Aga-Boom Plays The Jorgensen On April 10

Aga-Boom is proof positive that slapstick clowning without dialogue can delight Americans of all ages as much as it does Europeans across the big water - as long as it's done by world-class masters. These veterans of Cirque du Soleil and the Moscow Clown Theater will effect their special brand of chaos at Jorgensen in two shows Sunday, April 10 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Aga-Boom was created by Dimitri Bogatirev, a veteran of Cirque du Soleil's Alegria and O. The show was nominated for best touring show, along with The Producers, 42nd Street, Lily Tomlin and Elaine Stritch, and has played to more than half a million people around the world.

The show starts with the careful clowning of Irina Ivanytska as Boom. As Boom tries to clean house, she falls under the spell of a big red button labeled "Do not touch!" "A message like that inspires more vocal audience reaction than a Jerry Springer sideshow," a Winnipeg Free Press reviewer wrote. Soon an irritated astronaut, played by Valery Slemzin, appears, followed by the third star, Aga, played by Bogatirev, who defies gravity with objects that range from suitcases to paper airplanes. There is science as well as art in this show that also includes a lot of audience participation. Mayhem ensues when toilet-paper streamers, confetti, bouncing balls, lights, alarms and enormous balloons rain down upon the audience. It's pure family fun and "literally riotous" said the LA Times.

Parents may feel a little guilty allowing the hilarious abandon, but they shouldn't worry. They won't have to clean up afterward.

Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. Shows are at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for children. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 860.486.4226, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Convenient free parking is available across the street in the North Garage.