Political Satirist Mark Russell to Perform at State Theatre, 11/1

The government may be shut down but making fun of the political process is always open for business! Long before Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert, there was Mark Russell, daring to joke and sing about the absurdities in Washington. Russell brings his wit and American Flag-themed piano to the State Theatre on November 1st.

Show time is 7:30 PM. Tickets are $30 & $25 and can be purchased by visiting the State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton Street,Easton, by calling 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132 or online at www.statetheatre.org. Sponsored by WAEB AM 790.

Mark Russell is known for a series of PBS specials that ran from 1975-2004 which consisted of a mix of political stand-up comedy and musical parodies. Covering current events, Russell has no problem skewering both Republicans and Democrats alike, as well as third-party and independent politicians.

With impeccable timing, twinkling eyes and shock-of-recognition insights into American politics, Mark Russell draws merriment from the pomposity of public life. Reading three or four newspapers a day allows him to constantly update his material. The result is that no two shows are ever identical.

Russell retired from public performances in 2010 but has since come out of retirement in early 2013, perfectly timed considering the current climate in our country. His answer to the frequently asked question, "Do you have any writers?" is "Oh, yes...I have 535 writers - One hundred in the Senate and 435 in the House of Representatives."

Is there ever a better time to see a political satirist? With Mark Russell coming to the State Theatre, now is the time to see the best.