Arielle Sallai

Bobcat Goldthwait comes to Ramona

This article was originally published in the Night & Day section of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Those familiar with stand-up comedian Bobcat Goldthwait’s yelping shtick from the ’80s and ’90s (made famous in movies like “Police Academy 2”) may plan on bringing earplugs to his show Saturday at Ramona Main Stage.

But even though his brand of black humor has inspired countless others — Mitch Hedberg, Patton Oswalt — he’s since switched gears, directing films (Sundance selections “World’s Greatest Dad” and “Sleeping Dogs Lie”) rather than performing as his famously manic character.

Now back on the stand-up circuit, the comedian just plays himself — not that the routine is completely absent of madcap humor; there’s simply less fear of pyromania.

So this time, expect a much balder Goldthwait to deliver more traditional punch lines, rather than his old style of high-pitched, acerbic garbling.

(Source: signonsandiego.com)

Clowning around at the circus

This article was originally published in the Night & Day section of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

For many, circus clowns are a living nightmare — a childhood trauma linked with garishly overdrawn features and zany balloon animals. Stanislav Knyazkov is no such clown. Though he’s performing as part of the duo Stas and Vas at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey “Fully Charged” circus this weekend, the Russian native opts for a minimalist costume. He sports makeup that’s more Ziggy Stardust than Bozo the Clown, so those with not-so-fond circus memories might have less to fear from the latest leg of “The Greatest Show On Earth.”

Nonetheless, Knyazkov asserts that clowns of all kinds deserve more credit for their unique brand of comedy. Interspersed between high-thrill acts, it’s the job of the clown to bring some much-needed laughter to the show.

“We recharge the audience,” Knyazkov said, dutifully plugging the circus’s techno theme.

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(Source: signonsandiego.com)