Classic Telephone Pole Bit?

[Taber]

I was watching my Season 1 Muppet Show dvd, episode 8. Scooter convinces Fozzie to do “the classic telephone pole bit.” Eventually, they go on stage, with fozzie dressed as a telephone pole.

@The Muppet show

FOZZIE’S COMEDY SPOT

SCOOTER (wearing Fozzie's hat): Hello, and what's your name?

FOZZIE (in pay phone costume): Mike Oznowiski.

SCOOTER: Oh, so YOU'RE the telephone pole!

[Mike Oznowicsky is a reference to Frank Oz’ puppeteer father, Mike Oznowicz.]

I have to say, I don’t get it. What’s the gag? is it some kind of pun? I hope someone here can explain what the joke is. Also, is the bit actually some kind of vaudeville classic, or was that part just puffery?

the transcript can be found here

[Kolak_of_Twilo]

Very simple.
Fozzie is dressed as a pay phone.
Last name is Oznowiski.
This is clearly a Polish surname.

Therefore, he is a telephone pole or Pole.
Glad to be of assistance.

[Taber]

@Kolak of Twilo

Very simple.
Fozzie is dressed as a pay phone.
Last name is Oznowiski.
This is clearly a Polish surname.

Therefore, he is a telephone pole or Pole.
Glad to be of assistance.

Oh, wow. I’m not sure if I would’ve gotten that on my own given a thousand years. Thanks.

[gotpasswords]

It’s the Muppets. Does it HAVE to make sense?

[MacTech]

@gotpasswords

It’s the Muppets. Does it HAVE to make sense?

i know, i’m still trying to figure out why the “Bananna Sketch” was so funny…