For more information or to obtain services of
Joe Ziegler and Bill Riley please call:
410-335-3084

Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler
As
Abbott and Costello

   Bill Riley and Joe Ziegler transform themselves into Bud Abbott and Lou Costello through vintage dress and an authentic recreation of the team’s mannerisms and vocal styling. They perform with pinpoint accuracy many of the vaudeville and burlesque routines made famous by Bud and Lou on stage, screen, radio and television, including the classic baseball routine, “Who’s On First?”.

   Bill Riley is a native of Patterson, New Jersey (which incidentally was Lou Costello’s hometown!!). He is an actor, comedian and musician who has been performing since 1960. Riley came to Baltimore in 1985 along with his wife, Gina, and son, Bryce. Bill is currently an instructor and Radio Director at a Baltimore broadcasting school.

   Joe Ziegler, born and raised in Baltimore has been a professional performer since the age of fifteen. “Making people laugh is what I love to do” says Ziegler. Joe, who along with his wife, Sherry, has won awards for their portrayal of another famous duo – Laurel and Hardy, including a Baltimore’s Best award in 1982.

   Riley and Ziegler met in 1986, when Riley attended the broadcasting school where Ziegler was Dean of Students and taught commercial writing and promotions. In 1987 Riley also began working at the school and a comedy partnership was born. While both Riley and Ziegler had worked with various partners through the years – their love and admiration of Abbott and Costello combined with their own comedic chemistry and friendship sparked to form a partnership that has flourished. They have performed as Abbott and Costello for various corporate and local business functions, private parties, civic groups, fundraisers and on Baltimore Radio Television.

   Both Bill and Joe have worked in various capacities in radio, done extra work in movies, acted in and done voice-over work for local and national commercials and each own and operate Mobile Disc Jockey companies.