This week we serve up a "changeup" and focus on a legendary comedy routine instead of a comedian. And with the World Series going on, what better choice than Bud Abbott and Lou Costello's classic wordplay routine "Who's on First?" Bud and Lou borrowed the basic concept from a number of wordplay routines making the vaudeville circuit, but their all-American spin using a baseball team as the focus made it an instant hit. It also was a masterclass in slow burn comedy, with Lou becoming more and more frustrated until he explodes. As always find extra cuts below and thanks for sharing our shows!
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Laugh Tracks Legends of Comedy


Bud and Lou first performed the routine to a wide audience on the Kate Smith Radio Hour in 1938. This clip is taken from a later appearance on the show, but it's a fun listen as the boys have fully inhabited their characters. https://youtu.be/Y91PmP9AXbI
 
There are a number of video versions of the routine available, but this version -- taken from their early 1950s tv show -- is among the very best. https://youtu.be/2ve20PVNZ18
 
All great comedy inspires great comedy homages and this one by the Credibility Gap is a gem. Instead of baseball we have a rock concert, but the bit translates perfectly. https://youtu.be/ludCVowT-DE