Dean Martin Hits the South Strand
I wasn't even born when it first hit the airwaves, and was too young to appreciate the entertainment and comedic genius that rocketed The Dean Martin Variety Show to iconic television status in the 1960s and 1970s.
But thanks to the folks at C & H Productions and The Tara Theater at Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort, everyone can relive its most magical moments three times a week through live performances of Dino's TV Variety Show.
As the Palace Theatre continues its Dean Martin Variety Show - A Tribute as a Monday-through-Friday lounge act, Dino's TV Variety Show brings the concept to the South Strand in a theater setting that includes a Sunday matinee and early evening performances on Monday and Tuesday.
Though I've found lots of YouTube clips of the original show, my real appreciation for Dean Martin's show comes through my father-in-law, and the Guthy-Renker collection that provides occasional after-dinner entertainment at his place. It was Saturday Night Live long before Saturday Night Live existed, but was better than SNL in so many ways.
Sure, SNL gets the pop icon of the day to host its show each week, but Dino would get several of them at the same clip - and every one of them seemed to play perfectly off Martin's "lovable lush" persona. The Variety Show was a haven for the best improvisational comedy, and no regular guest was better at it than Jonathan Winters. And though Dino would sneak the occasional Italian cuss word by the NBC censors, he and his guests didn't need vulgarity or over-the-top physical comedy to entertain. They were just funny.
Enjoy the show - and if you've seen either the Litchfield production or the one at the Palace, we'd love to get your thoughts!
Dean was the best. Haven’t seen either show, but looking forward to catching one of them soon.
My uncle makes me watch that CD collection. I would complain, but its actually pretty funny. If the live show is anything like the old TV show then it should be pretty entertaining