Steve Martin and Martin Short’s 2026 comedy tour kicks off April 11 in Savannah

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Steve Martin and Martin Short are bringing their legendary comedy tour to Savannah April 11, kicking off a massive 20-plus-city U.S. run. This is a must-see event for fans of two comedy titans joining forces. Get ready for pure magic with their refreshed material, musical virtuosity, and intimate chemistry that only these masters can deliver.

🔥 Quick Facts

  • Tour Kicks Off: April 11, 2026 at Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah, GA at 8:00 PM
  • Scale: 20-plus venues across West Coast, Midwest, South, Northeast through December 2026
  • Opening Acts: Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers and keyboardist Jeff Babko join the headliners
  • Show Format: Stand-up, sketches, banjo virtuosity, musical parodies, and audience roasting in 100-120 minutes

What to Expect from Comedy’s Ultimate Duo

Steve Martin brings his trademark dry wit and virtuosic banjo skills to the stage, while Martin Short delivers elastic characters and musical parodies rooted in his Tony-winning Broadway background. The two legends have been touring together since the mid-2010s, building a reputation for effortless timing and spontaneous audience interaction. Their Netflix special An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life earned multiple Emmy nominations. Expect fresh material tailored to 2026 current events, new visuals, and moments where the comedy feels improvised live rather than scripted.

The show is not a traditional musical—it’s a fast-paced variety event fusing comedy with music, storytelling, and roast-style banter. Their intimate chemistry and affectionate ribbing create an atmosphere where two comedy titans seem to be performing just for your group, even in large theaters. The 100-120 minute runtime flows without formal intermissions, maintaining momentum and energy throughout.

Tour Schedule and Venue Details

The Savannah leg opens the spring portion at the Johnny Mercer Theatre, located at the Savannah Civic Center (301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.). The 8:00 PM curtain on April 11 launches what becomes a multi-city sprint through April with stops in Birmingham (April 12) and Cleveland (April 25-26). The tour then pivots to fall and winter shows, including major markets like Washington DC (September 19), Hershey (September 20), Milwaukee (November 13), Minneapolis (November 14), and Columbia, South Carolina (December 5).

Nearly 20 venues are confirmed, with additional dates expected as theaters add second shows due to sellout demand. This is not a fleeting tour. Martin and Short have built a reputation for nearly sold-out performances from Los Angeles to New York, making tickets among North America’s most in-demand comedy events. Early birds should secure seats immediately for optimal viewing angles and available inventory.

Meet the Stellar Supporting Cast

Name Role Background
Steep Canyon Rangers Opening Act / Bluegrass Grammy-winning bluegrass ensemble known for virtuosity
Jeff Babko Keyboardist / Music Director Decades of studio and touring experience, arranges shows
Steve Martin Headliner / Banjo Virtuoso Mark Twain Prize winner, multiple Grammy Awards, Honorary Oscar
Martin Short Headliner / Comedy Legend Tony Award winner, SCTV and SNL roots, Only Murders co-star

Steep Canyon Rangers bring Grammy-winning bluegrass credentials and tight harmonies to each show, never overshadowing the headliners but elevating the evening with virtuosic musicianship. Jeff Babko, a seasoned music director, leads arrangements and cues, ensuring seamless transitions between comedy bits and musical numbers. Together, this ensemble creates a concert-quality production that justifies the high ticket demand and sellout history.

“The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short is a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century.”

— Official Tour Description

Why Savannah Is the Perfect Launch Point

Savannah’s Johnny Mercer Theatre is an intimate 600-seat venue within the larger Savannah Civic Center complex, offering exceptional acoustics and sightlines that showcase Steve’s banjo and Martin’s vocal nuance. The venue’s historic elegance mirrors the show’s old-school variety aesthetic, with velvet curtains, amber lighting, and a nostalgic proscenium that feels like stepping into a vintage comedy special rather than a modern arena show. For fans in Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, and beyond, the Savannah date launches a rare opportunity to see these icons in a theater-scaled setting before larger cities get their turns. The Easter weekend timing makes it perfect for families and travelers planning spring getaways.

Given the 20-plus-date tour scope and consistent sellouts on Martin and Short’s previous runs, April 11 will likely fill fast. Fans should buy immediately to guarantee entry and choice seating. Ticket prices typically range $60-$250 for standard seats, with premium orchestra reaching $175-$350, though resale can surge for high-demand nights as the date approaches.

Are You Ready for Comedy History?

This 2026 tour marks a rare convergence of two comedy titans traveling nationally together, blending stand-up mastery, musical brilliance, and theatrical warmth in a format modern comedy rarely delivers. Steve Martin penned bestselling novels and won Oscars for screenwriting; Martin Short graced Broadway stages and defined ensemble comedy on SNL. When these two share the stage, the chemistry is electric, the pacing is flawless, and the laughs feel earned rather than forced. With Steep Canyon Rangers and Jeff Babko elevating the production, this is not just comedy, it’s performance art at the highest level. Savannah fans get to witness entertainment history on April 11—will you be there?

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