The Honeymooners At The Paramount Theatre (1954)

[Bill S.]

So our favorite foursome did a two-week gig at the Paramount Theatre in New York City in 1954, but what else do we know about this? I've searched high and low looking for some additional details about this gig, but haven't come up with much. I was hoping somebody else might be able to fill me in a little bit. From what I've read, they performed a Honeymooners sketch everyday for two weeks, I'd assume Monday-Friday, maybe even Saturday, so that means anywhere from 10 to 12 Honeymooners sketches were performed within those two weeks. Now, since it wouldn't make sense for them to have done the same sketch day after day, they had to have done a different sketch each day. Does anyone know what sketches they might've done? Were they just recycled scripts from episodes we've already seen or was it new material? Also, what are the chances of any of these performances being caught on film? This has always been an interest of mine, so any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[The Great One]

Originally Posted by Bill S.

So our favorite foursome did a two-week gig at the Paramount Theatre in New York City in 1954, but what else do we know about this? I've searched high and low looking for some additional details about this gig, but haven't come up with much. I was hoping somebody else might be able to fill me in a little bit. From what I've read, they performed a Honeymooners sketch everyday for two weeks, I'd assume Monday-Friday, maybe even Saturday, so that means anywhere from 10 to 12 Honeymooners sketches were performed within those two weeks. Now, since it wouldn't make sense for them to have done the same sketch day after day, they had to have done a different sketch each day. Does anyone know what sketches they might've done? Were they just recycled scripts from episodes we've already seen or was it new material? Also, what are the chances of any of these performances being caught on film? This has always been an interest of mine, so any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Wow! This is the first time I'm hearing about this. I hope somebody comes forward with some information.

[MrBand]

Originally Posted by The Great One

Wow! This is the first time I'm hearing about this. I hope somebody comes forward with some information.

Audrey Meadows said in an interview on Joan Rivers' early 90s talk show that Jackie Gleason and Art Carney used to try to get her ("The Rock") to laugh during that engagement by going off script. Gleason said something to effect of , "Alice, I know about you on the roof with (politically incorrect term for those of Polish descent)." Then, he turned to the audience and said, "You know what I love about her? When she laughs, her stomach bounces." She laughed, made her way to the kitchen chair, and as she sat down, the leg fell off.

[Woolworth27]

Originally Posted by MrBand

Audrey Meadows said in an interview on Joan Rivers' early 90s talk show that Jackie Gleason and Art Carney used to try to get her ("The Rock") to laugh during that engagement by going off script. Gleason said something to effect of , "Alice, I know about you on the roof with (politically incorrect term for those of Polish descent)." Then, he turned to the audience and said, "You know what I love about her? When she laughs, her stomach bounces." She laughed, made her way to the kitchen chair, and as she sat down, the leg fell off.

Interesting, she talks about that in her book, "Love Alice".

[The Great One]

Originally Posted by MrBand

Audrey Meadows said in an interview on Joan Rivers' early 90s talk show that Jackie Gleason and Art Carney used to try to get her ("The Rock") to laugh during that engagement by going off script. Gleason said something to effect of , "Alice, I know about you on the roof with (politically incorrect term for those of Polish descent)." Then, he turned to the audience and said, "You know what I love about her? When she laughs, her stomach bounces." She laughed, made her way to the kitchen chair, and as she sat down, the leg fell off.

Thanks for posting the information.

[Bill S.]

Originally Posted by MrBand

Audrey Meadows said in an interview on Joan Rivers' early 90s talk show that Jackie Gleason and Art Carney used to try to get her ("The Rock") to laugh during that engagement by going off script. Gleason said something to effect of , "Alice, I know about you on the roof with (politically incorrect term for those of Polish descent)." Then, he turned to the audience and said, "You know what I love about her? When she laughs, her stomach bounces." She laughed, made her way to the kitchen chair, and as she sat down, the leg fell off.

See, that's something I'd love to see. On one of the Honeymooners specials, I remember them showing footage that appeared to have been filmed by an audience member, it was from one of the '57 Europe shows and it was in color. So that makes me think that the idea of there being footage of one of these performances isn't too far-fetched.

[*ClassicPinUp*]

The only thing I know about thier two weeks at Paramount is the time slots, which my dad remembers since he use to listen outside with some friends *Jackie had a wonderful carrying voice lol* Hope someone does know a little more about this.

[Bill S.]

Originally Posted by AndAwayWeGo

The only thing I know about thier two weeks at Paramount is the time slots, which my dad remembers since he use to listen outside with some friends *Jackie had a wonderful carrying voice lol* Hope someone does know a little more about this.

So what did he say about the time slots?

BTW, is that you next to Norton?

[*ClassicPinUp*]

I can only give you Thursday & Friday since that's when he went but Thursday-9-9:30pm of course Friday-10:30-11:00. He only went those two times so whether or not the other week's time slot was the same I don't know. At my local Library they have Paramount Theater Playbills from that time so I plan on checking them out to see if I can find anything.
And yes that's me lol...thats what happens when I'm bored .

[Benno123]

Was the Paramont Theatre a movie and vaudeville theater, or was it one that was originally a Broadway theater and then coverted? Just wondering, I'm trying to remember where I've heard about it besides the Honeymooners shows. Maybe Lucy & Desi's vaudeville show in 1950/1951? Or is that where Lewis & Martin and Sinatra use to go? Too much on my mind right now to try to pull that old information up!!!!

[*ClassicPinUp*]

I'm not sure about Lucy but Sinatra, Martin & Lewis made apperances there a few times.

[*ClassicPinUp*]

Originally Posted by AndAwayWeGo

At my local Library they have Paramount Theater Playbills from that time so I plan on checking them out to see if I can find anything.

Just thought I'd follow up on this. I went today & asked to see these playbills & after being questioned by the 80 something year old man there-who couldn't believe I knew anything about the Honeymooners/Paramount Theater *seriously he was quizzing me about the show/the actors lol* They didn't have what I needed but I did find The Honeymooners opened at Paramount November 17, 1954 so at least it's something. I'm going to NY in a month & I know they have them there so I'll have to wait .

[Benno123]

I remembered after I posted, it was Frank and Martin & Lewis that I knew for sure. Lucy and Desi were at the Roxy and I think even Radio City.

[*ClassicPinUp*]

Originally Posted by Bill S.

See, that's something I'd love to see. On one of the Honeymooners specials, I remember them showing footage that appeared to have been filmed by an audience member, it was from one of the '57 Europe shows and it was in color. So that makes me think that the idea of there being footage of one of these performances isn't too far-fetched.

I would love to see footage of these performances..especially the one where Jackie & Art try to make Audrey laugh by going off script.

[T-Greg]

Originally Posted by AndAwayWeGo

And yes that's me lol...thats what happens when I'm bored .

You have to be the prettiest Honeymooners fan I've ever seen, and likely the youngest. How did you first become interested in the show, being it's probably something your parents enjoyed when they were your age?