Columbia Artists Management LLC
If you crave a quirky form of entertainment, the Flying Karamazov Brothers is here for you. Referred to as the “masters of hilarity,” this comedic performing quartet travels nationwide entertaining audiences with singing, dancing and juggling. It will bring this brand of stage entertainment to Stewart Theatre Thursday night.
The group has been together and growing in popularity since 1973 but is not comprised of Russian performers as their monikers suggest — Pavel (Roderick Kimball), Dmitri (Paul Magid), Alexei (Mark Ettinger) and Ivan (Howard Jay Patterson). Rather, the Flying Karamazov Brothers is one of the best-known juggling troupes in America.
The Flying K’s repertoire includes six different shows in which it explores everything from the nature of music to the nature of the universe. Yet each of its shows has two motifs in common — comedy and juggling.
LIFE: A Guide for the Perplexed is the group’s latest manifestation and is a presentation of parables; providing advice for living in the modern world. Do not fret, however, it’s guaranteed the Flying K’s won’t get too serious. The group will follow its typical regime of singing, dancing and juggling all through a mid-life crisis. Viewers can expect the typical silliness and hilarity that the Flying Karamazov Brothers provides.
In its unorthodox manner, music will be performed by the troupe using traditional and non-traditional instruments; including a drum circle resembling a UFO.
In addition to the physical performances, audience participation is often encouraged and is mandatory in the act “The Gamble.”
In “The Gamble,” Dmitri juggles any three objects the audience members provide. You may bring any object you believe is not possible to juggle as long as it is less than 10 pounds, smaller than a breadbox and not a living animal.
If Dmitri is able to achieve this feat, he wins a standing ovation. If he loses, he receives a pie in the face. For the Flying K’s show in Stewart, if a student brings an item to juggle that gets selected, he will get a prize.
The Flying Karamazov Brothers perform Thursday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. at a price of $25 for general admission and $30 for reserved seats.
To get the full experience, viewers are encouraged to learn how to juggle at a pre-show workshop. This workshop is free and led by Jef, the mime/mask theatre artist who is part of the pantojuggling theatre duet Ken and Jef. The workshop will be held before the show in Talley Student Center, room 3118 at 6:45 p.m.