The Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis Show

The likeness is uncanny, simply looking at Tom Stevens and Tony Lewis and you can instantly see the Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in them. Hear their jokes and witness their chemistry on stage and it’s a whole other story, it’s as if the original show has been pulled from the TV and brought back to life. We had a chat to the performers about how they got together as the infamous duo.
Hi guys, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte magazine, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
Tom: Thank you for your interest in what we do! Right now I’m watching Wheel Of Fortune…I love that show!!!!
You’ve obviously got a huge background individually as the character, but is it nice to finally have Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis together in the one show?
Tony: I had always dreamed of having a “Dean” for my Jerry, but never in my wildest dreams did I think there was someone out there that had his look, sound and attention to detail. One night after a show, I found a clip of Tom Stevens on YouTube and in my almost 27 years (at that time) had never seen anything closer to Dean than Tom. In fact, I initially thought he was miming. I woke my wife at 3.30am and insisted she come watch his clip. I wrote to Tom and we began communicating via email and Skype. When we appeared together for the first time, it was like finding my left shoe – we were a perfect fit. Tom is like my alter equivalent from the other side of the globe. He knew when to say what line where, I knew when to interject on his lines or not. It was unrehearsed spontaneous and as fresh as the real Dean and Jerry. It was in a word: magic. We are even the same age difference as they were. Uncanny!
You’ve got a pretty extensive tour coming up, how long did it all take to get together, prepare and rehearse for?
Tom: The thing about working with another professional who knows his craft is you don’t have to worry about rehearsal. We come up with a concept and a small script and then the rest is just going with it. Sometimes we will just do something off the cuff and say, “That was hysterical we gotta add that to the show!” I personally have never had as much fun and looked forward to working as I do with this show. Tony is truly my brother from another mother.
What’s the best thing about being able to play your character?
Tom: The best thing about being Dean is that I can be as relaxed as I want because that was Dean….if I screw up a line or mess up a song I just make a joke about it. Dean loved spontaneity.
And why should people come along to the show?
Tom: If people want to be transported back to an era that will bring back fond memories of their past as well as introduce their children to the world’s most famous musical/comedy team, then they should see this show. Even if you never knew Martin and Lewis you will laugh and enjoy this show.
Tony: Audiences can expect to see Dean and Jerry’s like never before, with fresh skits, new characters and surprises, historians can certainly expect the great songs and duets in two part harmony.
Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us, is there anything else you’d like to share?
Tony: I leave you with two great quotes from our audience members in USA:
” H.g.wells did invent a time machine – you guys are living proof”
“OMG, it was great to see you guys in colour”
When & Where: Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee – May 6, The palms at Crown, Melbourne – May 8, The Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – May 9, GPAC, Geelong – May 10 & The Capital, Bendigo – May 13