THE GREAT CLOWN BANK SHOW – Open Fist Theatre Company
An Immersive Circus-theater extravaganza Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
A circus-like experience starts upon entering the carnival space where people enjoy all kinds of fun things one can spend money on. The clown corporation that started the bank business created a system where money trains should never stop rolling. Christmas is all about money, about presents. The Greedy Family Foundation, a group of clown philanthropists, started the fund. Everything is about money. You can do wonders when money is rolling. Money brings women, expensive cigars for men. Maximize desire for domination because shareholders are spooked.
Some acts are very familiar, but some I have never seen. At the performance reviewed, special guest performer Michael Raymon, “the Broken Juggler,” juggled shoes from the audience on his nose. There were two parasols: one was orange, the other one green. Rolling a burger on a little parasol is a great idea and it works! In another act, “The Fixer” is called to swallow a sword and throw knives. The future of the American capitalist is – the rich get richer.
Created by Hank Jacobs, who wrote and directed this burlesque on income inequality, one can see the dedication and feel the enormous passion. His voice carries with great power; he is the real Ringmaster. “The idea is to combine circus with some pointed observations about capitalism and income inequality for an easy, fun-filled 90-minutes of communal laughter and togetherness,” explains Jacobs.
The Great Clown Bank Show is truly an immersive circus-theater extravaganza. It consists of fifteen circus acts, with original songs composed by Michael Messer. Under the music direction by Robby Good, circus music is composed by Stephen Jacobs with lyrics by Hank Jacobs and Michael Messer; choreography is by Raquis Petree, and the Immersive Experience is designed by DJ Hand-Crank. The costumes put together by Benny Lee Harris Lumpkins Jr are delightful, and the Lighting is designed to nicely emphasize each act.
The talented performers create a real circus experience with their acts are Tambrie Allsup (Grizz Greedy), Davis Barber (Gus Greedy), Kevin M. Brennan (Glenn Greedy), Elle Engelman (Greta Garrotte Greedy), Matthew Goodrich (Gary Greedy), Torrin Kelly (Griffin Greedy) and Clara York (Glenda Greedy). The ensemble includes Amiée Conn, Carmella Jenkins and Bethany Koulias, aerialist Avery Shannon Lynch, and a different, special guest circus performer every week. Greatly done! The enthusiasm, some circus skills, the comedic blend of acts are successfully created and performed. The whole cast is adorable. When the theatre has a great leader, everyone shines!
Presented by Open Fist Theatre Company, under artistic director Martha Demson, the world premiere of The Great Clown Bank Show opened on July 3 for a five-week run through August 1. The Great Clown Bank Show can be seen at Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039 on Fridays at 9 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m., with one Thursday night performance on July 30 at 8 p.m. FREE parking in the ATX (Atwater Crossing) lot one block south of the theater. Content warning: risqué language and situations; parental guidance is advised for children under 13.
Tickets can be purchased by calling (323) 882-6912 or going to www.openfist.org