I like doing all three mediums, but I think my favorite has always been stage, Short says and one reason for his fondness is the control he has over his work. As he points out, You can have a very successful day in a film shoot do nine great takes of a great scene. But if the director chooses the wrong one, thats what it is, and it has nothing to do with you. Its a decision thats made two months from that moment. And on stage, you can alter it and change it and adjust it to the energy of the room.
Shorts understanding of this dynamic plays into the structure of his current stage show. Hes designed a seamless presentation that includes appearances by many of the characters hes created, from prancing oddball Ed Grimley to rotund host Jiminy Glick. Nevertheless, hes ready to change directions at a moments notice especially if something goes wrong.
Its funny, he notes. What audiences remember the most if youre doing a run of a show is when the set fell down or when the actor breaks up.
The Martin Short experience begins at 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place; tickets are $44 to $64. Learn more at 303-595-3637 or www.comedyworks.com and read a Q&A with Short at blogs.westword.com/latestword.
Sat., Sept. 20, 2008