Starred with Barbra in "Another Evening with Harry Stoones"

May 5, 2009
One of the most successful comic actors of all time, Dom DeLuise had a resume few have been able to match.  Early in their careers, and well before either became world famous, DeLuise and Barbra Streisand performed together on the New York stage in "Another Evening with Harry Stoones." The 1961 show closed immediately after its one and only performance at the Gramercy Arts Theatre. "Stoones" was a small stepping stone on the path to greater things for several of its stars, including Streisand and DeLuise who would go on to become two of the the most celebrated entertainers in show business.

"Another Evening with Harry Stoones" was a revue in two acts (The Civil War and The Roaring Twenties).  Also featured in the cast was Diana Sands, who originated the role of Doris in the 1964 Broadway production of "The Owl and The Pussycat." In "Stoones," Streisand, DeLuise and Sands (along with five other performers) appeared in a total of thirty-eight assorted sketches. Most of the show's notices were lackluster. However, the New York World-Telegram and Sun did call the "Stoones" Act 2 finale "Dream House" (featuring the entire cast) "outrageous, chaotic, and a priceless windup to a delightful evening."

The Brooklyn born DeLuise appeared in over 100 films and television programs. He even starred in his own series, "The Dom DeLuise Show" back in 1987. He became one of Mel Brooks' favorite comics and appeared in such notable Brooks' productions as "Blazing Saddles" and "The History of the World Part 1." DeLuise enjoyed success as a movie sidekick as well, co-starring in several Burt Reynolds films.