REVIEWS!

L.A. Weekly (GO!)

This two-man clown show, featuring Stephen Simon and Jon Monastero, is a wacky Dadaist trip. Simon is tall, feckless and unpredictable, while Monastero is short, brooding and mischievous. Under the slick direction of Bryan Coffee, they combine vaudeville, commedia dell’arte and clowning. In their first sketch, they embark on an airplane flight, during which they encounter (as stick puppets) the Space Station, a Halloween witch and the Little Prince before being shot down by Snoopy in his Red Baron mode. Later, they take refuge from an ominous storm (or maybe a war) in what might be a haunted house, or their home, or possibly a dream. They have an unfortunate tea party (the cream is rancid), and, growing weary, climb into their vertical bed. A large, mysterious box seems to contain an elevator, a staircase and various props, including bed clothes, a teddy bear and a storybook. They never speak — at least in words — but the teddy bear and the book do. After hiding in the box, Simon emerges in a black-beaded gown, leading to a giggly flirtation and a mock romantic pas de deux. It’s all very goofy, giddy, funny and executed with infectious charm.

-- Neal Weaver
©2006 L.A. Weekly