Chris Allison performing his “Coney Island Chris“ sideshow performer.

Eating a light bulb some times has it’s consequences. ‘Coney Island Chris’ performing in a village comedy club.

To see ‘Coney Island Chris’ perform his unique act on “America’s Got Talent” go here!

To see a video interview with Chris go here!

Here is a link to Chris Allison’s children show site.

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I attended the ‘7th Annual ‘World Sword Swallower Day‘ at Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Times Square on Satuday.

There I met up with Harley Newman and did an interview about his work, career and ideas on sideshow performing.

‘Extreme Stunt Master’ – That is what Harley Newman has been called. After 40 years performing stunts and sideshow acts all over the world he talks about his work, beginnings and what it takes to do what it is that he does.
The Two Part interview is an in depth look at an individual who performs world class stunts and discusses them and their impact on the culture we live in.
Part 2 is about the difference he sees between himself and others who would like to do what he does. Describing the heritage of his sword and then swallowing it for the camera.
Intelligent and funny as well.

Video Interview by Jim Moore
http://vaudevisuals.com

Anyone interested in learning the ‘forgotten’ skills of the side show performer can take classes with Harley.

Check his website for more information.

This MOVE IT show included some amazingly talented physical/variety performers.

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Starting the show off was a delightful “Oddotorium Puppet Freak Show”. Performed by J. E. Cross.

A pupppet  ’Coney Island’ type side show with the barker and the ‘main attraction.

J.E. Cross and The Cosmic Bicycle Theatre

J. E. Cross and his COSMIC BICYCLE THEATRE presented a beautiful “Puppet Freak Show”.

A very innovative puppet theatre company garnered with much attention which it surely deserves!

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The next act to perform was juggler/dancer Jen Slaw.

Combing the best movement with the grace of a beautiful juggler she made her work look effortless and charming.

Her act was simple, stunning, lyrical and and she is very talented.

Jen Slaw with Clubs

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One of producer Mark Lonergan’s favorite performers and  collaborator on some of Parallel Exit’s best shows is a charmingly gifted funny man Joel Jeske.

His stage presence is hysterical and he played the audience well with his JOEL JESKE TRIO.

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Book Kennison is one of my favorite unique comedic juggling acts.

He is a young man wit lots of talent and abilities.

Keep your eyes out for ‘Book Kennison‘. He is a rising star in the variety scene.

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Shana Solomon’s Phastasamic Physical Theatre

Performing their interpretation of Akira Kurosawa‘s film RAN

The six member company made use of corporeal talent and  unique physical discipline to interpret the essence of the film on stage without hardly any words and no scenery.

A great actor uses these skills before adding the voice.

I was very moved with the creative work that went into this piece.

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A playful duet James and JF came on stage walking cardboard dogs.

The piece was set in the future and included plenty of verbal banter and visual gags.

The comedy duet James and JF consist of  Emily James and Ishah Janssen-Faith.

Inventive, wild, sexy and off the wall funny!

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The Final performer for the evening was one of my favorite clowns. Chris Allison performing his wacky “CONEY ISLAND CHRIS“.

This act is so curious. He proclaims to have learned how to perform  ’sideshow’ feats in an online class.

What happens to him in front of the audience as he attempts to show off his new found skills can only be described as ‘hysterical’.

He was one of the finalist on “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” and just returned from Germany where he performed in a revue of ‘Newcomers’ with all international artists.

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The evening would not be complete without a chat with the audience by Mark Lonergan.

SUPPORT THE VARIETY ARTS!

He knows how to make it happen. It is up to you…the audience to support it!

Watch out for the next MOVE IT show. They are SOLD OUT fast!

For additional information about Mark Longergan and/or Parallel Exit contact: Parallel Exit

(This is not a complete description of the show. Many of the performers did another turn.

I covered the parts I had room for!)

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS © 2010 Jim Moore