The Night We Perfected 'Who's on First'

Back in the 1990s, I was part of a comedy duo that performed in community theater.

Our Early Success

We were a half of a comedy team in a medium-sized city. I played the role of the funny guy, while my partner, Ronnie, acted as the straight man. We gained a following in our local theater performances, and our highlights included a skit that we had perfected after numerous rehearsals.

The Unexpected Request

Just four days before our final performance, the main organizer announced that the evening’s show was running too short and needed another act to spice it up. Ronnie suggested that we perform the classic Abbot and Costello “Who's on First” routine. Without consulting me, he agreed and we had just four days to learn and perform a highly difficult comedy bit.

The Intense Rehearsals

Our immediate response was to cancel all other commitments and devote ourselves entirely to the rehearsal. Over the next four days, we poured our entire hearts and souls into mastering the rapid-fire dialogue and confusing names, breaking the fourth wall, and pausing at strategic intervals to preserve our performances.

Performance Night

The night finally arrived. We were costumed in old-fashioned baseball uniforms and given props, such as a bat, to add to our challenge. Despite the added complexity, we soldiers on and managed to deliver a seamless performance with a standing ovation from the audience. This marked the first time we performed the routine without a single mistake.

The Emotional Climax

As we walked backstage after the performance, it was clear that I had completely passed out from the stress. My partner Ronnie, despite the physical and mental strain, remained collected, congratulating me on bringing down the house. He was truly a class act and reminded me that I was responsible for the jokes that had resonated with the audience.

Lessons Learned

This experience taught me both the importance of teamwork and the joy of live performance. While the routine was hard, the camaraderie and drive to succeed was a true highlight. It's a testament to how far we came after months of meticulous preparation and how much the audience appreciated our efforts.