Jetsettersblog

RETURN TO THE ORLEANS SHOWROOM

November 6th – 9th 2008

The Smothers Brothers are an American music and comedy team consisting of brothers Tom and Dick. The brothers’ trademark act is performing folk songs (Tom on acoustic guitar, Dick on string bass), which usually leads to arguments between the siblings. Tom’s signature line to Dick is “Mom always liked you best!”

From 1967 to 1969 they hosted their own prime-time comedy hour entitled The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. The show started out as only a slight “hip” version of the typical comedy-variety show it its era, but rapidly evolved into a show that extended the boundaries of what was considered permissible in television satire. While the Smothers themselves were at the forefront, a larger portion of the credit for the success of their show also goes out to the roster of writers and regular performers which include Steve Martin, Farther Guido Sarducci, Rob Reiner and Pat Paulson. The show also introduced audiences to pop singer Jennifer Warnes (originally billed as Jennifer Warren). The show première of Mason Williams’ hit record Classical Gas took place on the show. Mason was also the head writer for the series.

Tom and Dick made the viewing audience laugh while challenging the audience to think about what was happening in the world. They took a stand against censorship, and their social and political commentary eventually got them fired from CBS.

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour is now studied in universities across the country as an important factor in the revolutionary changes undergone in the United States during the 1960’s.

The brothers have worked independently as well. Dick has appeared as an actor in films, including a rare dramatic role as a crooked Nevada senator in Martin Scorese’s Casino. Tommy appeared in the 2005 made-for-television movie Once Upon a Mattress.

During the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards, Tommy Smothers, a lead writer of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was awarded a 1968 Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedic Series. In 1968, Tommy had refused to let his name be on the list of writers nominated for the Emmy, because he felt his name was too volatile.

This year marks The Smothers Brothers 50th year performing together.

They continue to tour the country as the longest-lived comedy team in history.

In October 2009, Dangerously Funny: the Uncensored History of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour by David Bianculli. Authorized by Tom and Dick, David has been interviewing dozens of people in preparation for writing this important book.

The Orleans Showroom is an 827 seat venue featuring theater style seating. Show time is 8PM.

 Tickets priced from $39.95 plus tax can be purchased by calling the box office at 702-365-7075.