Ridiculous and sublime

Given UCLA seismologist Vladimir Keilis-Borok’s warnings of a possible 6.5 temblor between now and Sept. 5, Angelenos should pray that earthquake precautions will withstand Varla Jean Merman. In “Under a Big Top,” writer-performer Jeffery Roberson’s matchless alter ego -- the alleged product of Ethel Merman and Ernest Borgnine’s momentary marriage -- returns to the Renberg Theatre and causes a rafter-rattling riot.

The twisted sideshow atmosphere bombards from the start, Varla’s projected image almost inviting you to stick your head in her mouth. Evan A. Bartoletti’s set shrewdly mixes bunting and striped-tent colors, while circus standards fill the air.

After a Varla voice-over explains her humanitarian reasons for this “Greatest Show on Earth” theme, the carrot-topped superstar materializes, in a spangled ringmaster get-up that recalls Joan Crawford in “Berserk” (Philip Heckman’s costume parade is typically splendid). Varla’s trapeze-borne title number sends her soaring out over the house, instantly reaching camp Elysium.

Even in Hollywood, a town burgeoning with world-class illusionists, Roberson’s assumption of celebrity femininity is supreme. So is Varla’s phenomenal vocal endowment, which merges Dame Joan Sutherland, Jayne Mansfield, Jo Stafford and a demented oboe.

Roberson’s rigorous artistry is propelled by the ribald anarchy embedded within the outpouring of quadruple-entendres and audacious puns. Like Varla’s ventriloquism, yodeling away with a hot dog puppet named Frank. The priceless, John Waters-worthy videos include a spot-on silent film send-up and a sublime retrospective of Varla’s physical evolution, from chunky duckling to Amazon swan.

Mistimed rim shots by drummer Denise Fraser produce tickling takes and asides. Magic tricks hysterically malfunction, edging Varla off the wagon while taxing assistant Daniel Fontneau’s composure and the audience’s kidneys.

Varla’s climactic breakdown (due to childhood clown traumas) is devastating.

And the signature bit combining processed cheese product and bravura coloratura remains a jaw-dropping assault on good taste and physics.

Director-coauthor Michael Schiralli exerts invisible control over this inspired lunacy, supporting Roberson’s link to travesty traditions that encompass Barry Humphries’ Dame Edna, the late Charles Ludlam, et al., clear back to Roman comedies. Matt Callaway’s additional material, David Brunetti’s compositions and the funhouse lighting by Schiralli and Sandy Lee complete an ace creative roster. Even the canned Spike Jones-flavored accompaniment adds to the surreal authenticity.

It’s apt, as Roberson’s net-free tour de farce suggests Magic Mountain, “Queer as Folk,” Burning Man and “Cavalia” compacted into one uproarious, blissfully ridiculous spectacle. Exercise nuts, take note: After a visit to Circus Varla, you can skip stomach crunches for at least a week.

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‘Under a Big Top’

Where: L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center’s Renberg Theatre, the Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Place, L.A.

When: Thursdays to Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 7 p.m.

Ends: May 16

Price: $25

Info: (323) 860-7300

Running time: 75 minutes