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Joe Thornhill is the man in the creepy greasepaint in Constellation's Crazyface.
Imagine a carnival troupe performing a Brothers Grimm tale as written by Dan Brown, with Jim Carrey as the lead and the Joker as the villain. That will only give you a hint of what to expect from Crazyface, as performed by Constellation Theatre Company and directed by Allison Arkell Stockman.
Crazyface is the nickname of Tyl Eulenspiegel, a fool wandering a medieval land; a child haunted by an angel that no one else sees. He has three sisters-in-law, some of whom are evil. He tumbles through a mad world and receives a secret box, which makes him a target. He meets a man who tries to fly, a clown who seems familiar, and his murderous long-lost brother. It's a tale of madness and vision, which often seem to be the same thing, and it's a tale of growing up.
Ashley Ivey brings life, charm, and comedy to his portrayal of Crazyface/Tyl, but he also keeps his eyes as wide as a wondering child. When we first meet Tyl, he is enamored of a fish tied to a rope. Ivey is likable and funny as he evades lynch mobs, bandits, and dangerous family members, but he is not the only funny one in the cast. Almost all the players are skilled comedians, acting as an ensemble and switching roles as easily as painting a smile on a clown's white face. Lisa Lias, in her dual roles as Tyl's mother and as Mengo the merciless manhunter, is a strong, solid presence in the midst of the craziness. Joe Brack is enigmatic as the frightful angel and as the gentle, mysterious mime. John Tweel is especially facile at shifting characters and voices, and the result is always funny, especially with the turtle.
With dance numbers, freaks, clowns, witches, turtles and more, the overall feeling is that you've snuck into a circus tent at midnight. The live music and effects composed and performed by Tom Teasley add to the sensation. The first act is exciting, but the second act stretches a bit long, with resolution just out of reach. Still, all the elements of this impossible-to-define play come together, and the result is spellbinding theater.
Crazyface is at The Source Theatre through June 14. Tickets are available here.
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ive seen two constellation shows so far, and i loved 'em both. this is a great company. one of the few i'd see just based on name alone.
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends
We're so glad you could attend
Come inside! Come inside!
Ohmahgawd. I love that song!
Brain Salad Surgery by Retarded Monkey.