By Elise C. Barnett-Curran
I chuckle while the clown played by Sammee Jackman films scenes from their “clownsploitation” film. I chortle when the clown played by Dan Varas has to field customer service calls for some sort of “happy time” agency. I grin from ear to ear while both clowns teach me how to cook a delicious baked brie. I cackle maniacally as Jackman’s despondent birthday clown explains how their job must be performed during the pandemic, “driving by houses and weighing balloons down with water so I can hurl them at the kids.” Needless to say, I enjoyed The Saltiest Clown Cries the Most a great deal.
Clowning is a traditional art form that isn’t performed very often, but it is always a delight when it is done well. Jackman and Varas offer a delightful, silly show that delivers everything from classic slapstick to parody to deadpan. I love the charming personalities of both clowns and the very silly things they get up to. Nothing is missed in the transition from live performance to film, the connection to the shenanigans every bit as engaging as they would be in real life (though I will definitely be looking this duo up when all of this is over).
All sorts of art is needed right now, but comedy is the very Balm of Gilead. These two clowns deliver a refreshing, funny piece that pulls us away from the daily trauma while still reminding us to be safe and practice social distancing with masks! I greatly appreciated their efforts.
The Salty Clown Cries the Most has one more fun-filled performance at The Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival, Saturday at 10 PM, so keep an eye out for these two talented clowns and whatever they have cooking up next. I hope it’s a gouda.
The Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival
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