Photo Coverage: Marty Allen Brings HELLO DERE To Boca Black Box
By: Stephen Sorokoff Dec. 05, 2016
Remember in the golden era of live night club shows when the star of the show had a great opening act? A Boca Raton audience got a double dose of entertainment last night as legendary actor, comedian, (and if you didn't know it WW ll hero) brought his show to the Boca Black Box. In true show biz tradition the audience was warmed up, or more accurately put thrilled and fired up by the exciting vocalist pianist, and songwriter, Karon Kate Backwell. She has all the excitement and talents of a Wayne Newton, Jerry Lee Lewis and Celine Dion. The audience gave her a standing ovation and so did her husband of 31 years Marty Allen.
Marty Allen has been making audiences laugh for 70 years, and he doesn't intend to stop anytime soon, he still performs all over the country with his wife Karon Blackwell. He's got stories about the Beatles, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Robin Williams, Tony Bennett and all the greats! His popularity over the years continues to grow. Marty has appeared on television game shows in the 60's, 70's and 80's. At one point he was called the "Darling of Daytime TV" and "One of the most recognizable faces in America." While he was destined to become huge in the comedy world, Allen actually earned accolades in his youth by winning all kinds of dance contests. Still going strong, Marty performs in Las Vegas on occasion.
A favorite story of Allen's is about the time that he dressed up like Elizabeth Taylor, including a wig, a stole and earrings. He went to the restaurant where Liz and Richard Burton were having dinner. Allen says they started laughing hysterically when he began imitating Taylor. Burton asked him if he had ever thought of doing anything by Shakespeare, and the quick-witTed Allen replied, "I don't do old material." Today, Allen and his wife Karon Kate perform their act mainly at casinos around the country. This was an intimate evening. You laugh and cry as Marty takes you on his life's journey with jokes, stories, rare TV clips and yes, he's still dancing at 94. Marty is a show business hero and having won the Soldier's Medal for bravery when he was in the Army Air Corps he is also an American hero.
Marty Allen is also appearing Monday December 5th at the Boca Black Box
Article & Photos by: Stephen Sorokoff
Standing Ovation
Randy Singer, The Black Box
Eda Sorokoff, Stephen Sorokoff, Marty Allen
Maude Cook, Eda Sorokoff, Byran Shiller, Lillian Shiller, Rob Russell, Valarie Christopher
Book Signing
Eda Sorokoff & Rob Russell, Entertainment Director, The Colony
Boca Black Box
Love Theater in Miami? Join The Community!
Whether you've got past experience writing about theater or just starting, the BroadwayWorld Community offers a unique opportunity to become a champion for your local arts community, helping raise awareness of local offerings and adding another local voice to the conversation at a time arts coverage is shrinking in the press across the continent. Join us and become a pivotal part of the movement that celebrates and promotes the arts in the digital age.
Learn MoreVideos