FORT BLISS, Texas - Comedian Martin Lawrence ran through a cloud of smoke as purple lights flashed across the stage to perform to a sold-out crowd during the Tour for the Troops show presented by the Air Force Reserve at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center at East Fort Bliss Aug. 10.
Lawrence, who is also an actor, screenwriter, producer and director, has performed in movies such as “Bad Boys,” “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” “Big Mamma’s House,” “College Road Trip,” “Wild Hogs” and “Life” as well as starred in his own show, Martin.
Nearly 1,500 tickets were given out to Department of Defense ID holders for this free show.
Lawrence told the audience that when the Air Force Reserve asked him to perform, he said most definitely, he wanted to entertain the troops since they serve our country. Fort Bliss is the first installation Lawrence has ever performed at.
“It was beautiful,” said Lawrence. “It was more than I expected [since] I have never performed on a military base before. So, I was a little nervous and apprehensive but when I came out … the energy and the love that they showed was beautiful.”
Lawrence said he has a military connection through his family since his father was in the Air Force and his brother was a Sgt. 1st Class in the Army. Lawrence said he tried to get into the Army, but could not get in.
Audience members were stomping their feet and slapping their legs as they laughed at Lawrence’s jokes about President Barack Obama, O.J. Simpson and current events.
Sgt. Jessica Banks of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Armored Division said she was excited to have had an opportunity to meet Lawrence at the meet-and-greet after the show.
“It was great entertainment for Fort Bliss,” said Banks. “The best part of the show was meeting Martin Lawrence. It was good comedy.”
The United States Air Force Reserve Band – High Flight – and Melanie Comarcho, another comedian, opened for Lawrence.
Comarcho, a former Army specialist, said she has been a comedian for 18 years but this was the first time performing in front of the military.
“[The audience] was great,” said Comarcho. “I was a little nervous at first, but they seemed to enjoy it. They showed me a lot of love here at Fort Bliss.”
Comarcho said she would love to come back to perform at Fort Bliss.