THEATER REVIEW : Jokes That Bomb ‘Under the Big Top’

There are a million stories “Under the Big Top.” But this isn’t one of them.

Writer/director Butch Hartman’s play is referred to in a press release as an “avant-garde comedy.” The only thing Hartman might consider avant-garde about it is the unnecessary and gratuitous use of four-letter words, scatological jokes and humor based on watching elephants mate.

The plot itself was creaky when a similar “Polly of the Circus” opened on Broadway in 1907.

Briefly, the Malarky Circus is on its last legs when owner Baxter Malarky dies, leaving the motley troupe, equipment and animals to his nephew Teddy. Of course, Teddy decides not to sell the circus, after falling in love with the lion-tamer, filling in for the drunken ringmaster, and seeing to it that his greedy lawyer is thrown into the wild lion cage to be devoured.

Yes, the script is full of lawyer jokes, too. And gems such as: When Teddy says, “I’ve never seen a circus before,” his lawyer asks, “Do you remember the Carter Administration?” Knee-slappers, every one.

*

Hartman’s credits say he makes his living as a cartoonist and cartoon director. That’s obvious, and without the four-letter words this dumb, sophomoric script might work fine in a Saturday morning cartoon slot. His cartoonish direction of the script isn’t much better, having the whole cast overact, scream their lines and move frantically, like Bugs Bunny trying to escape Elmer Fudd. It doesn’t once cover up the insipid dialogue.

Most of the actors follow his direction without regard to common sense, with the single exceptions of Jack Kerrigan as an ex-con hiding in clown makeup, and James Castle Stevens as the bumbling nephew. They even look human at moments.

Leave the kids, from 2 to 92, at home. This rental production at the Ventura Court is not for them.

WHERE AND WHEN

What: “Under the Big Top.”

Location: Ventura Court Theatre, 12417 Ventura Court, Studio City.

Hours: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Ends Aug. 19.

Price: $15.

Call: (213) 466-1767.