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Comedy Duo 'Still Trying' And Succeeding on Mamaroneck TV

LARCHMONT, N.Y. -- Larchmont resident Nancy Nalven recently sat in on a taping of the LMC-TV show "Still Trying." So impressed by the show she wrote about her experience. 

"Still Trying" stars veteran comedy music team Crazy Henry and Banjo Bob.

"Still Trying" stars veteran comedy music team Crazy Henry and Banjo Bob.

Photo Credit: Nancy Nalven
Guest vocalist Len Bressler appears in an episode of "Still Trying."

Guest vocalist Len Bressler appears in an episode of "Still Trying."

Photo Credit: Nancy Nalven

"Waiter, there's a fly in my soup!!"

"Shhh ... be quiet, or everyone will want one."

So begins the taping of “Still Trying,” the lively musical sketch comedy program that airs weekly on Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Television. The half-hour show stars veteran comedy music team Crazy Henry and Banjo Bob, musical partners since 1978.

On a hot and muggy afternoon in late July, great things are happening at little Studio 2 on Library Lane in Mamaroneck. Dena Schumacher, LMC-TV studio production manager, simultaneously directs the taping of “Still Trying” Episode 171 from the control room, while coaching middle and high school students on the subtleties of camera angle and microphone efficiency.   

“It is the first show I think of when I have to train new volunteers,” Schumacher said, “because I know they will have a great time and want to come back.”

The duo’s zany spontaneity is infectious on the set, evidenced by hearty laughter from the crew and small studio audience.

“Doing our show at LMC is always interesting and fun," said Henry Newberger, creator and co-host of the program, now in its sixth year of production. 

In addition to playing keyboard (sometimes with his nose, hence the moniker “Crazy Henry”), Newberger accompanies co-host “Banjo Bob” Fuhr on trombone in each episode.  

The duo’s repertoire spans the 1920s through the 1950s, punctuated by celebrity impersonations, clever vaudevillian skits and charming medleys. Think Elvis, Jimmy Durante and Donald Duck performing the theme song to 1960s sitcom “Mister Ed,” a variety of tunes from “The Wizard of Oz,” a string of silly songs of the “Mares Eat Oats” ilk, and you’ll get a good idea of the lighthearted, eclectic offerings.

At each taping, Crazy Henry and Banjo Bob shoot two shows, often with musical guests. 

“Bob and I never rehearse, and neither of us knows what songs the other guy is going to do,” Newberger remarked.  

“'Still Trying' promises a weekly dose of nostalgic fun," Schumacher said. “I couldn't imagine the studio without them coming in once a month, or our station without their music and jokes."

“Still Trying” airs on LMC-TV, Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. on Cablevision Channel 75 and FiOS Channel 36. Check your local listings. More information on the musical duo can be found on their website

 

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