Take a classic tale, de-construct it, then put it back together again. Loosely, that’s what Chicago’s 500 Clown Company does, creating an extended acrobatic comedic performance that borders on childish zaniness, and is simultaneously incredibly smart.

Be prepared, for an interpretation you’ve never imagined. 500 Clown is not the story you know, yet you will clearly recognize it. From the beginning, you will find yourself laughing—yes laughing—as three bumbling actor-clowns share one copy of a classic work and attempt to put on a play. They run into trouble right from the start. Malfunctioning costumes, poor lighting, tricky language, and a fight over who will play which role are some of the obstacles that keep getting in the way of telling the story. The result is a classic show of an entirely different sort than you might expect.

Different from anything ever presented at The Capitol Theatre, 500 Clown carries the influence of early Vaudeville, silent film comedian Buster Keaton, Italian style comedy: Commedia dell’Arte, and improvisation. While brimming with pratfalls, slapstick, spit-takes and the like, 500 Clown also carries a message that hits the audience with unexpected force, and because of audience interaction, is never the same.

Since 2000, the troupe has had great success with 500 Clown McBeth, their first creation. Since then, they have created and performed 500 Clown Frankenstein, 500 Clown Christmas, and 500 Clown and The Elephant Deal.

If you thought Dixie’s Tupperware Party was over the top and fun, you have to see 500 Clown.

Single tickets for 500 Clown are available at The Capitol Theatre box office: 509-853-ARTS or 800-325-SEAT after September 6, 2010.