America’s Got Talent’s Greg Morton to Headline Hilarities in Cleveland This Month

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Greg Morton, the Canadian-born comedian best known for his rapid-fire “Star Wars” impressions and a semifinalist run on Season 14 of America’s Got Talent, is returning to Cleveland for another high-energy set at Hilarities on 4th Street. His visit continues a long-standing relationship with the city, where he’s performed to sold-out crowds since the early 2000s.

“I love that stage,” Morton said about Hilarities. “That room is just incredible because my show is very theatrical anyway. So doing that in that room, I know how to play that room. It’s so well set up.”

Morton’s career began far from the comedy spotlight. He was an animator for Hanna-Barbera shows like Scooby and Scrappy-Doo and The New Flintstones, later transitioning into voice-over work on projects including RoboCop and Police Academy. He also directed animated shows such as ABC’s Hammerman and The Legend of White Fang before making a full pivot to stand-up comedy.

“Before this, I was an artist. I was a cartoonist and animator and I worked on the Scooby and Scrappy Doo show… but it just didn’t feel right,” he recalled. “And so I thought there’s got to be something else out there. And that’s when I started going down the comedy route.”

Morton gained national recognition in 2019 when his “Star Wars” routine went viral during his America’s Got Talent audition, earning unanimous praise from the judges. He advanced to the semifinals with impression-packed medleys that drew standing ovations. Despite the exposure, Morton said the opportunities didn’t unfold as expected due to the pandemic.

“I did get a lot of auditions, but it was during COVID… I auditioned for a role in The Simpsons and the Spider-Man movie,” he said.

Known for his improvisational style, slapstick physicality, and wide-ranging impressions, Morton described his act as a “one-man variety show.” However, he’s candid about the challenges facing comedy in the current cultural climate.

“That is the killer of comedy right there, because in comedy, everybody gets hurt. Everybody gets a turn,” Morton said, voicing concern over cancel culture.

Cleveland holds a special place in his heart. In addition to frequent sets at Hilarities, Morton makes time for local staples.

“Usually when I’m there in Cleveland, I’ll go to the Slymans, and I go to the art gallery...and The Arcade… I love that,” he said. “They treat me like gold there [at Slymans].”

The city's classic architecture and cinematic look continue to impress him. “Actually, I like the architecture in the whole city. It has a really classic architecture and, well, that’s why it’s always subs in as New York City all the time or like for the latest Superman movie… or some of the Marvel movies. Yeah, it’s a great backdrop.”

Even offstage, Morton’s interactions with fans can be unforgettable. “I had a lady share with me that she killed her husband. So the whole night I’m calling her Black Widow,” he recounted. “I had somebody walk out in the middle of my show just this past weekend", Morton said, as he then described how it turned it into a funny moment to engage with the audience where he began, during his set, moving tables and chairs to barricade the door the man walked out of. "He never came back, and he left his wife behind at the show, just sitting there.”, he added.

Morton has continued to tour actively, both domestically and abroad, and is currently booked with Armed Forces Entertainment to perform for U.S. troops. He recently toured the Middle East and will head to Japan, South Korea, and Guam later this year with fellow comedians Patrick DeGuire.

“Coming up, I'm going out to entertain the troops. Always wanted to do that, and I’m doing it twice this year… We’re going on the road. We’re going to entertain the troops. So I am so jazzed.”

He emphasized the importance of comedy, especially in today’s high-stress climate. “People are so stressed out, and they need the laughs, and then when they do go out, they go, oh, right?”

Reflecting on his artistic influences, Morton named Don Rickles, Robin Williams, Phyllis Diller, and Richard Pryor.

As for what keeps him going, Morton said he’s focused on maintaining positive energy. “Anything negative, I’m cutting out of my life.”

Tickets for Greg Morton’s upcoming performances at Hilarities can be purchased through the official Hilarities 4th Street Theatre website at www.pickwickandfrolic.com. For more on Morton’s tour dates, upcoming appearances with Armed Forces Entertainment, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fans can visit his official website at www.gregmorton.com. He’s also active on social media, where you can follow him on Instagram (@gregmortoncomic) and Facebook (Greg Morton Comic) for show updates, tour videos, and more.

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