Published on September 8th, 2010 | by Sharilyn Johnson
0Recommended: NY Clown Theatre Festival
I happened to be in NYC this past weekend and caught just a sliver of the New York Clown Theatre Festival at the adorable Brick Theatre in Brooklyn (seriously, I had no idea it was SO tiny).
The three-week festival started Friday, and Gothamist has a great recap of the opening-night insanity and a preview of what’s to come. But of course it took no time for someone in the comments to pipe up with “I fuckin hate clowns”.
God bless America.
People, I implore you. Give it a shot. It’s not what you think it is.
Especially if you’re a creator of other forms of comedy, go see at least one show during the festival. These performers are armed with strong characters, strong points of view, wicked-fast improv muscles, and crowd interaction skills that rival that of even the best road comics. All that, and often done without even speaking.
Let your too-cool-for-school guards down for five minutes, and you might actually be impressed by it all.
Full lineup can be found here: http://www.bricktheater.com/clown
My picks:
Morro & Jasp Do Pubert:
The duo from here in Toronto have made a huge name for themselves on the Fringe circuit, and deserve every one of the five stars in the reviews they get. (Sept. 9th @ 8:30pm; Sept. 10th @ 9pm; Sept. 12th @ 9pm)
Neon Lights
My friends Jeff Seal and Chris Manley shed their noses to channel an old-timey vaudeville duo. Wackiness ensues! (Sept. 8th @ 8pm; Sept. 13th @ 9pm; Sept. 18th @ 8pm; Sept. 22 @ 7pm)
FERDINAND THE MAGNIFICENT!
For those who like a little “whaaaat?” in their viewing experience. (Sept. 9th @ 7pm; Sept. 11th @ 10pm, Sept. 12th @ 5pm, Sept. 13th @ 7pm)