Abbott & Costello in the Catskills: An Authentic Recreation of a 1930s Borscht Belt Variety Show, Recorded before a Live Audience in the Catskills

Summary

Abbott & Costello in the Catskills is an authentic recreation of a 1930s Borscht Belt variety show, recorded before a live audience in the Catskills.

In this New Oldtime Radio Hour, Lou Costello (Bob Greenberg) follows Bud Abbott (Joe Bevilacqua) to the Catskills when Abbott is hired as sole Master of Ceremonies of a Borscht Belt variety show. Meanwhile, guest stars George Burns and Cab Calloway miss their train, forcing Abbott to sing and dance in their place! Guest stars that do show up include Gracie Allen (Lorie Kellogg), Harpo Marx (Kenny Savoy), Ruth Waters (DeLois House), and Sophie Tucker, Last of the Red Hot Mamas (Teri Paris).

Musical numbers are performed by Ukulele Elaine & The Hurleyville Ukulele Orchestra, Banjo Steve Levine, and Leon Sandow and His Columbia Captivators: Leon Hilfstein (piano), Buddy Allen (saxophone), and Bill Margargle (drums).

Comedy sketches performed include “Lambchops” (Bud Abbott and Gracie Allen) and “Who’s on First?” (Bud Abbott and Lou Costello). During the curtain call, Bud Abbott sings “Minnie the Moocher.”