Stand-up family

Re “Echo of Laughter,” by Paul Brownfield (June 22): First of all, Pauly Shore bashing? Isn’t that a bit ‘90s? You might not have liked “the Weasel,” but you gotta give the guy his props. He did what most people don’t. He did the work. He put in the time. And he succeeded. And any person who has ever spoken in front of an audience, tried to do stand-up and make them laugh, knows how hard that is.

Doesn’t that count for something? Pauly, Peter and Mitzi Shore are still in the game. They’re making sure the Store will continue to be what it was and is and hopefully always will be: a great place to do comedy. A great place to make would-be’s wanna-sees. A great place to laugh.

So shouldn’t Brownfield get off that high horse of his and recognize that?

Mitzi has done for stand-up what Picasso did for art. What Ford did for automobiles. What the Beatles did for music. She changed the game. She raised the bar. She made it better. Is Mitzi perfect? No. But even Mona Lisa’s smile is a bit off.

History will recognize Mitzi Shore for creating an institution where laughter rings supreme. And where legends are built. One night at a time.

Jake Shapiro

Los Angeles