Everyone loves well-known White Rock comedian Ryan Lachance, don't they?
We'll find out for sure when the acclaimed writer and performer – who has never let living with cerebral palsy and being a full-time wheelchair user stifle his comedy career – opens the door for a bunch of fellow comedians and friends to 'roast' him for his birthday at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 4 at the Royal Canadian Legion Crescent Branch 240 (2643 – 128 St.).
He knows the jokes at such events can get pretty ribald, but he can take it, as well as dish it out, the Yuk Yuk's Surrey regular said.
Billed as the Birthday Roast of Ryan Lachance, the upcoming event is not just an edgy celebration of the seasoned storyteller's birthday – it's an opportunity to raise money for the Legion and for the Billon Foundation, an organization that Lachance co-founded.
Named for late comedian Matt Billon, a close friend with whom Lachance frequently toured, its purpose is to give a helping hand to comedians who may be dealing with addiction issues but can't afford to go into a rehabilitation program.
"About three or four years ago I lost my best friend to drug-related suicide, and that's why I helped start the Billon Foundation, to prevent something like that from happening again," Lachance explained.
"Both charities are close to my heart, and I want to help out as much as I can. I think a lot of people still think you have to be a veteran to be a member of the Legion, but you don't. I'm a member – I think it's important to keep organizations like that alive and remember why it's there in the first place "
Lachance said the idea for the upcoming roast came to him when he was one of the dais comedians for a similar roast of another friend, professional comic Peter Hudson.
"I thought I'd like to do something like that for myself. At that event we were able to raise $800 for the Billion Foundation, which definitely helps.
"Whether we raise a dollar or $10,000 it's all important – but we're hoping to raise as much as we can in the moment."
To join him in the venture he has enlisted the help of friends and fellow comics Jonathon Endo, Darwin Barcellano, Randii Andii, Chris Gaski, Gavin Clarkson and Jesse D.
"It's not just professional comedians," he said.
"My two caregivers, Emma Proulx and Michael Sanchez, are also going to be on the dais, and that's the part I'm looking forward to. It's totally going to hit close to home!
Of course, the ultimate goal of a roast is to be funny, not mean, Lachance agreed.
"It plays on the affection we all have for each other. It's a unique comedy experience, that's for sure! We're just going to have fun – and if the roast ends up running short we'll go into some regular comedy sets."
Mindful of Billon's generous help to other comedians, particularly those struggling to find shows or just starting out, Lachance said he made sure to include a range of talents in his roast.
"I want to keep that legacy alive," Lachance said.
"Jesse and Darwin, for instance, are two amateur comedians who are very, very funny but don't often get a stage to perform on." he said.
"While my friend Chris Gaskin is a nationally touring comedian – we work together in the Rolling Thunder tour, where we do battling sets."
"I know in Canada it's very difficult to be a professional comedian – even if we have a large population, it's spread out over a great distance, where in the U.S. venues are larger and closer together."
He hastens to add that, while he has done a lot of work in the U.S. he isn't about to forsake Canada.
"I'm every proud to be a Canadian and very proud of what I've done in the industry here.
"Besides, I think my mom would disown me if I moved to the States right now!"
Tickets to the Lachance's Birthday Roast ($25) are available in advance at vtixonline.com or at the door.
