Ep 20. with Steve Lawrence
- February 26, 1978
The Carol Burnett Show season 11 episode 20 features special guest Steve Lawrence, a prominent singer and television host at the time. The episode is filled with musical sketches and performances, showcasing Lawrence's impressive vocal range and showmanship.
The show opens with a sketch titled "The Movies", where Burnett and Lawrence play two characters trying to sneak into a movie theater without tickets. They go through a series of comical mishaps in their attempt to get in, including disguising themselves as a magician and his assistant.
Next, Lawrence takes the stage for a solo performance of "I've Got You Under My Skin", a classic song originally popularized by Frank Sinatra. His smooth voice and effortless delivery captivate the audience, earning him thunderous applause.
Another memorable moment from the episode is a sketch called "The Dentist", in which Burnett plays a patient with a chatty and eccentric dentist, played by Harvey Korman. Lawrence makes a brief appearance as a smooth-talking dentist who seems to have all the answers. The scene is full of physical comedy and witty one-liners, leaving the audience in stitches.
The musical performances continue with a duet between Burnett and Lawrence, singing "Easy to be Hard" from the musical Hair. The two have great chemistry on stage, bouncing off each other's energy and capturing the emotion of the song.
In another sketch, Burnett and Lawrence play a married couple preparing for a night out. The couple's bickering and comedic misunderstandings provide endless laughs, and the skit culminates in a musical number where the two sing and dance to "Always True to You in My Fashion" from the musical Kiss Me, Kate.
The episode concludes with a special tribute to Lawrence's longtime collaborator and friend, Eydie Gormé, who had recently passed away. Lawrence sings a heartfelt rendition of "The Way We Were" in honor of Gormé, bringing the audience to tears.
Overall, The Carol Burnett Show season 11 episode 20 is a delightful blend of musical performances and comedic sketches, highlighted by the charming and talented Steve Lawrence. Fans of classic television and Broadway music are sure to enjoy this episode.
