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For more than 32 years, political satirist Mark Russell has been entertaining Ford’s audiences with material ripped from today’s headlines. This year, Russell returns to Ford’s just as the presidential election cycle heats up. Known for skewering Democrats and Republicans alike, Russell’s unique brand of comedy earned him the Mark Twain Award for political comedy and has made him a popular favorite on PBS. Long before Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, there was Mark Russell, daring to joke and sing of the often absurd political process.
Despite a snow storm that brought much of Washington to its knees Mark Russell carried on with an amazing performance. Absolutely sharp and right on target with current political and newsworthy events. No one is exempt from his satire. Ninety minutes without a break and never missing a beat. Those of us who braved the snow, and the theater was more than 3/4 filled, were rewarded with a great performance.
STILL LAUGHING AFTER FOUR DAYS. GREAT FUN, GREAT POLITICAL COMEDIAN. I WOULD GO TO HEAR HIM EVERY CHANCE.
Fantastic, unbelievable, nostalgic, unique one-of-a-kind show. Incredible performer. Won't miss this show as long as Mark Russell does it!
Great, as always. Dicey weather - could have rescheduled for another 'dark' Monday night.
It is amazing to see Mark again and have him remain topical and aware that he and the audience are all aging. Fun night.
Great show--happy to see him before he retires. Still has his spark and is very funny
We thoroughly enjoyed Mark Russell's show this past Sunday at the Birchmere. He had some wonderful jokes and his songs are, as they always were, entertaining. I am so glad we made the rather last minute decision to see the show
From the minute he hit the spotlight till the time he finally walked off to a Standing O, it was as if no time had passed since Russell held down his gig at the Shoreham Hotel or was performing on Public TV. The humor was still on point and hilarious and even the old jokes were well worth hearing again. If you get the chance-- GO, it's a must attend Washington event.
Mark Russell is a genius and gets funnier every year. Taking nothing away from the comics on TV, I think the younger generation has no idea what it's missing .
Amazingly Mark can keep his familiar style fresh with new takes on familiar melodies. As he always reminds us, our political system is a roaring river of humor. Technically mark never swallows a punch line and delivers his material with enough energy and volume that those with failing ears can hear but the sensitive are not overwhelmed. Also service at the Birchmere was flawless.
Enjoyable show regardless of political philosophy or party affiliation
Mark Russell continues to be the best musical political satirist around. His material is fresh, his performance energetic, and the results hilarious without being vicious or ugly. Highly recommend him.
I remember watching Mark Russell on PBS with my parents when I was a very young girl. I didn't understand the satire very much back then but the piano skits were still highly entertaining to me and made me laugh. I was overjoyed he came out of retirement and our group of seven had a terrific time laughing all night long. And yes, I understood the satire this time around. Fabulous night and I thank Mr. Russell for all the good memories and laughs. The venue, The Birchmere, was perfect for the event. All the seats were good and the seating and dinner service worked out perfectly. Our entire group got to sit together and it was worth arriving early for the camaraderie.
Mark Russell continues to be a smile-producer, even at 81, or as he says "18 if you're dyslexic!" He is more enjoyable than reading the news, but you get the news - 90 minutes of singing and telling stories, current and long ago. Maryland and Virginia state leaders join our national political figures as his targets, but "Hey, they're the ones who MADE the news." Congress gave him plenty of material this past year -'No, nothing Congress. Following the Constitution with 'Congress will make no law.'" Always a great venue, too, The Birchmere. Fun evening with friends ahead - should be an annual outing as the New Year begins.
A delightful evening that could have gone an hour longer
It had been several years since I had seen Mark Russell perform, and I wasn't sure how it would be. He blew us out of the water with his lines. Funny and fantastic
Mark Russell was funnier, sharper, even more risque, than I have seen him in years. Some things get better with age. When he comes to your city don't miss him.
Ageless!!!!! and still very funny - if you are a liberal.
Mark Russell may be 81 but his routine is still as first class as it ever was. Love the way he can walk the tightrope between humor and insult.
Mark Russell has still got it. Funny, in good voice, 2 hours non-stop. Wow! A joke every 30 to 60 seconds. The Birchmere on the other hand: had wireless mic problems for the first 30 minutes. So non-professional. Also, the food was fair. Two of the eight of us had symptoms of food poisoning... Servers and staff were good, though.
