Funny Lady: Martha “Marti” Johnson pursues her dream as TC’s first female standup comedienne By Erin Crowell “Do you know what they’re going to call the merger between Munson and Spectrum Health?” Martha Johnson asks. “Speculum.” Of course, “Marti” (as her friends call her) isn’t being serious – actually, the account executive at ABC TV 29&8 is always joking around and making people laugh—so much so, that friends and family have encouraged her to take on stand-up comedy. It was something Johnson took seriously. The Traverse City resident has already performed in front of two sold-out crowds at Lil Bo Pub and Grille in town and anticipates an additional mob at her next performance on Thursday, July 1, at the same venue.
BRASS OVARIES So, what does this 47-year-old single gal, living in Northern Michigan have to say? Well, it’s all part of her routine titled “The Brass Ovaries Comedy Tour,” the bit covers everything from career to pap smears. “Ever notice that everything that starts with the word ‘men’ has to do with women?” Johnson asks. “Menopause, mental illness, menses…what is up with that?” On stage, Johnson recalls her experiences as a single career gal in the world of online dating. “I once got a marriage proposal from a guy in L.A.,” she laughs. “Never even met him before. I was like, ‘For real, how did you find Marti Johnson in the pinkie of Michigan?!’” Not that she would have said yes, because as Johnson points out, her standards are set high. “I’m looking for a guy with teeth and a job.” Johnson’s routine is also about everyday life, particularly in Northern Michigan. “You know, there are two seasons in this area,” Johnson says. “Winter and no left turn.”
MUCH NEEDED LAUGHS As a TC Chamber Ambassador, Film Festival volunteer, NMC College Scholarship Golf Outing Committee member and board member for Michael’s Place, it was only a matter of time before this career girl added something else to the platter. Johnson has over 23 years experience in sales, which serves as part material, part reason she is so comfortable on stage. “I used to be a pharmaceuticals rep. I’ve sold everything from drugs to radio and newspaper sales.” With her type of career, Johnson knows that these are the times when laughter is needed the most. “It’s the most challenging time that I’ve seen,” she says. “People need to laugh now more than ever. I love to make people smile.” Johnson says she developed that ability through her father and grandfather. “I’m a lot like them. I always have these one liners, plus I have a great memory so it’s easy for me to recall a joke,” she says. Johnson also draws her inspiration from comedians like Robin Williams, but she says her style is all her own. “My comedy is about life, it’s tragedy plus time,” she says. “Plus, my routine is pretty clean; but, I might drop an F-bomb here or there.” Friends have always encouraged her to get on stage, friends like John Sohacki. He pursued his own hobby and now plays bass in a local band, performing across the region. “She has always made people laugh and I really encouraged her to get out and try it,” Sohacki says. “All you can do is encourage and tell them it’s going to happen. I give her credit because it took a lot of courage. I’ve at least got some band mates to share the spotlight with.” But Johnson says she doesn’t mind being up there alone. “It seriously goes by in a second. Of course, the shot of liquid courage probably helped,” she laughs. Her dream would ultimately involve performing at Traverse City’s newest festival. “My goal is to be the hometown humor girl – to perform onstage at the Traverse City Comedy Festival,” she says. “I talked to a lot of comedians at last year’s festival and they all told me that this is how they started. You just have to decide to do it.”
Catch TC’s funny lady, Martha “Marti” Johnson and her “Brass Ovaries Comedy Tour” at Lil Bo Pub and Grille, in Traverse City, on Thursday, July 1. Show starts at 8 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge.
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