The Great Lakes Revue was a musical production to raise money for the Navy Relief Society. The play was written and staged by David Wolff with music written by James O'Keefe.The Great Lakes Revue was a musical production to raise money for the Navy Relief Society. The play was written and staged by David Wolff with music written by James O'Keefe.
As Ben Kubelsky was already playing his fiddle for the guys in his off time, he went to the auditions with Edward Elzear "Zez" Confrey, a vaudevillian piano player, who would later write "Kitten On The Keys."
While waiting to rehearse Benny was offered a comedy line in a sketch with Bob Carleton. Dave Wolff liked his delivery and kept growing Benny's part until the bit became 'the standout hit' of the show.
Playing to sold-out audiences, the show toured the Midwest for two weeks.
In all of Benny's time in vaudeville, he had not spoken on stage until this production.
References:
Great Lakes Naval Training Station by Therese Gonzales (2008) pp. 37.