After a cocktail reception, light buffet and silent auction in the lobby of the Herberger Theater, two Phoenix police officers entered the lobby and promptly arrested "roastee" Scott Jacobson (Executive Director of Valley Leadership) and marched him onto the stage where he was seated in the hot seat, brightly painted as a target behind him.

When each member of the audience was handed a "Playable" (not a Playbill) and the outrageous names of the cast were listed, it was evident that this was not Shakespeare.

Truly one of the funniest evenings ever to hit Phoenix, the Scott Jacobson Roast was as clever as it gets.

Co-chair Brenda Sperduti asked the members of the audience with cell phones to please keep them on, and if they ring, to be sure to answer them.

Marty Manning, of KEZ radio, entered the "courtroom" (stage) playing Judge Mental (long white wig and all). The premise of the evening was to determine whether or not Scott Jacobson was insane. Always witty Bill Andres as Baliff Joe P. Arhoe kept snapping his own picture as he presided over the court. When it was announced there were TV cameras outside the courthouse, he went running off the stage to find them.

Former Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano dressed as Carnak the Magnificent, playing to Marty Manning. Stand-up could be his next career.

Mark DeMichele, formerly of APS, told of several changes Scott wanted to make while at APS during his 12 years of employment. Each one was sillier than the next...bringing lots of laughs from the audience.

Then there was Senorita Isabella Guadalupe Rosalinda Fernanda Lupita Conchita de Annette Alvarez. Annette carried on a conversation with Scott in Spanish that even tho probably nobody understood, was very funny.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten read a proclamation for Scott from Governor Janet Napolitano.

Matzo Ball Easter Parade Bunny was played by Betty Drake, dressed in the world''s most colorful outfit.

A very clever video was shown with one friend of Scott's after another trying to reach him on the phone and complaining of never ever receiving a callback. Some of the pretending-to-be-exasperated friends were: Brian Spicker, Cassandra Mason-Motz, Rabbi Plotkin, Gary Avey and Denise Resnick.

Even though Scott was sitting in the "hot seat" changing hats frequently, pulling out props and speaking out of turn, Judge Marty Manning (I mean Judge Mental) declared him lovably insane and free to go. They should take this production on the road.

Of course, the purpose of the evening was to raise awareness and money for Release the Fear, which was founded in 1996 by artist Robert Miley and community leaders. The purpose of the organization is to reverse the paralyzing effects of violence in our communities by promoting healthy resolution of conflict through the healing power of art and education.

On May 21, 2005, a sculpture will be unveiled in the middle of Central Avenue. Standing more than 24 feet tall, the sculpture is made from four tons of melted down weapons: hand guns, shot guns, Saturday night specials, knives, etc. that were all used in the perpetration of terrible crimes against our fellow human beings.

For more information about Release the Fear, call 602.258.6107.