THE GREAT CLOWN BANK SHOW to Make World Premiere at Open Fist Theatre Company
Hank Jacobs directs the circus-theater spectacle at Atwater Village Theatre, featuring choreography by Raquis Petree.
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An immersive circus-theater production titled THE GREAT CLOWN BANK SHOW will premiere at Open Fist Theatre Company this summer. Created and directed by Hank Jacobs, the production will begin performances June 27 at Atwater Village Theatre in Los Angeles, with performances continuing through August 1.
Featuring original circus music by Stephen Jacobs, songs by Michael Messer with lyrics by Jacobs and Messer, music direction by Robby Good, and choreography by Raquis Petree, the production follows the rise of the Greedy family, a clan of carnival hustlers who transform a small circus cashbox into the most powerful clown bank in America. The satirical production blends circus performance with commentary on capitalism and wealth inequality, incorporating weekly guest circus performers throughout the run.
“The idea is to combine circus with some pointed observations about capitalism and income inequality for an easy, fun-filled 90-minutes of communal laughter and togetherness,” said Jacobs in a statement. “It's a way to ecstatically welcome our audience to Open Fist: Come on in, we're all f**ked, we might as well have a good time together.”
Jacobs, a Los Angeles-based writer, director, producer, actor, and voice actor, previously worked with Théâtre de la Jeune Lune in Minneapolis and later co-created the New York-based circus company Delicious Vaudeville.
Cast
The cast includes Tambrie Allsup as Grizz Greedy, Davis Barber as Gus Greedy, Kevin Brennan as Glenn Greedy, Elle Engelman as Greta Garrotte Greedy, Matthew Goodrich as Gary Greedy, Torrin Kelly as Griffin Greedy, and Clara York as Glenda Greedy.
The ensemble includes Amiée Conn, Carmella Jenkins, Bethany Koulias, and Raquis Petree, along with aerialist Avery Lynch and a rotating guest circus performer each week.
The immersive experience is designed by DJ Handcrank, with lighting design by Matthew Richter, costumes by Benny Lee Harris Lumpkins Jr., and clown apparatus and props by Anna Kraus. Circus art and graphics are by Kris Kish, D. Morris, and Ian Pitts. John Dimitri serves as production stage manager, assisted by Ashleigh Gilfort. Jeremy D. Thompson produces for Open Fist Theatre Company, with Kelsey Kusinitz serving as associate producer.
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
Performances will take place Fridays at 9 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. An additional performance has been scheduled for Thursday, July 30 at 8 p.m. The Saturday, July 4 performance will take place at 5 p.m.
Tickets range from $26 to $40. A content warning notes the production contains risqué language and situations, with parental guidance advised for children under 13.
Atwater Village Theatre is located at 3269 Casitas Ave. in Los Angeles. Free parking is available in the ATX parking lot one block south of the theater.
For tickets and additional information, visit Open Fist Theatre Company.
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