In 2010 I had a concept in my head one day that I should photograph my favorite subjects (Clowns) without their performance costume and makeup and match it with a performance shot. The ‘Unmask’ shot would be black and white and the performance shot in color. I decided to call it The Clown UnMask. I began shooting in Feb. 2010 with one of the funniest clowns I know and admire. Glen Heroy.
I followed up with many more (almost 50) until I stopped shooting the series in 2016. Here is a comprehensive list of the performers (with links to the original posts) I documented in my ‘hallway’ studio. In the order in which I photographed them. Full post are reached by using the links. Some portrait are provided for visual excitement!
(The wall came down in 2016 so the series was discontinued)
Chris Allison and I did a series of ‘promo’ shots for his “Coney Island Chris” website.
The side show at Coney Island was still active and run by John Strong.
Chris Allison had this to say about the day:
“I remember heading out to Coney Island that day to shoot pictures with Jim. We had no idea John Strong was going to be set up there. I had met John at the Sideshow gathering and thought lets see if we could shoot some pic’s on his lot. ….. John was very gracious to let us shoot wherever we wanted…. great pictures that day! Thanks John and thanks Jim!”
While updating my archive software I came across quite a few wonderful images from shows I had photographed in the past.
One of my favorite shows is the NY Goofs show. The group gathers up such a wonderful collection of talented clowns from all over to perform in this Annual Clown Spectacular Extravaganza.
Here are some photographs I took at the 2009 show ‘Hotel Bananas‘.
Backstage before the show -Center to right – Chris Allison (back to camera)Larry Pizoni, Joel Jeske, Watson Kawecki, Greg DiSanto.
Mark Gindick, Chris Allison, Joel Jeske, Hovey Burgess, Lisa Lewis & Watson Bill Kawecki juggling clubs.
Dick Monday is a little disgruntled and Tiffany Riley can’t understand why. One of the very funny clown duet routines they perform.
A few members of the cast of NY Goofs show “HOTEL BANANAS” at The Flea Theater on July 25th, 2009
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For more information on NY Goofs shows and clown workshops go HERE!
Walking on stage he was pulling a balloon on a string.
Balancing on top of a ladder listening to a ipod. Audience could hear silence.
After having recruited audience members he was pushed around the stage through the maze of music stands.
In and out of the music stands on stage until he reached the original starting point.
The little balloon that finished the piece intact with him.
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One of the fun audience participation segments is:
THE GAME!
Tonight’s game had two contestants that were given a deck of cards with many aces that needed to be found & run across the room to be put on a music stand.
The Winner was Monica who won 2 tickets to see PLAY DEAD at the Players Theatre.
A Commissioned Work by the NY Downtown Clown Revue
Flask in hand ready to take on the world.
Blowing up a balloon in preparation for a trick.
Pushing the skewer into the balloon with it popping.
Showing off that terrific ‘hobo’ physique.
Always wants to be in the ‘spotlight’.
Kevin C. Carr can be seen in the upcoming film The Ridiculous Romantic.
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Host Christopher introduces the new VOTE containers.
Every month the audience is encouraged to VOTE for their favorite act/performer and at the end of the season the winners are selected and presented with
Mark Lonergan knows how to put together a good ‘variety show‘. He has produced quite a few MOVE IT shows in the past plus his usual calendar of shows gives him a good ‘edge’ over the competition.
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 TheatreJ.E. Cross and The Cosmic Bicycle Theatre
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.
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.
Here is a video where he provides the unknowing audience members with a short education on what the ‘Human Blockhead‘ is and then attempts the Kendama Blockhead.
The variety show is a mix of acts ranging from singing to burlesque to trapeze and back to Kendama Blockhead. All for $5.00. Well worth the visit and time. This show included the likes of Baby Seals,
One of the funniest acts I have seen and enjoyed is Chris Allison’s side show freak CONEY ISLAND CHRIS. He mixes the zany attitude of the likes of Jerry Lewis’ nutty professor and Pee Wee Herman with a glass eating, finger in a rat trap, silly costume and hysterical facial gestures Coney Island simple guy trying to learn the ropes of sideshowville. Coney Island Chris made it to the finalist on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT.
