Flying Karamozov Brothers fuse comedy, juggling, music
They've been described as a cross between the Marx Brothers and a circus juggling act.
However you describe them, the Flying Karamazov Brothers deliver their own brand of wacky humor that is sure to make audiences leave their cares at the theater door.
The Flying Karamazov Brothers perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Schaumburg's Prairie Center for the Arts. It is their fourth trip back to the Northwest suburbs, and previous visits have sold out, planners say. At midweek, plenty of tickets remained for Friday's show.
Prairie Center officials say the fast-paced comedy show comes at a good time, given the uncertain times and economic news.
"It offers pure escapism," says Rob Pileckis, production supervisor at the Prairie Center. "They tell jokes, they juggle, they play instruments, they're just entertaining. They're as funny as they are skilled at juggling."
The troupe draws its name from Dostoyevsky's classic novel, "The Brothers Karamazov," which one of the original members happened to be reading back in their college days at the University of California at Santa Cruz in the 1970s, when the group was formed.
Their first performance took place at a Renaissance Faire in California, where founders Paul Magid and Howard Patterson were shocked to see pedestrians actually throwing money in their hat after watching them perform.
Since then, their act has risen to draw international acclaim. For more than three decades, audiences have responded to their original concept of bringing art and accessible entertainment to the stage.
The brothers themselves describe their act as a continuing experiment in comedy, by weaving together elements of theater, music and, of course, juggling. Their act blends the worlds of performance art, improvisation and word play into a unique form.
The brothers call this year's show, "4PLAY," and though they divulge little about its plot, they do promise their signature mix of visual fireworks, physicality and theatrical innovation.
"It's an interesting name," Pileckis says simply, "but it's all part of their schtick."
The cast still features Magid, one of the creators who continues to write and direct their shows; along with Mark Ettinger, resident musician, composer and conductor; Rod Kimball, master juggler, and Stephen Bent, the newest member.
If you go
What: Flying Karamazov Brothers
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court
Cost: $40 or $38 for students and seniors
Call: (847) 895-3600 or visit www.prairiecenter.org