What I liked
Claire Robin’s inspired performance is everything you could ever want from a clown show, toeing the line between hilarious and humiliating, poignant and playful. Putting a Catholic twist on a lot of classic clown bits and adding or expounding on them to make them her own, Robin leaves the audience in stitches while occasionally making us ponder some deep questions, such as the potential for coexistence between religion and pleasure. The ritual and symbolism of a Catholic mass is indeed beautiful, and also ripe for clownification. The line between “dirty” and “clean” was hilariously blurred as was the line between sacred and profane.
I have proven a few times (during the runtime of this show alone) that I’m not above making a fool of myself at a clown show, but it was also good to know I do have a limit. (Eating food that has been in a stranger’s mouth. 🤣) I was very grateful some brave souls were down for it, though! As an audience participant, I thought Robin was a very gracious performer. I got a few rewards (a hit from a vape and a bunch of grapes!) for helping clean up after the communion.
The live accompaniment was absolutely wonderful and chuckle-worthy. I don’t know how that keyboardist doesn’t spend the whole show doubled over in laughter.
What I didn't like
Not so much an “improvement,” but I’m curious to see where the show would go with more focus. I know nuns don’t generally take confession, but I think a confession portion would be hilarious. (Maybe there is one at some shows? I know clowns sometimes interchange bits.)
My overall impression
Had me down on my knees with my tongue out! For…sacred reasons, of course.
