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Though clowns date back to ancient times, we still revere them today and depend on them to keep things in perspective. As the inimitable Charlie Chaplin said, I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown. It places me on a far higher plane than any politician.
Clowns and their famous interpreters are the focus of Bill Irwin and Doug Skinner's entertaining show at Westport Playhouse, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. Irwin is an actor, director, writer and talented clown who has a fascination for the clown's craft and has played them in several important stage roles. For his portrayals he has won a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Barrymore and Helen Hayes Award. His performances were also featured in "Bill Irwin, Clown Prince" on PBS's "Great Performances."
Musician, puppeteer and composer Doug Skinner has written and played the music for several of Irwin's shows. Together in "The Clowns and Mr. Beckett," they roll out an evening of madcap routines, shtick and novelty songs, and explore playwright Samuel Beckett's clowns."We'll look at Samuel Beckett's writings using the clown tradition as a lens, says Bill Irwin. In the evening we'll confess to our middle-aged passion (still) for the craft of clowning -- and look at physical comedy bits, old and new. AND, we'll weave in some readings from Becketts astonishing and mercurial writings, many of which feel like vaudeville monologues."
No matter who cracks you up, Jon Stewart, Jim Carrey, Lewis Black or anyone else, with "The Clowns and Mr. Beckett" Irwin and Skinner will give you a greater appreciation for their craft and of course, lots and lots of laughs. Tickets are $30 and $40. For more informaiton, visit the Playhouse's website.
Have you seen Bill Irwin on "Sesame Street" or in "Bye, Bye Birdie" or anywhere else? Tell us where you've seen him by posting below on on Facebook.
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