The NOLA Project's Clown Bar 2
Have you ever wondered what happens in the loony shadows of
the clown crime syndicate? Well, the NOLA Project is here to help.
Ten years after the regional debut of the first installment, Clown Bar 2, written by Adam Szymkowicz, makes its regional premiere in New Orleans.
This wacky musical comedy follows two cops as they
investigate the disappearance of the clown mob boss, Happy, and to infiltrate
the bar—they will have to go full clown. As they get to the deeper into the investigation,
they encounter every type of clown known to clowndom: singing clowns, killer
clowns, sexy clowns. Will they find the mysterious person behind the missing person
or will they succumb to their new goofy identities?
This hilarious show is cleverly written with raging comedy,
huge personalities, and a surprisingly existential story. The jokes run from witty
clown puns to outrageous physical comedy and leave the audience falling out of
their seats. The story also finds a way to fit in very serious questions about
identity. Being around the clowns, who have fully embraced their freaky nature,
the cops question their own "beige lives." They could continue on their steady
and secure path, or they could listen to their inner entertainer.
One of the standouts in this show is Musty, the somber
signing clown played by Keith Claverie, who opens the play with a musical
number telling the audience, "You're not welcome here." Among the loud
personalities of the cast of clowns, Musty's sad and melancholy demeanor really
grounded the faux reality of this clown world. The fact that every song in the
show is performed by the sad clown adds another layer of humor over this crazy
storyline. Musty's disdain for the non-clown audience guides us through each
major plot point with a funny tune. Claverie's performance makes this already
crazy show so much more entertaining.
In keeping with their past seasons, the NOLA Project makes the
performance location a priority. Clown Bar 2 is performed in The
Twilight Room at the AllWays Burlesque Lounge, the perfect place for this show.
"The Twilight Room is the perfect venue for part two because it captures the
essence, and style, of the script perfectly," said Director Khiry Armstead.
"We've got crooning clowns, comic clowns, burlesque clowns...and, of course,
we've got a bar. What else could you need?" The clown bar feels like it could
be a real place in the Twilight Room.
An amazing show for anyone over the age of 21 and excited to
clown around. Clown Bar 2 is playing through June 6 at the Twilight
Room, located at 1040 Marigny St. Tickets can be found at nolaproject.com.
