Photo of Andrea Barello provided by the company
Presented by Andrea Barello
The intensely cozy Tarragon Solo Room is the ideal venue for this charming, hilarious and gently heart-wrenching show created and performed by Andrea Barello. He’s a real charmer and Tonight! A clown who wanted to be loved? is an absolute delight! With very little conventional dialogue, Barello engages the audience in his romantic clown-doctor’s antics through cute, empathy-inducing prompts.
Decked out with surgical headlamp, stethoscope and, uh, tape measures (?!), he does a quick check-up on a few patrons right at the top. Obsessed with the length of random body parts, he makes a series of diagnostic pronouncements of “yup,” “nope,” and “wow.” “Wow” in particular becomes a standard refrain throughout as he forges a mutually engaging connection to the audience.
His method of inviting audience members up is innovative and disarming. He’ll hold up a crude sketch of a character and search the audience for a fit. With inquiring gestures towards them he asks “is this you?” He’d move on to someone else gracefully if you aren’t comfortable (his whole game relies on sussing out vibes), but this is really a show for folks who are open to interaction.
Some highlights: an affectionate re-union and boxing match (featuring the Rocky theme!) with an old friend (the enthusiastic hugs are wonderful!), and a series of dates with ladies that include a romantic pizza dinner and awkward portrait sketches. Throughout his whimsical antics, an intimate understanding develops between he and his audience. Together, we develop a minimalist language. Barello masterfully sets up and maintains this communal dynamic.
Examining loneliness and juxtaposing it with the connections he’s made with us, those connections feel vital. In an epilogue, he breaks character in a brief peak behind the curtain of his craft. With the context of his own process here, the final moment he leaves us with is thrilling in its charged ambiguity. I had all the feels during this absurd, touching show.
Tonight! A clown who wanted to be loved?
@ Toronto Fringe Festival
running July 3 to 14, 2024
Tarragon Theatre Solo Room (30 Bridgman Ave)
running time: 50 minutes
