"A party with Marty," is what actor and comedian Martin Short said audiences at Saturday's show at Hartwick College can expect when he takes the stage.
The performance starts at 8 p.m. in Lambros Arena in the Binder Physical Education Center. It is open to the public and is part of this year's college Family Weekend.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.hartwicktickets.com. Doors open at 7 p.m. All seating is general admission.
Short, speaking by cell phone from Manhattan, where he has joined the cast of the FX television drama "Damages," said the performance will be a one-man variety show including singing, dancing and stand-up comedy.
It's a satiric journey through his life that will feature appearances by some of the characters he has developed since starting with the Second City improvisation troupe and continuing through the late-night television show "Saturday Night Live," movies and stage performances.
Among the characters scheduled to appear, Short said, are commentator Troy Soren, lawyer Nathan Thurm, oddball Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick, who will interview a surprise guest.
Short said he will get the audience involved by teaching several people the salute used in the movie "Three Amigos," which he starred in with Chevy Chase and Steve Martin. Short also appeared in such movies as "Father of the Bride" and "Mars Attacks!"
The Hartwick appearance came about because of his work in Manhattan, he said. Performing onstage is one of his favorite things to do and these kinds of appearances keep him sharp.
"I never let it go too long" between stage appearances, he said, adding that working in different genres keeps life interesting.
Although he has never been in the Oneonta area, he said he is familiar with parts of upstate New York. "I can't wait until I get there."
The 59-year-old Short said that when considering his career, he originally wanted to be a doctor, but after two years of pre-med, he decided to become a social worker. At the encouragement of friends, he made a one-year contract with himself to try acting, and he hasn't looked back.
Short lists his work on "Saturday Night Live" among his many accomplishments. He still enjoys the show, and was at the first taping this season, he said. "I am always amazed at the talent."
Ticket sales for Saturday's show have been steady, director of campus activities Andy Binder said. They are available online or from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday on the second floor at Dewar Union. They should also be available at the door. The venue seats about 1,500.
Short's fee for the performance is confidential, Binder said.
This is the first appearance by a performer of Short's caliber at the campus, Binder said. A doubling of the student activity fee, from $200 to $400, is helping fund improved entertainment that will also include rock band O.A.R. on Nov. 6.
Short was booked through the Hartwick Campus Activity Board, a student-run organization. It receives 25 percent of the fees collected from the approximately 1,480 students to book large-scale events.
