One would suspect that a sense of humour came in handy, particularly for Donny and Marie, when they had to don those ridiculous costumes for their variety show which aired from 1976 to 1979. The show created by Sid and Marty Krofft – the famed creators of offbeat television programs such as H.R. Pufnstuf and Land of the Lost – featured cutesy, fun and wholesome entertainment comprising an opening act, a series of comedy sketches and a closing musical number.

The world tour, which was the subject of a PBS special, was a moderate to huge hit around the world.

It was a grand show with 8,000 fans lapping up Osmond greats such as Let Me In, Love Me For a Reason, The Proud One and Crazy Horses; and Donny even causing some hysteria among the women in the crowd. “The tour has been fun. At first it was just supposed to be a tribute to my brothers but it ended up a celebration of everybody. We are really having fun being together. Even though we are grateful for all our fans all over the world, it has been fun for all seven of us to be on tour as we don’t get together as often as we’d like,” says Jimmy.

The Krofft variety shows are often forgotten as being part of their repertoire, but shouldn’t be forgotten. Sid and Marty Krofft were a big part of Donnie and Marie’s success, and as such should be credited as part of the reason that this reunion tour has happened.

Do you enjoy Donnie and Marie? What are your fondest memories of the variety show?

Legendary music family THE OSMONDS will celebrate a historic 50th Anniversary in entertainment with an all-star music special for television on PBS, “The Osmonds 50th Anniversary Reunion,” starring The Osmond Brothers, with special guests Donny, Marie, and Jimmy, to begin airing in March of 2008.

I currently have this on my DVR, but haven’t watched it yet. Because of the fame of Osmonds, “Donny and Marie” was one of the more famous Krofft shows, and one of the few in prime-time.

Check your local PBS listings for showtimes.