My overall impression
So there I was… Fully anticipating an evening filled with buzzers, bright-colored clothing, red noses, make-up and high-pitched voices all laughing directly in my face cuz’ they think their antics are funny and amusing when you’re actually making me loath clowns even more…if that’s possible? However, I couldn’t have been more wrong as the night proved to be a worthwhile ride!
The Halfwit’s Last Hurrah was not only none of the previously mentioned possibilities that haunts our sub-conscious minds with the thought of clowns, but rather a fun time that may touch your heart and tickle your funny bone all without the use of fangs or abductions (see the original Poltergeist film, read Stephen King’s IT or Google John Wayne Gacy and you’ll understand). It’s a compliment to the actors and actresses that offer an array of performances that are so over-the-top you’ll laugh at the ridiculousness of the circumstances or will succumb to the infectious laughter coming from the people sitting around you. I challenge you too not to smile or chuckle at the adorable and trusted sidekick, Nimrod, or the scene-stealing Liquor Vendor (I think I developed a crush on her). The Twins were hilarious as well.
The Hollywood Fringe Festival should feel lucky to have this Vaudeville-style performance during the 17-day fringe run. It takes guts to get up there and bare everything on stage and even more guts if you’re doing it with less clothing or just making a fool of yourself. Alright, I wasn’t amazed and it had flaws here and there, but again, entering with a preconceived thought of what I was going to see versus what I did see was a pleasant surprise and left a smile on my face. I hope the performers are proud of their work as the awaiting crowd outside, after the show were still laughing and offered a lot of praise to the previous hour spent
So check it out! You might find yourself wanting to take a clown class or at the very least put your clown prejudices aside…for the evening, that is.
-A Satisfied Audience Member
