Photo courtesy of Martin Morrow.
Martin Morrow, Back in Birmingham: Comedian Returns to His Roots
Martin Morrow has a megawatt smile and a wicked wit. The gregarious comedian will be performing live at Iron City on July 2. The occasion is a homecoming for the Birmingham native who has met considerable success as a performer with Second City in Chicago. The improvisational comedy enterprise’s list of alumni is a who’s who of comedic royalty, included but not limited to: Dan Aykroyd, Joan Rivers, John Belushi, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey and now Morrow.
Morrow returns to the Magic City for A Night of Comedy with Martin Morrow and Friends, the comedian’s stand-up and sketch improv routine with guests Christopher Davis, Eunice Elliott, Jermaine Johnson, Michael McCall and Ali Clayton.
“It feels great to return home and talk about some of the things I’ve done since last time,” Morrow said. “I’m always excited to make people laugh, especially people I grew up with or met in college and around the city.”
Morrow’s resume is impressive. The actor has performed with Second City as a member of its Outreach and Diversity ensemble, according to his website, and is 2015 Second City/NBC Bob Curry fellow, Second City PUMA scholarship recipient and graduate of The Conservatory. Morrow has brought his award-winning act to Atlanta, Austin, Cleveland, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia and Portland, and has worked with top names in entertainment from Tim Allen to Katt Williams.
“Second City for one taught me how to dress better on stage,” Morrow admitted. “I also just learned how to better utilize my voice in a multitude of ways. Projecting, slowing down, memorizing lines. It’s been an interesting journey to learn and work in such a storied building the past few years.”
As Morrow looks to the future, he explained that he has television gigs coming up around the corner and a lengthy North American tour, which begins in September.
A Night of Comedy with Martin Morrow and Friends begins at 8 p.m. at Iron City. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Purchase on ironcitybham.com. For more information about Martin Morrow, visit martinmorrowcomedy.com.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Falling: A Wake —Birmingham Festival Theater. 1901 11th Ave. S. Birmingham Festival Theatre presents this production of Gary Kirkham’s drama, Falling: A Wake, in it’s final weekend of performance. When the body of a man lands on Elsie and Harold’s farm in the middle of the night, the couple examines life, love and the twisted humor life has thrown them. Thursday–Saturday 8 p.m. through June 27. $20. For more information, call (205) 933-2383.
Entrepreneurs and Innovators Conference — Cahaba Grand Conference Center. 3660 Grandview Parkway. This weekend, the Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce will hold its second annual Entrepreneurs and Innovators Conference, an opportunity for small business owners and the general public to learn about growing and strengthening small businesses. The theme of this year’s conference is “Driving the Forces of Change,” and the keynote speaker during Friday morning’s awards breakfast will be Gov. Robert Bentley. Thursday, 7:45 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. $45. For more information, visit alblackcc.org.
Mr. Marmalade — Theatre Downtown. 2410 Fifth Ave S. Mr. Marmalade is no ordinary pal. Lucy’s imaginary friend enjoys cocaine and pornography far more than tea parties and Hide and Seek. When Lucy meets a new friend Marmalade gets angry and dangerous. Closing this week, this dark comedy presented by Theatre Downtown is an Alabama premier. Thursday–Saturday, through June 27 at 8 p.m. $17. For more information, visit theatredowntown.org.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Fourth Friday Music Series — Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. 1214 81st St. S. Woody Eastman will perform live during Ruffner Mountain’s monthly concert series. Eastman will share original songs inspired by Dan Fogelberg, Mike Blakley and Walt Wilkins. Attendees may bring their own food and drink. 7–9 p.m. $10. For more information, call (205) 833-8264.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
Slavery by Another Name — Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. 520 16th St. N. This film, produced by Catherine Allan and Douglas Blackmon and written by Sheila Curran Bernard challenges the assumption that slavery in America ended with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Based on the 2009 Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Douglas Blackmon, the documentary offers a stark look into 80 years of “neo-slavery” from 1865–1945 with footage and documentation from Alabama and Georgia. 1–2:20 p.m. $12. For more information, call (205) 328-9696.
Perilous Cole at Avondale Brewing Co. — Avondale Brewing Company. 201 41st St. S. “Perilous: 1. involving or full of grave risk or peril; hazardous; dangerous: a perilous voyage across the Atlantic in a small boat.” Perilous Cole, made up of Birmingham’s own intrepid performers Adrienne Applegate, Angela Senicz, David Phipps and Tyler Applegate, sets out on its maiden voyage this weekend. Interested parties who want to wish the band Godspeed will be treated to a free concert. 6 p.m. Free. For more information, visit Perilous Cole on Facebook.
Junction Collective Talent Showcase — Andrea Lucas Studios. 1910 First Ave. N. Andrea Lucas Studios will showcase some of Birmingham’s talented performers this weekend with the Junction Collective Talent Showcase. Featuring singer/songwriter Michael Owings, Comedian Brian Meadors, Poet Glennwood Urbz, Vocalist Carrie Smallwood, storysmith Lloyd Bricken, Vocalist Katie Freelend and vocalist and guitarist Andrea Lucas. 8 p.m. $12. For more information, call (205) 276-1120.
Arc Light Stories: Do Over — Urban Standard. 2320 Second Ave. S. Arc Light Stories is celebrating five years of telling tales with this throwback event highlighting fan favorite stories shared since 2010. New recordings of old stories will be recorded and shared by 90.3 WBHM. 7:30–9:30 p.m. $10. For more information, visit arclightstories.com.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
Summer Solstice Concert and Gallery Talk— Birmingham Museum of Art. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. The Birmingham Museum of Art presents a Gallery Talk with Frank Fleming in the exhibit: Between Fantasy and Reality followed by the Summer Solstice Concert performed by the Red Mountain Chamber Players conducted by Yurii Henriques. Inspired by the mythos of the exhibit, the chamber orchestra will perform Mozart’s Symphony No. 26, Eb Major, K 184, J. Tall’s Adagio for Orchestra, Piazzolla’s Libertango and Avesson’s Symphony in G. 2–4 p.m. Free. For more information, visit artsbma.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
Movies at Avondale Park — Avondale Park. 4101 Fifth Ave. S. Avondale Park will be screening family favorites during this picnic-style event throughout the summer. This week the 1979 hit, The Muppet Movie, will entertain new and old fans alike. Live music from local performers will precede the event as audience seating begins an hour before the film. 8 p.m. Free. For more information, call (205) 623-0582.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
Independence Day Celebration — Southern Museum of Flight. 4343 73rd St. N. The Southern Museum of Flight is celebrating Independence Day early this year with a performance by the US Air Force’s Band of the West at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 4 p.m. with Jim ‘N’ Nick’s barbecue, STEM-based children’s activities, face painting and balloon animals. 4–8:30 p.m. Free. For more information, visit southernmuseumofflight.org.
Birmingham Art Crawl— Various locations. The first Thursday of every month, Birmingham Art Crawl gathers local artists, artisans and performers to show and sell their work in businesses in the heart of Birmingham. Venues include downtown galleries, businesses, restaurants and bars. 5–9 p.m. Free. For more information, visit birminghamartcrawl.com.
ONGOING
The Music Man — Virginia Samford Theatre. 1116 26th St. S. From “76 Trombones” to “Gary, Indiana,” The Music Man has won five Tony Awards and its place in the American musical theater canon since it opened in 1957. The slick but lovable Harold Hill and his romantic foibles with a prim librarian spell out “Trouble (with a capital ‘T’)” for the sleepy town of River City. Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. Through July 5. $30. For more information, visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org.
