The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes Season 5 Episode 22 Kaye Ballard and Steve Lawrence
- February 16, 1972
- 22 min
The Carol Burnett Show was a beloved sketch comedy and variety show that aired from 1967 to 1978. One of the highlights of season 5 was episode 22, which featured special guests Kaye Ballard and Steve Lawrence.
Kaye Ballard and Steve Lawrence were both well-known performers in their own right, so their appearance on The Carol Burnett Show was highly anticipated. The episode opened with a musical number featuring Carol, Kaye, and Steve, singing and dancing to "It's De-Lovely" from the musical Anything Goes. The trio showed off their impressive chemistry and comedic timing, setting the tone for the rest of the episode.
The first sketch of the night was a parody of daytime soap operas called "As the Stomach Turns". Carol played the lead character, Moira, and Kaye and Steve played her long-lost siblings who show up at her mansion unannounced. The sketch was a hilarious send-up of melodramatic soap operas, with exaggerated plot twists and over-the-top performances from all three actors.
Next up was a musical number featuring Kaye and Steve, singing a medley of classic Hollywood songs. The two performers showed off their impressive vocal abilities as they alternated between upbeat tunes and romantic ballads. The audience was captivated by their beautiful harmonies and show-stopping performances.
The third sketch of the night was a comedy bit called "The Interrogators". Carol played the role of an inept criminal who gets interrogated by two detectives played by Kaye and Steve. The sketch was full of witty one-liners and physical comedy, with Carol's character constantly floundering under the detectives' questioning. Kaye and Steve were perfectly cast as the tough-talking detectives, and their interactions with Carol were a highlight of the episode.
After a brief commercial break, Kaye and Steve returned to the stage for another musical number, this time singing a medley of songs from their own repertoire. The two performers had a long history together, having performed together on Broadway and in other productions throughout their careers. Their chemistry was evident as they traded verses and harmonized effortlessly.
The final sketch of the night was a parody of classic game shows called "Take a Good Look". Carol played the host of the show, and Kaye and Steve played the contestants. The sketch was filled with witty puns and playful banter, with the performers clearly having a great time on stage.
As the show came to a close, Carol thanked Kaye and Steve for joining her on the show and led the audience in a final musical number. The trio sang "Everything's Coming Up Roses" from the musical Gypsy, bringing the episode to a rousing and joyful conclusion.
Overall, season 5 episode 22 of The Carol Burnett Show was a fantastic showcase of the talents of Kaye Ballard and Steve Lawrence. From their impressive musical performances to their hilarious comedic chops, the two performers were a perfect fit for the show's irreverent and entertaining style. Fans of the show and of classic variety television will definitely want to check out this episode.