San Francisco “neo-clowne” outfit Fou Fou Ha is coming to the Rio Theatre in March.
Coulrophobics may want to stay indoors this spring. But, for those who don’t fear clowns – who, perhaps, even love them – then Vancouver has a couple of shows for you.
First, the Rio Theatre is bringing Fou Fou Ha, a San Francisco-based gender-bending “neo-clowne” cabaret, to town on March 25 and 26. Not to be outdone, Vancouver has its own clown cabaret, The Assembly, an all-women ensemble performing at the Revue Stage on Granville Island April 2.
Want to know more? Read on.
Fou Fou Ha is here with an original production, entitled Whoa-Man! A Musical. Whoa-Man! includes circus antics, dance numbers, music ranging from Broadway showtunes to Missy Elliot, and audience interaction. Inspired by online-dating, the show’s makers describe it as “a satirical look at the lives of four women and the tortures in trying to find ‘perfection’ in a modern world. A story only clowns could tell. Shoulder pads and dance routines will dazzle and elevate you, leaving you wanting more. You will laugh, sing and cry.”
The Fou Fou Ha’s Whoa-Man! A Musical.
The show was conceived, choreographed and directed by Maya Lane, with original acts developed by the four-woman, two-man cast.
Here’s Lane, founder of the troupe, describing her inspiration: “I created FFH in 2001 after a year in Holland studying dance theater. I was inspired by European street theater, buffoonery, transformative theater and audience interaction. So I took my 15 years of ballet, musical theater, jazz, hip-hop and drama roots and created a dance troupe of character performers with a Euro cirque feel, mixed with a dash of club-kid aesthetics and a cartoon sensibility. I wanted to have slapstick dance styles mixed with Fosse flair all performed by physical character performers to bring in the individual aspect.”
The Assembly, meanwhile, is a Vancouver-based all-women ten-piece clown collective. They are presenting their cabaret Day Old Fools on April 2 (the day after April Fools Day). According to a media release, the show features “solo performances, experiments in abstract opera, heartfelt moments of wonder, tears of joy, jeers at toys, in an all around absurd and meaningfully fun-loving spectacle.” And it’s rated A+ – for Adults Only.
Several members of The Assembly including Yvonne Chartrand, Emma Garrod, Lisa Voth, Sharon Bayly, Naomi Steinberg, Melissa Aston, and M. Press Flame. Photo: Hoang Do.
The Assembly was founded in 2013 and has since produced four successful full-length shows in East Vancouver.
The Assembly’s Day Old Fools is at the Revue Stage (1601 Johnston St.) on Granville Island, April 2. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 at assemblyclownshow.bpt.me.
Fou Fou Ha’s Whoa-Man! is on March 25 and 26 at the Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway), doors at 7 p.m., show at 8. Tickets are $25 advance at riotheatretickets.com and $30 at the door. The show is 19+ adults only with bar service.
