Clowns abound in one-man revueLarry Pisoni assumes the many faces of comedy.

"Actors seem to assume another persona just by putting on makeup. Larry Pisoni can change into seven people. In Clown Clown Clown Clown Clown Clown Clown, Pisoni takes a free-wheeling comedic journey, accompanied by music, whirling through time and space to assume seven distinct clown personae that have informed the clowning tradition.I don't lecture about clowning's history, Pisoni said. As a matter of fact, the performance is mute. I'm working, instead, from an archetypal perspective - I want audiences to relate to archetypal characters, to recognize themselves and the people close to them. "

“Actors seem to assume another persona just by putting on makeup. Larry Pisoni can change into seven people. In Clown Clown Clown Clown Clown Clown Clown, Pisoni takes a free-wheeling comedic journey, accompanied by music, whirling through time and space to assume seven distinct clown personae that have informed the clowning tradition.I don’t lecture about clowning’s history, Pisoni said. As a matter of fact, the performance is mute. I’m working, instead, from an archetypal perspective – I want audiences to relate to archetypal characters, to recognize themselves and the people close to them.Pisoni casts a wide net to tickle audiences’ funny bone, playing the northern European folk fool that is predecessor to the court jester; assuming the mantle of a Hopi Kochaer; invoking Commedia dell’Arte with a scene between Pulcinella and Arlecchino; and paying homage to Samuel Beckett with a clown personality inspired by his black humor. Pisoni plays the show’s finale in the classic garb of red nose and oversize shoes of Lorenzo Pickle, the contemporary clown Pisoni made world famous.Pisoni was born into a tradition of performing, with grandparents who worked as professional vaudevillians.Pisoni left home at 15 to become a carny vaulter, performing gymnastics for carnival audiences. Vaudeville performers crossed over to circus and carnival venues with ease, making his own choice a natural, Pisoni said.Touring world-wide with the circus he later founded, the Pickle Family Circus, has given Pisoni a cross-cultural perspective of clowning. Occasionally, as on a recent Japanese tour with cellist Yo Yo Ma, he has tailored his material for a particular country.I see a contradiction built into comedy, Pisoni said, and that is, it’s universally experienced but culturally specific.At the same time, it’s subjective – if you find it funny, then it’s funny. Pisoni appeals to both children and adults, and incorporates as many emotional states into his show as he can. I don’t want it to be tragic and I don’t want it just to be funny. Comedy should be a complete meal, Pisoni said. We are blessed with this sense of humor, and it ought to get exercised once in a while.Above all, I’m hoping to provide a good time. Clown, Clown, Clown, Clown, Clown, Clown, Clown, a revue of clowning traditions starring Larry Pisoni with music by Amy Denio, will show at 7:30 May 24 and 25, and at 3 p.m. May 26 at the Playhouse. Tickets are $12/adults and $9/seniors and students. For information call 842 8569. “