'Skippy' to perform his stand-up in Sterling

STERLING – Marc Price embraces his ties to his breakout nerdy character, Irwin “Skippy” Handelman, on the popular ‘80s television show “Family Ties,” starring Michael J. Fox.

That’s because the 47-year-old comedian is a self-described “comedy nerd.”

So, too, is his friend Wayne Wiskow, an Illinois comedian.

The two will make their final performance of the “Talk Nerdy to Me Tour” at 7 p.m. Sunday at the new Champs Banquet Venue, 9 E. Third St.

“It’s just the kind of good characters I typically play,” Price said during a phone interview after a show in Las Vegas.

Price was headed home to Los Angeles, before heading to the Midwest for shows in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.

After 2 months on the road, the short stop back home was needed, Price said.

“I’ve been on tour for so long,” he said. “It’s much longer than I usually go on tour.”

After Price’s successful stint on “Family Ties,” which ended production in 1989, he pursued stand-up comedy.

But he didn’t stop his work in television; he has just mostly been working behind the scenes since then.

“It was a very specific decision to do that,” Price said. “I was always impressed with the [production crew] on ‘Family Ties.’”

Most recently, Price has been writing and producing for shows on channels such as TBS, Showtime and Animal Planet.

Beyond “Family Ties,” Price is known for his role in 1986’s horror film “Trick or Treat,” which also featured Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne.

That role was totally different than his typically nerdy character.

“I still get contacted by a lot of heavy metal fans,” Price said with a laugh. “They really like that soundtrack.”

Price isn’t married and doesn’t have children.

“That’s why I’m smiling,” he said with tongue firmly in cheek.

He says he’s very close to his family, and enjoys getting together, especially on holidays such as Thanksgiving.

As to where Price got his funny bone from, that came pretty early.

“My dad was a comedian,” he said. “I grew up around old-time comedians like George Burns and Milton Berle.”

Later, Price would become introduced to and open for then up-and-coming comedians Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld.

All these comedy legends have left a lasting impression on Price, likely to be evident during his show Sunday, he said.

“I’ve had all these vastly different influences. I’m kind of like 300 different comedians in one.”

Tickets for Sunday’s show cost $10. The kitchen also will be open late.

Call 815-626-6003 for tickets or more information.

IF YOU GO

Marc Price, best known for his role of Irwin "Skippy" Handelman on "Family Ties," brings his stand-up act to the area Sunday at the new Champs Banquet Venue, 9 E. Third St. in Sterling.

Wayne Wiskow, his friend and fellow comedian, will open at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $10. The kitchen also will be open late.

Call 815-626-6003 for tickets or more information.

MORE COMEDY THIS WEEKEND

DEER GROVE – Comic Josh Alton, who has opened for Larry the Cable Guy, will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at Arnie's Happy Spot, 1667 Hoover Road.

Tickets cost $5 for the show only, or $11 with a chicken dinner.

Tickets are available in advance, and show-only tickets will be available at the door, which opens at 6:30 p.m. The food special runs from 6:30 to 7:30. Call 815-438-5282 for advance tickets.

Want a preview? Alton has videos on YouTube.