Laugh Factory, Hollywood

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Steve and seeing his act numerous times over the past 20 years and tonight was unlike a comedy show of his I’ve ever seen.

He started by greeting nearly every person in the audience, while talking to everyone. About 15 minutes in, I realized that he wasn’t going up on stage, or using the microphone. He wasn’t doing a typical “comedy show” but instead was humorously interacting with his audience, delivering a few of his signature jokes, but mostly audience-inspired, thought provoking, humorous improv. His hour was eventually up, but did the show end? He stayed and took pictures with anyone who wanted one, shared stories and mentor advice to younger comedians, and even in the parking lot on the way to the car, still chatting and taking pictures. Did the show end then? 

Got me thinking, was there a “show” implying brief bit welcoming detour from reality, or did we just hang out with Steve for 90 minutes?

If you want to experience the laugh-till-your-face-hurts kind of night but also wonder where the show started and stopped, recommend you check his website and have An Evening with Steve Marshall. 

C. Fuson, The Dojo of Comedy, Morris Plains, New Jersey (Friday, March 18, 2023)