Wednesday, May 16, 2001
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Wednesday, May 16, 2001 |
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Smothers Brothers bring their classic comedy to the Fred By MICHAEL
BOYLAN
The third show in the first part of the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater summer concert series features a comedic duo whose accomplishments over a 35-year span will be hard to match. The Smothers Brothers, Tom and Dick, will perform Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The brothers were born in New York City but eventually moved out west. They graduated from Redondo Union High School and attended San Jose State University. In 1959, they made their professional debut at The Purple Onion in San Francisco. Two years later they brought their comedy stylings to a wider audience on the Jack Paar show. Eventually they got their own prime time comedy series in the 1960s and again in the 1980s. The television series launched many classic bits, including "Yo-Yo Man," but was also known for its controversial humor during a time of radical change in this country. Their impact did not go unrecognized. Classes at universities viewed the era through the Smothers Brothers' television series and E! aired all 71 episodes of the program with contemporized wrap-arounds to show that many of the same topics and ideals are still relelvant. The Museum of Broadcasting in New York produced a retrospective and seminar on their work and the Hollywood Walk of Fame awarded them a star. They have appeared on numerous talk shows, headlined in Las Vegas, recorded a number of hit albums and continuously tour coast to coast. Both Tom and Dick pursue their interests with gusto while on the road. Dick works out at the nearest health club and can often be found honing his golf or tennis skills. Tom is an avid golfer as well, playing in various pro-am events throughout the year. In fact, he is the only golfer who can sink a putt with the popular toy. Careers typically do not last as long as the Smothers Brothers'. Their success stems from their showmanship, their musical talent, and their natural warmth. The crowds at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater will be in for a treat this weekend, as they will encounter the good-natured comedy of these American classics. Tickets are $25 and are still available. Call 770-631-0630. |
