Prince Pizza comedy night benefits local schools

SAUGUS – Prince Pizza is giving back to the community with two events to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, both to benefit local public schools.The largest independently owned pizzeria in the country, with its landmark leaning tower on Route 1 north, was built by the Prince Spaghetti Company of Lowell as a 12-seat “spaghetti house” in 1958. Three years later, ArthurCastraberti, a World War II veteran who worked for Prince Spaghetti, took over the fledgling restaurant and turned it into the iconic eatery it is today.(Watch for a special section coming soon in the Daily Item in honor of Prince Pizza’s Golden Anniversary).Today, Prince Pizza is owned by Steven Castraberti, Arthur’s son, who runs the business with his wife, Trisha. It boasts a larger footprint today, and an expanded menu, as well as Giggles Comedy Club, considered among Greater Boston’s premiere venues for stand-up comics.Since Prince Pizza has, for generations, been a staple location for school and youth sports banquets, Steven Castraberti said it makes sense to celebrate its Golden Anniversary by giving back.”My father supported the local schools, sports teams, hospitals, seniors and many other worthy causes since I can remember,” Steven Castraberti said. “We felt it would be fitting to celebrate our 50th year in business by making a contribution to the Lynn and Saugus public schools.”The first benefit event is a 50th Anniversary Comedy Night next Thursday, Oct. 21, at Giggles, featuring legendary Boston funnyman and actor Lenny Clarke, who recently finished filming the final season of Rescue Me and who performs exclusively at Giggles when in the Boston area. Appearing with Clarke will be Boston comic titans Steve Sweeney, Tony V. and Johnny Pizzi.Castraberti said due to popular demand a second show has been added – both will run simultaneously with the four comics rotating on the two stages.Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 8 p.m. shows. Tickets, which include pizza, are $19.61, reflecting the first year Arthur Castraberti took over the business.The second benefit/anniversary event is a children’s party from 11-4 p.m. Oct. 24 featuring Calvin the Clown, music, dancing and girls vs. boys contests.Tickets are $5 for children and $7 for adults, and include pizza and soda.”One hundred percent of the proceeds from both events will be donated to Lynn and Saugus Public schools,” Castraberti said.To reserve tickets for either the Oct. 21 comedy shows or Oct. 24 children’s party, call Prince Pizza at 781-233-9950.