For all of the praise and fond memories of fans heaped upon the early stages of Martin Short’s legendary career in comedy, the recent past is as compelling a study in his overall talents as any period of time. The last few years have witnessed the diminutive Canadian explore the vast boundaries of his range. In 2005, Short made his crazed Ed Grimley character seem lifeless as the paralyzed fitness tycoon Uncle Jackie on Arrested Development. It was yet another unexpected role that made him practically unrecognizable. In 2010, Short masterfully played a dourly icy attorney on Damages, where he went toe-to-toe with Glenn Close. Get a sample of what Short has to say these days at the Hilton Anatole, 2201 North Stemmons Freeway, when Short performs for the 14th Annual Bishop’s Gala for Catholic Charities of Dallas. Cocktails begin at at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $250. For more information, go to catholiccharitiesdallas.org/Gala or call 214-520-6590.
Sat., Jan. 21, 6 p.m., 2012