by Thea Turgoer
Lou Wow & the Poi Boys, that wacky novelty band on stilts, is at it again. They have perfected the art of playing novelty tunes on stilts at big parties where several other bands play simultaneously so that you can't really hear the stilt-band. Now the boys of poi are moving up to the stage so they can be seen and heard with staggering focus. "Waiting For Lou Wow" at the Pasadena Shakespeare Company Theater in the great Pasadena mall marks the first time the boys have performed in a theatrical format. It is variety theater, but it is theater. The show combines music, juggling, escapism and escapes as well as their trademark stilt-walking in addition to the not so trademarked "much, much more." Directed by veteran Poi Boy Philip Karp Briggs, the cast features Phil, Grainger Esch, Billy Barrett, Tuba Heatherton and Obediah Thomas. The show is/was Sunday Oct. 17 at 8pm.
Also on the bill is The Open Gate Theater with "Archetypes and Other Delights".
Have you ever wondered if balloon pumps are safe? How can all that air go into the balloon without someone actually blowing? Something very bizarre must be occurring to allow for inflation to be achieved so easily. It follows that something so deviant might also be unsafe. Though it has not been proven, some speculate that the use of balloon pumps might be responsible for radiation leaks, ozone layer disruption, and rampant house plant demise among variety performers. We here at The Rubber Chicken think it's fine if people want to use balloon pumps and run the risk of contaminating our frail planet to the point of apocalyptic disaster. Fine. But should we take the chance? Balloons, cute little animal figures, hats, swords and the like are cherished by children, however briefly, regardless of the inflation technique. Obviously more research is called for to determine the dangers of using a pump whether or not pump users are indeed communists as I suspect they most likely are.
Tire Fires Caused By Lightning Not Juggler
Recently a raging tire fire in the heartland of California was started by lightning. Estimated time to put out the fire: Months and months. You see, they can't just put the fire out with water because the resulting toxic runoff could contaminate local ground water. Very tricky. Also tricky is the act of juggling flaming torches. It should be noted that in the entire history of civilization there is not one documented case of a devastating tire fire being started by a fire juggler's torch, though 4 out of 5 jugglers prefer manipulating flames perched on piles of tires more than any other automobile accessories.
William has been part of the ensemble since the first parties. He performed for many years as part of the celebrity "Cock 'N Feathers show which enjoyed great popularity at Southern Faire in Agoura in the late seventies early eighties, sharing one of their stages with "The Fools Guild" improv ensemble.
"The Wizards Show" was the title of the show featuring then Billy Barrett and Sandey Grin often performing with Marque Siebenthal or Jeffrey Glucko as the "hoodstink/hoodwink" character. The show featured juggling, fire eating, fast paced jokes and visual illusions and often drew thousands of audience members at their Main Stage Show.
