Short Story

Celebrated actor and comedian Martin Short is kicking off his tour with a show at Tulsa's SpiritBank Event Center, 10441 S. Regal Blvd., on Friday, Feb. 11 at 8pm.

The PG, family friendly event is a one-man variety performance.

"The show is based on a fake look at my life," Short said in an interview with Urban Tulsa Weekly. "It's a lot like Saturday Night Live except I'm the whole cast."

Favorite characters from throughout his career such as Franck Eggelhoffer from Father of the Bride I and II, Ned Nederlander of the Three Amigos and Hollywood Agent Jiminy Glick will reappear, bringing back favorite moments from Short's long career.

The entire show is intended to be highly improvisational and will change from night to night. In addition to putting his comedic talents to work, Short's performance also involves audience participation. Short said that a few audience members will be pulled on stage for an interview in classic Jiminy Glick style.

"It's a Party with Marty," he said.

These days, Short said touring is "no long about trying to figure out how to pay the rent," and instead provides away for the Canada native to stay connected to the comedy scene and to his fans.

Short said his first big break as an actor took place when he was cast in a production of Godspell in Toronto, which played for a year. From there, Short became involved in Second City Television or SCTV, a sketch comedy show that took a satirical look a television. His work on SCTV opened the doors to performing as a regular on Saturday Night Live, which served as a springboard to other TV and movie roles.

Beyond the screen, Short has made a number of returns to the stage and won a Tony in 1999 for his lead performance in the Broadway Revival Musical Little Me. Short said he keeps his Tony Award in his office in Los Angeles where he lives for two thirds of the year. Short spends the remaining time in Canada.

"I love going places I've never been," Short said about his hectic tour schedule. Friday show marks the comedians first visit to Oklahoma. Short admitted his only exposure to the state has been its namesake musical, but said he doesn't expect to see people riding around on horses when he arrives.

Despite the wide array of characters he will stage on Friday, Short is undaunted.

"None of its challenging, he said. "It's like doing a great workout. Even if the audience is tough I always want to win them over by end."

Tickets are $25-$55. For more information, visit spiritbankeventcenter.com.

Also this week

Nightingale Theater presents Black Bog Beast Bait, a drama about ignorance and superstition, Feb. 10-12 at 8pm, 1416 E. 4th St. For tickets and info, visit nightingaletheater.com or call 918-633-8666.

Spotlight Theatre presents Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs of the Black Forest, a children's production of the beloved family story. Catch a show Feb. 11-13 at the Spotlight Theatre, 1381 Riverside Dr. For tickets and info, visit spotlighttheater.org.

American Theatre Company will perform Souvenir, a musical comedy about a wealthy socialite who can't sing, Feb. 11-13 at Tulsa Ballet Studio K, 1212 E. 45th Pl. For more information, visit americantheatrecompany.org or call 918-749-6006.

Actors Company of Tulsa presents Falling in Love Again, a night of Shakespearean sonnets performed by Tulsa actors, Feb. 10-11 at 7pm at Club 209: The Arts Bar, 209 N. Boulder Ave. The show is directed by Starr Hardgrove and Bonny Downs. Twenty-one and older only. All proceeds benefit Actors Company of Tulsa. The event will also be streamed live at actorsoftulsa.org.

Playhouse Theatre Tulsa will perform Love Song, an offbeat romantic comedy about a down-in-the-dumps guy finding someone special, Feb. 10-12 at 7:30pm and Feb. 13 at 2pm, in the Liddy Doenges Theatre of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit playhousetheatretulsa.com

Due to weather, St. Gregory's University postponed the staging of Lolek, a one-man dramatic play based on the young adult years of Pope John Paul II, until March 6 at 2pm. The show will stage inside the Sarkeys Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth and sponsors. For more information, call 405-878-5353 or e-mail fide@stgregorys.edu.

Heller Theatre presents their annual Laughing Matter Valentine's Day Benefit, a comedy show that includes chocolate samplings, Feb. 14 at 7:30pm. Admission is $10 and benefits the Heller Theatre Volunteer Council.