Meet the hilarious duo, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, at the National D-Day Memorial

Studio photograph of Bud Abbott (Left) and Lou Costello (Right)

October has arrived and you know what that means?! Of course it means changing leaves, crisp cool air, pumpkins, and apple cider. But most importantly, it means the D-Day Memorial is hosting our annual birthday celebration event on October 12, 2014!

This year, the Memorial invites visitors to celebrate the 124^th birthday of General Dwight Eisenhower with a few special guests, the outrageously funny duo, Abbott and Costello! Enjoy watching the critically acclaimed comedians perform their most popular vaudeville and burlesque skits, like “Who’s On First?” And get a firsthand look into their personal lives and the entertainment industry of the 1940s. Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler are the hilarious men responsible for bringing Bud Abbott and Lou Costello to life in front of your very eyes. Both men have been performing together since 1994 and through vintage dress, authentic recreation, and vocal styling, they have mastered the art and genius of Mr. Abbott and Mr. Costello. As an added bonus, the comedic pair are bringing along their trusty Ace Press Agent, Scoop Fields, performed by Jason Crutchley.

Comedic duo acting out "Who's On First?" Skit

Guests of the event will enjoy bellies full of laughter and delicious food if they choose to join us for lunch and the performance. Or, if you prefer to skip lunch, guests can just enjoy the show! For two years in a row, the Memorial has sold out of this event! As a result, advanced tickets are required since seating is limited. So make sure to pick up yours today! Lunch is served at 1:30pm followed by the performance at 2:30pm.

Tickets for both the lunch and performance are $35.00 per person or $60.00 per couple. Tickets for the performance only are $15.00 per person. Call 540-586-3329 to purchase tickets or visit the Bedford Area Welcome Center. Click here to learn more about this event.

To get guests eager for the upcoming event, here are a few fun facts about the most popular comedic duo during World War II.

• Costello held a series of jobs, including a stint as a boxer, before heading to Hollywood in the late 1920s to pursue a career in acting, only to find out he was not particularly successful as a dramatic actor. He ultimately decided to move back home to New Jersey, but did not have the funds to make it all the way. So he worked his way up in Missouri burlesque clubs.

•   While working in Missouri in 1930, Cristillo changed his stage name to “Costello,” after actress Helene Costello.

•   At the age of 15, Abbott was drugged and shanghaied onto a ship bound for Norway.  He was eventually able to work his way back to the US. 

• Costello pitched the idea of pairing with Bud Abbott in 1936, and together they made one of their first radio appearances on The Kate Smith Show in 1938.

Buck Privates poster (1941)

•   Of the duo Abbott was the “straight man,” meaning he was the unfunny part of the duo that set up the comedic to deliver the punch line. 

• From 1940 to 1956, the duo made 36 films.  Among their most popular films were Buck Privates, Who Done It?, Buck Privates Come Home, Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein, and Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man.

Call us today to purchase tickets and show your support for the National D-Day Memorial. Celebrating General Eisenhower’s birthday is always a special event for the Memorial and we would love to share that experience with you all!

(Left to Right) Costello and Abbott on set (1940).

Hope to see you all there!

Elizabeth

The Memorial is thankful for the support of event sponsors English Meadows (Elks Home Campus), Everafter Flowers, Cakes, and Gifts, The Glebe, and Town Kitchen & Provisions.