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Steve Martin, Martin Short talk about building their two-man show, surprising each other on stage and more

The comic legends hit the Mahaffey Theatre on Friday.
 
Steve Martin and Martin Short. Photo: ID PR
Steve Martin and Martin Short. Photo: ID PR
Published Jan. 17, 2018

It's barely been a year since Steve Martin and Martin Short last brought their roadshow to town. But there was never a doubt in their minds they'd be back.

"We thought — and I seriously mean this — we've got to play Florida more." Martin said in a phone interview. "We really love doing this. And I will add that we have loved playing in Florida."

Over the past decade, the longtime friends and comedy collaborators have played Tampa Bay a combined five times — thrice together and once apiece on their own. Not a bad rate, since it's not like either actor needs the work, and Martin famously quit stand-up in 1981.

On Friday, Short and Martin will return to the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg to joke, swap stories and play a little music, with Martin, a Grammy-winning banjo player, backed by his buddies the Steep Canyon Rangers.

"I had no idea what bluegrass was," Short said. "I just thought it was something you mentioned to your gardener. But the Steep Canyon Rangers are just the most tremendous, exciting band imaginable."

The show is at 7 p.m. at the Mahaffey; tickets are $95 and up. Click here for details.

For more of our interview with Steve Martin and Martin Short, click here.