News

That's a lot of clowns for Christmas

Posted December 17, 2008 10:00 pm

By Ann Piccininni Daily Herald Correspondent

The performers of 500 Clown Theatre rely on improvisation and play to create their performances. Courtesy of 500 Clown Theatre

These clowns are no Bozos.

And, despite their name, there are just three of them, not 500.

Thriving on the unpredictability of a live stage act, the 500 Clown Theatre troupe says it uses improvisation, circus arts and physicality to bring audiences a unique experience with each performance.

The Chicago-based group will demonstrate that approach when it brings its holiday show, "500 Clown Christmas," to Mieley-Swallow Hall on North Central College's Naperville's campus beginning with a preview party and performance tonight, Dec. 18. Shows continue at 8 p.m. Dec. 19, 20, 22 and 23 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21.

"We are clowns in a very unconventional sense," artistic director Leslie Buxbaum Danzig said. "It helps people let go of the baggage about clowns, because a lot of people have an aversion to clowns."

Danzig, who teaches performance studies at Northwestern University, co-founded the theater troupe in 2000. The group includes clowns Molly Brennan, Adrian Danzig and Paul Kalina along with designer Dan Reilly.

"We were not intending to make a company, but to make a show," Danzig said. "We take a long time making our show. We're constantly revising things."

500 Clown Theatre began with a show called "500 Clown Macbeth," followed by "500 Clown Frankenstein."

The troupe recently performed its newest show, "500 Clown and the Elephant Deal" in Maryland.

"All of our shows are really driven by physical improvisation and a kind of impulsiveness and play," said Danzig. "It's a very performer-actor driven theater. We often say we don't rehearse our shows. We prepare them for when the audience comes."

The holiday show, she said, is mostly a celebration of the season.

"It also goes into the dark places," she said, referring to the season's stresses. "We go through it and come out in a place that is more deeply joyful and hopeful."

Danzig said that while the group invites audience participation, the involvement occurs in a subtle way.

"We don't involve the audience in obnoxious ways. It's not pulling people on stage," she said. "We think of our show as kind of the hosts of a party."

Danzig said the performance, which contains mature themes and vocabulary, is recommended for ages 14 and older.

The five-performance run will be preceded by a benefit for the nonprofit theater organization at 7 p.m. today featuring guest Rick Bayless, of TV cooking fame, which will be followed by an 8:30 p.m. performance.

"500 Clown Christmas" looks at the dark side of the holidays to find the joy in the season. Courtesy of 500 Clown Theatre

500 Clown Theatre uses improvisation, circus arts and physicality to create a unique experience for audiences. Courtesy of 500 Clown Theatre

If you go What: "500 Clown Christmas," presented by 500 Clown Theatre When: 8 p.m. Dec. 19, 20, 22 and 23, and 7 p.m. Dec. 21 Where: North Central College's Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth Ave., Naperville Tickets: $30 for adults, $20 for students; $100 for Dec. 18 preview show and party Info: (630) 637-7469 or <a href="http://www.500clown.com" target="new">500clown.com</a>

Article Comments

Article Categories
Aurora Communities Lisle Local Naperville Neighbor News

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.