Billy Crystal: Comic Maven & Mensch

Going to Moscow in 1989 as the first American comedian to be invited behind the Iron Curtain, we follow this and other Billy Crystal adventures. In scenes from his HBO Special, “Midnight Train To Moscow,” Billy Crystal tracks the implications of his grandmother’s journey from Russia to America. We also see Billy as Max The Miracle Worker, in montages of his Oscar-hosting days, clips from “700 Sundays,” his award-winning one-man Broadway show and as a rabbi in scenes from the 2019 film “Untogether.” Join in the laughs and make the most of your afternoon with this elevating and engaging talk. Guaranteed to tickle your funny bone!              

Martin Marshall has taught elements of his Contemporary Comedic Genius series at twelve OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) programs across the country over the past 10 years. Numbering more than 50 courses presented, these programs cover 17 of the greatest comedic artists and groups of our lifetimes, including Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Jon Stewart, Robin Williams, and others.  

Martin is also a filmmaker, poet, actor, director, and producer. He learned his craft in the workshops of The Committee in Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as the workshop at Second City in Chicago. He founded People Theater in Los Angeles in 1970, and co-founded Improvisation, Inc., in San Francisco in 1972. Besides improvisational theater, he has also directed a production of Geezer Theater, an SF Mime-Troupe-style revue, at OLLI San Francisco. He is well known as a slam and regular poet at venues throughout the Bay Area.