The Great Escape is a riotous, interactive clown and corporeal mime extravaganza created and performed by Ruthie Scarpino, featuring the character Apfel Tucas, a little Jewish clown navigating the most chaotic Jewish New Year imaginable. With her sidekick Froggy, scene-stealing Mermaids, and a cast of characters called the Beckys, Apfel tumbles into a hilariously unhinged adventure set against the backdrop of society's unspoken rules and a five-year-old's incurable curiosity. Scarpino is a clown, corporeal mime, and circus artist from Maine who has toured internationally and is an alumna of the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq. The show premiered in New York City in January 2026 and has since sold out and toured in Europe and the USA.
Cast and Creative Team for The Great Escape at Mad Horse Theatre
Cast
Apfel Tucas
Apfel
Froggy
Froggy
Mermaids
Ensemble
The Becky's
Ensemble
Creative Team
Ruthie Scarpino
Creator/Director/Performer
News About The Great Escape at Mad Horse Theatre
THE GREAT ESCAPE to Play Mad Horse Theatre
July 20, 2026 Ruthie Scarpino's THE GREAT ESCAPE, a clown and corporeal mime show for ages 6 to 100, will play Mad Horse Theatre in South Portland, with tickets available as a sliding donation at the door.About the Theatre
Mad Horse Theatre Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows have played recently at Mad Horse Theatre?
The Legend of Georgia McBride (05/01/25-05/25/25)
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The Effect (01/09/20-01/26/20)
8 Days of Fringe (12/05/19-12/15/19)
Mary Jane (11/07/19-11/24/19)
Radiant Vermin (09/26/19-10/13/19)
LIFE SUCKS. (03/21/19-04/07/19)
The Whale (11/01/18-11/18/18)
The Language Archive (09/20/18-10/07/18)
The Explorer's Club (05/03/18-05/20/18)
Women Laughing Alone with Salad (03/06/25-03/30/25)
The Effect (01/09/20-01/26/20)
8 Days of Fringe (12/05/19-12/15/19)
Mary Jane (11/07/19-11/24/19)
Radiant Vermin (09/26/19-10/13/19)
LIFE SUCKS. (03/21/19-04/07/19)
The Whale (11/01/18-11/18/18)
The Language Archive (09/20/18-10/07/18)
The Explorer's Club (05/03/18-05/20/18)
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