On an enchanting evening in New York City, the laughter and legacy of the late comedy legend Joan Rivers echoed through the River Club. The event celebrated the 60th birthday of Rivers’ longtime publicist, Scott Currie, transforming the venue into a nostalgic homage to the illustrious El Morocco. Known as a playground for the bold and the glamorous, this event brought together a constellation of stars and friends, ensuring that Rivers’ spirit remained vibrant in the air.
Among the highlights of the night was a fitting tribute to Rivers’ iconic sense of humor. Guests were greeted by the amusing quip, “I’m so old, my Bible is autographed,” humorously reflecting the essence of a woman who never shied away from poking fun at herself or her age. Rivers’ daughter, Melissa, took the stage to share warm anecdotes, painting Currie as “the son my mother never had,” while delightfully recounting her mother’s penchant for pilfering items from hotels and dining establishments. The attendees joined in on the laugh as Melissa jokingly encouraged everyone, “take anything that’s not nailed down!”
In a display of meticulous artistry, event designer Preston Bailey transformed the River Club into a delightful replica of the famed El Morocco, complete with signature blue and white zebra stripes that mirrored its glamorous past. This immersive environment featured replicas of the club’s iconic palm trees and curated ashtrays, transporting the guests back in time to an era of impeccable style and unrestrained revelry.
The atmosphere was ripe for mingling, with a guest list that read like a who’s who of the entertainment and social elite. From Martha Stewart, sparkling in diamonds and sharing quips about her jewelry to the delightfully flamboyant Joey Arias—who turned heads in a stunning Thierry Mugler gown—each guest brought their own flair and energy to the celebration. The night was punctuated with performances, including two soulful songs by Arias that captivated the audience, highlighting the artistic threads that connect the world of performance and comedy so seamlessly.
While the night was a glorious celebration, it also fostered a spirit of reminiscence about New York’s vibrant nightlife in decades past. Conversations flowed easily, echoing tales of mischief and merriment. Susan Magrino, a longstanding publicist and friend of Stewart’s, reflected on claiming their space in the nightlife of the ’80s, while Haskell regaled tales of her recent escapades dancing with strippers at a party for Candy Spelling.
Melissa Rivers’ presence was a poignant reminder of her mother’s indomitable spirit, and her stories connected the evening’s festivities to the humor and love that defined Joan’s life. Guests, too, were swept away in the nostalgia as they shared their own treasured memories of Streams with rivers of laughter and echoes of her sharp wit.
The entertainment didn’t stop at nostalgia; a unique performance by the Rockettes added a spectacular flair to the gala, solidifying its status as a night to remember. As laughter mingled with music, a nautical-themed cake made its grand entrance to the tune “In the Navy,” enhancing the festive atmosphere. The whimsical touch of indoor fireworks not only symbolized the explosive joy of the gathering but also perfectly encapsulated Rivers’ larger-than-life personality.
As the evening wound down, guests left with token ashes from the club, a humorous nod to Rivers’ irreverent legacy. Among the heartfelt exchanges and shared memories, sentiments echoed that the night’s celebration would undoubtedly have made Joan Rivers proud—a sparkling amalgamation of laughter, beauty, and camaraderie that characterized her storied life.
In a world that often feels overshadowed by seriousness, this celebration reminded everyone present of the power of humor, the importance of friendship, and the indelible mark left by one of comedy’s brightest stars. As the lights dimmed on the River Club, it was clear that Joan Rivers, even in her absence, continues to illuminate the lives of those who loved her.