Irvine Barclay Theatre Announces Cast for STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG

The crazy cast of comedians-turned-puppeteers has been announced for the Irvine Barclay Theatre engagement of Stuffed and Unstrung, a live, outrageous, comedy-variety show for adults from Henson Alternative puppets that has six performances December 28 through January 1.

Joining host Patrick Bristow will be Brian Clark, Peggy Etra, Drew Massey, Ted Michaels, Allan Trautman, and Victor Yerrid.

These comedian/puppeteers will improvise songs and sketches based on suggestions from the audience to create a one-of-a-kind show that can be enjoyed two different ways. Watch the action onstage, or view the live puppet feed projected on screens overhead. It's double the fun. Each show also features re-creations of Jim Henson classics that first aired on the Ed Sullivan Show and launched the Henson phenomenon.

Stuffed and Unstrung is not your average night at the improve, and it is definitely not for children. But all others are welcome to enjoy the uninhibited anarchy of a live puppet performance unlike any other.

Tickets are $38 to $55. Special $100 VIP Gold packages are available. Call (949) 854-4646 or visit www.TheBarclay.org for more information.

Patrick Bristow (Co-Creator/Director/Host) in 2010, appeared off-Broadway at the Union Square Theatre as director and stage host of the revamped "Puppet Up," (renamed "Stuffed and Unstrung" for its New York debut). The show, a mix of improvised, uncensored comedy sketches and recreations of vintage Jim Henson comedy pieces, garnered rave reviews, including an "A-" from Entertainment Weekly. Bristow is also credited as co-creator (alongside Brian Henson). He continues to teach improv in Los Angeles through his own school/repertory company, Improvatorium. Website: http://patrickbristow.com.

Brian Clark says, “Performing in Stuffed and Unstrung is like being possessed by multiple demons at the same time. Only these demons are made of felt and when they make you say something bad, technically it’s still your fault.” Brian Clark co-produced, co-storied and starred in Sizzle (an improvised Borat-style comedy about global warming). A member of the Groundlings, he later discovered puppetry, a helpful skill when he was cast in Puppet Up! And as a puppet panelist on the Game Show Network’s Late Night Liars. Writing credits include That Gay Ghost, In the Club, Yokies, Baydogs and The Children of Toromiro. Brian co-founded the sketch comedy group The Deviants and though he regularly fails at relationships, he currently employs himself by giving sex advice to women from the male perspective as a contributing writer for BettyConfidential.com

PEGGY ETRA studied at The American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco and with the Groundlings, with whom she has also performed. Today she continues honing her craft under the tutelage of Patrick Bristow and she is thrilled to be a part of Stuffed and Unstrung. Peggy would like to thank Willie Etra for being the music in her life.

DREW MASSEY is an actor, puppeteer, and voice over artist whose film credits include Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Hangover, Men In Black, Muppets From Space, The Producers, Doctor Dolittle, and Team America: World Police, among others. Drew has also performed in TV shows such as Angel, Greg the Bunny, Warren the Ape, Malcolm in the Middle, Muppets Tonight, and Crank Yankers. He is nice to the elderly, loves animals, and is convinced that dairy products are bad for him. He also helped create some of the many puppets featured in Stuffed And Unstrung.

TED MICHAELS says, “My favorite moments in the show are when we strike on an absurd idea and everyone goes nuts with it-piling on nonsense from every angle until that absurd idea somehow begins to make perfect sense.” Ted is an alum of the performing company at Groundlings Theater in LA where he was featured in their main stage shows. He also performed with Eddie Izzard in Mr. Izzard’s One Word Improv stage show in LA. Recently, he puppeteered characters for MTV’s spinoff of Greg the Bunny, called Warren The Ape. In addition to many commercial appearances, his television credits include roles on The Comeback, Campus Ladies, According to Jim, Girlfriends, and Mad TV.

ALLAN TRAUTMAN says, “With television, you only get to see half the fun we have. Now you can see what happens when the cameras stop rolling.” Allan Trautman began his performing career as an actor, noted for his portrayal of “Tarman” in the cult classics Return of the Living Dead: Parts One and Two. He has gone on to puppeteer in such features as Muppets From Space, Cats & Dogs, Babe, Men in Black, films, and Doctor Dolittle (for which he was also performance coordinator). His television puppeteering credits include Greg the Bunny, Unhappily Ever After, Muppets Tonight and Dinosaurs, and he was nominated for two Emmys for his work on D.C. Follies. He is currently featured in the web series Lost Untangled, which can be seen at abc.com.

VICTOR YERRID says, “The best part of my night is when somebody comes up to me after the show and says ‘Wow, you were fantastic! How do you come up with all that ridiculous stuff?’ Then they usually say ‘Wait…you’re not Ted Michaels.” Victor is an actor and puppeteer who likes calling people “Hank” regardless of their name. His credits include The Hangover, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Team America, Men In Black II, Robot Chicken, The Sarah Silverman Program, Warren The Ape, Crank Yankers, Angel, Greg The Bunny, Sid The Science Kid, and Sesame Street. Victor enjoys most berry-based smoothies and adores his wife Janet.

A special New Year’s eve show on December 31 at 7pm ends with a live telecast from Times Square humorously counted down to midnight (EST) by the fabulous felt friends.

And because the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl are held on Monday, January 2, 2012, audiences can spend New Year’s Day with Stuffed and Unstrung.

For more information on Stuffed and Unstrung visit www.StuffedandUnstrung.com.

Performances Dates & Times are Wednesday, December 28, 2011 @ 8:00 PM, Thursday; December 29, 2011 @ 8:00 PM; Friday, December 30, 2011 @ 8:00 PM; Saturday, December 31, 2011 @ 7:00 PM; Sunday, January 01, 2012 @ 2:00 PM; and Sunday, January 01, 2012 @ 7:00 PM

Tickets are $38 and $45 on Dec 28 & 29 and $45 and $55 on Dec 30, 31 & Jan 1. There are $100 Gold Seats (includes VIP seating, admission to the Gold Bar, and complimentary beverages).

The Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612. For more information call (949) 854-4646 or visit www.thebarclay.org.

Since opening its doors in 1990, Irvine Barclay Theatre has emerged as one of California's most imaginative performing arts showcases. A unique collaborative venture among the City of Irvine, the University of California, Irvine, and the private sector, the theatre has a reputation for wide-ranging programming in the fields of contemporary dance, music, and theater arts. Performances take place in the 756-seat Cheng Hall, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics.