Reviewed by Judd Hollander
Clowns exist in their own pocket universe. A point from
which they can project everything from a childlike innocence to a bit of
misguided whimsy, a can-do attitude, or a feeling of being slightly apart from
everything else. All as they deal with whatever situation they find themselves
in. Such is the effect of Slava’s
Snowshow. Created by Russian performance artist Slava Polunin, this
absolutely delightful undertaking has returned to the New
York New York
When seeing this rotating company of clowns upon the stage,
(the actual members performing often changes from day to day) an image of a
moth-eaten goony bird comes to mind. The group, except for the lead clown, clad
in floppy hats, oversize coats and oversize shoes as they shamble about in a
sort of parody of conformity. That is, until someone or something shakes things
up a bit. Though as quickly becomes obvious, they're not always the brightest
lights bulbs in the drawer. A point made clear when one of the group tries to
outsmart the others over a bit of food, only to fall victim to the very trap he
set for everyone else. Other slightly off-center occurrences can be seen during
encounters with giant telephones; a jacket on a hanger which begins to have a
personality all its own; and a tiny room - complete with table, chair and
occupant – that's set on an angle. At least that’s how it appears to those of
us observing the action from a "normal" plane of reality.
Slava Snowshow - Snowball. Photo by Veronique Vial
Deeper meanings aside, the chief attraction of the show is
the window it offers to this very unique wonderland. One containing odd
landscapes, giant balloons, and a massive blizzard of white. Everything
presented with just enough familiarity to partially ground things in the real
world. Thus allowing the audience to easily relate to what’s happening while they
go quite willingly along for the ride. The folks watching all this getting
continually involved in the story whether they want to or not. Thanks to some
the company members who continually and enthusiastically interact with those in
attendance.
Presented with almost no spoken dialogue, the use of music
plays a key part in the festivities. Each such interlude meshing perfectly with
the comedic elements the performers bring forth in the separate segments. Among
the music used are the themes from “Peter Gunn” and “Chariots of Fire”. The
latter featured in a sequence with a sail boat, an ocean liner, and a shark;
among other elements.
Slava Snowshow - Colour balloons in the audience, Photo by Veronique Vial
Children will delight in this very enjoyable offering – Indeed,
I often heard shrieks of glee at the performance I attended - while adults will
get a chance to become reacquainted with their own inner child as the show
progresses. After all, there is something very appealing about seeing a clown
with a butterfly net as he attempts to catch, well, whatever. Events eventually
culminating with a comic confluence that makes one feel as if it’s the planets
themselves that are colliding. The entire experience being one you will not
soon forget.
A treat for all ages,
Slava’s Snowshow is the perfect antidote for the holiday blues and one show
you very definitely do not want to miss.
Featuring: Slava Polunin, Francesco Bifano, Spencer
Chandler, Georgiy Deliyev, Alexandre Frish, Vanya Polunin, Robert Saralp,
Nikolai Terentiev, Elena Ushakova, Aelita West, Bradford West, Artem Zhimo
Slava’s Snowshow
By arrangement with Slava and Gwenael Allan
Created and Staged by Slava Polunin
Marketing Strategy & Direction: On the Rialto
Advertising: Serino Coyne
Digital Marketing & Advertising: Arthouse
Press Representative: Vivacity Media Group
Scenography: Slava Polunin/Victor Plotnikov
Production Management: Tinc Productions
Production Stage Manager: Lee Micklin
Legal Counsel: Nevin Law Group
Company Manager: Joel Glassman
General Management: KGM Theatrical
Stephen Sondheim Theatre
Tickets: 212-239-6200, www.Telecharge.com,
SlavaonBroadway.com
Running Time: 1 Hour 40 minutes, including one intermission
Closes January 5,
2020
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