I hope this catches you before you're done here (incredible job, by the way!)
Mel's act generated a lot of "lines" for performers. A couple of mine were " It's a hard way to make an easy living," "My mother didn't raise any fools,... I don't think."
and "Ooops..Hit a bone! Well what can you expect from a bone head?!" Do you recall any others?
Slim

"I'm going to make you think that what you thought you saw is not what you think you are seeing in case you weren't watching."

More later.

"I wouldn't fool you for nothing. I'd fool you for something...but not for nothing."

"I'm sorry I came and I'm glad I'm going. No, wait. I got that backwards."

"I'm about to do something that has fooled the crown head of Europe and the bald heads of America."

"Sometimes I get my tongue wrapped around my eye teeth and I can see what I'm saying."

Mel was a great performer, and more than that, like you, he always loved and respected his audience. It makes a difference!
Slim