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    Mooch & Pinsky Perform for First Time in 51 Years at Shadowbox Tonight

    Legendary comedy duo Donnie Mooch and Barry Pinsky fell off the radar over 50 years ago, and no one has heard from them since the height of their heyday. Most Columbus Underground readers are likely to be too young to even remember some of their most popular classic films, such as “Come to Garbanzo”, “Monkey Madness” or their live televised variety show, the “Milk of Magnesia Comedy Hour”.

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    Tonight, the duo will mysteriously return for one night only at the Backstage Bistro at Shadowbox Live. The live show will feature a variety of special guests in addition to the unveiling of the full story of what exactly Pinsky and Mooch have been up to after all of these years.

    For a sneak peek of what to expect, we had a chance to interview both of them. Our full conversation can be found below:

    Walker Evans: First things first… it’s been 51 years since anyone has seen either of you. Where have you been, and how have you both managed to stay looking so young?

    Donnie Mooch: We was hiding out in Topeka, the middle of freakin’ nowhere. There ain’t no good lookin’ broads out there, no good liquor, and nowhere nice to eat. But, havin’ no trouble to get into has kept us, whatchamacall, spry. Me and Pinsky was just holed up doing Mad Libs and rubbin’ each other down with avocados, which are good for the complexion. Holy ding dong.

    WE: With many of your audience members likely not old enough to remember who you are, can you give us a quick refresher course on some of your career highlights and lowlights?

    Barry Pinsky: Well, obviously there was the Milk of Magnesia Comedy Hour, which ran from ’55 – ’58. There were our three movies – Better Late than Pregnant (1958), Monkey Madness (1960) and Come to Garbanzo (1962). Those were the lowlights. The highlight was back in ’54 when I hosted a benefit to cure skinniness. I got to eat free. It never got better than that.

    WE: With a five decade gap since your last show, how much do you plan to modernize your material? I mean, I saw this show posted on Facebook, so I imagine you guys at least know how to use the internet?

    polaroidMooch: Oh it’s modern. Back in ’58 we weren’t allowed to say no cuss words at all. This here new show’s got plenty of F-words in it. Plus we say f**k a lot.

    And we didn’t have nothing to do with any of that Facebook stuff. That was Jimmy Mak what did that. I wouldn’t know a Facebook post from a sign post. Except you don’t ever see morons arguing about sign posts.

    WE: So… which one of you is the straight man and which is the funny man? Or is this something that is not exactly agreed upon?

    Pinsky: I’ve always considered us to both be the straight man. I still have no idea why anyone ever thought we were funny. We’re like the comedy team of Abbot and Zeppo.

    WE: Do you think we’ll see more of Mooch and Pinsky in the future? Or are you guys skipping town once again after this show is over?

    Mooch: Sure, you’ll see more Mooch and Pinsky. As long as we don’t get arrested after the show. If we hear sirens we’ll skip town for sure. Probably head to Pickerington, which I hear is a lot like Topeka.

    WE: Lots of people are busy on Tuesday nights. Give us a final reason or two why they should give up their Tuesday night plans to make it out to Shadowbox for this show?

    Pinsky: Busy on Tuesday nights doing what? Is there anything else going on? Seriously, let me know ‘cause I may bail on our show and do that.

    The show starts tonight at 8pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.shadowboxlive.org.

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    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
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