzzing with stories and gossip. Guests included renowned personalities such as Martha Stewart, Dorinda Medley, and Candace Bushnell, all of whom brought their unique flair to the gathering. Joey Arias, a cabaret legend, performed a stunning tribute with Billie Holiday’s songs, clad in a Thierry Mugler gown that dared to defy traditional fashion norms. The stage became a canvas for joyful expression, much in line with Rivers’ legacy of breaking boundaries.
There were surprising moments woven throughout the evening, including a humorous appearance by George Wayne, who embraced the festive spirit with carefree “pum pum shorts.” Such moments reminded everyone of the unpredictable joy River’s comedy brought to life. As guests mingled, sharing stories and laughter, the night mirrored Joan Rivers’ own ethos—one that embraced the absurdity of life while never taking it too seriously.
A Fitting Tribute
The highlight of the celebration was a performance by the Rockettes, followed by an elaborate nautical-themed cake, which arrived amidst cheerful indoor fireworks to the Village People’s classic track “In the Navy.” George Hamilton’s quip, “I practically lived at the original El Morocco, but this is much more fun!” poignantly summed up the night’s jubilance.
As the night came to a close, guests gathered the club’s specially designed ashtrays as reminders of a night that would have made Joan Rivers beam with pride. This birthday bash was not merely a celebration of Scott Currie but a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of one of comedy’s greatest icons—a reminder that even in her absence, Joan Rivers continues to create laughter and connections that will not soon fade.