500 Clown is a Chicago-based performance troupe specializing in raucous physical performances of various "classic" works in theater. Of course, at the hands of the self-proclaimed clowns they are, these classics quickly devolve into hilarious and impressive episodes.
My first experience with them was at their rendition of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein". This scenario quickly proves that clowns and science do not mix, as each character finds him or herself battling laboratory furniture.
Two other things that do not mix are clowns and the "fourth wall". This was proven to me in no small terms when I soon found my head up the kilt of wildly gyrating clown. Yes, I'm sure the other audience members got a big kick out of it (hardy har har!), but as I sat there stunned and all alone in the dark interior recesses of that clown's kilt, my humiliation was surpassed only by my fear of what might appear should I inadvertently look up. To my great relief, the age-old question of whether a clown opts to go au naturale under his kilt remains a mystery.
The skill and entertainment value of this show was really impressive. It was a perfect fit for the Steppenwolf Theater and I promptly purchased tickets for their upcoming dramatic rendition of MacBeth.
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