Dustin Diamond (a.k.a. Screech)

Remember Screech? Samuel Powers, better known as 'Screech', was the token geeky sidekick on Saved By The Bell played by actor Dustin Diamond. He did well in school, which was sort of ironic considering that he found ways to mess up even the simplest of tasks given to him by Zack. Bayside High's lovable geek, moved on from comedic adolescent drama to a torrid whirlwind of seemingly poor adult choices. A tell-all book... a gross-out sex tape scandal... playing the villain on "Celebrity Fit Club" including full meltdowns and public financial troubles.  Dustin certainly has grown up from the days of his terrible 90's fashion and lusting after Lisa Turtle.

So when I heard he was coming to the Orlando Improv, of course I had to gather some friends and head straight over.  Having watched every episode of SBTB (before it was on Nick at Nite of course), I wanted the chance to see him live and possibly meet him.  And that's what we did.  So the big question... how was the show!? It was interesting.  The opening comics left a lot to be desired... and often times were rather offensive through over-the-top vulgarity and outright inappropriate comedic comments.  Honestly, after the opening I wasn't expecting much from Dustin... but thankfully I was rather surprised.  He was fantastic.   He appropriately set the stage from the get-go that we weren't going to see "Screech" on stage for the next hour and even touched on several of the obvious career highlights such as his villainous role on "Celebrity Fit Club".  We all enjoyed his set and found ourselves easily forgetting the terrible opening acts that moments before had nearly ruined the evening.

We must not have been the only ones who enjoyed Dustin's set... the line to meet him literally wrapped around the inside of the bar.  $10.00 to take a photo with him... another $10.00 for an autographed headshot of him.  Judging by the line, I'd guess he made some serious coin last night.  Goodness knows we contributed to that jackpot.  But when else will I have the chance to meet Screech?  He was gracious and funny in person... and who knew we were the same age?  Overall it was a fun evening... I'm so glad we went.  It's always refreshing when people pleasantly surprise me by not living up to my expectations.

Dustin with (from left to right) me, Jeff and Dawn (aka Count Boobalicious)