October 2, 2009

Alexander the King of Jesters

It’s easy to imagine a court jester – the colorful trickster with bells jingling from his floppy hat. But have you ever seen one perform in real time? A rare treat, indeed! Enter the world of the Wise Fool, and take an inspiring journey to medieval times. Alex the Jester prefers action to words, from mind bending sight gags to amazing stunts. When he finally clears his throat to speak, his audience is captivated. Rolling off his tongue is a funny sounding gibberish tongue called Grammelot. This universal language has been his ticket to The Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, The Singapore Arts Festival, Japan’s World Performance Festival, and theaters from Alaska to Australia.

Event Sponsor: Joel and Marilyn Schmidt

December 18, 2009

Mark Nizer

Combining original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music and technology, has made Mark’s performance, which is done entirely in 3D, one-of-a-kind! Whether it’s five ping pong balls being juggled twenty feet in the air using only his mouth; or juggling a burning propane tank, a running electric carving knife and a 16 pound bowling ball, you’ll never know what is possible until you see for yourself! Mark has opened for George Burns, Ray Charles and Bob Hope. He has appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show, LA Law, Bob Hope, MTV, Comic Strip Live, and Caroline’s A&E. Look for him this season touring with Barry Manilow!

Event Sponsor: James K. and Susan A. Fitton

January 22, 2010

David Kaplan’s World of Comedy

Illusion, juggling, music and deadpan comedy converge in this vaudeville spectacle! David Kaplan welcomes spectators into a wonderfully strange world they will not soon forget. Perhaps the “Great” Kaplan’s most spectacular accomplishment is emerging from the performance in one piece! As his world seemingly crumbles, he manages to tame a rogue bowling ball, juggle furniture, perform feats of prestidigitation, and play melodies on concert balloon and turkey baster – all to the delight of a charmed audience.

March 12, 2010

The Amazing Music of Billy Jonas

Throw out the rules when Billy Jonas hits the stage! It’s a musical conversation, a sonic celebration, a splendiferous gathering of old and young, because at a Billy Jonas Show, the ensemble is everyone! Billy’s music is percussion-based, making use of found objects (buckets, broom handles, key chains, bottles, and more) as well as traditional instruments. He has shared the stages with many renowned artists, including Patti Larkin, Ani DiFranco, David Wilcox, Richard Thompson, and Peter Seeger. His upbeat, engaging presence, both on and off stage, encourages active audience participation. His concerts are a magical mix of stagecraft and wholesome, open-minded, anything-can-happen spontaneity!

April 9, 2010

The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi

adapted by Y York from Rudyard Kipling

The Fitton Center presents the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Outreach Touring Company! This free-flowing comic brawl is a loose adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic children’s tale Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Darzee, the diva tailor bird, is incensed when Rikki Tikki Tavi, a young mongoose, washes up in her pristine garden. Darzee and her friend, Chuchu the muskrat, pull out all the stops in their attempt to run off the pesky mongoose until they realize that Nag, the cobra and evil garden despot, is terrified at the sight of a mongoose on the loose. This comedy about sharing and cooperation has been produced across the country. Award-winning-playwright Y York is known for her adaptations of contemporary children’s classics. Recommended for children and adults from ages 5 and up.

Event Sponsor: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

April 23, 2010

Doktor Kaboom!

An interactive one-man science variety show suitable for all audiences! Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join him for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular, and often successful, experiments and demonstrations.

Event Sponsor: Bethart Printing Solutions

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