Four Can Play at That Game ...
The Flying Karamazov Brothers Provide More than high-flying Action ...
Eric Shapiro - New York Press - August 18, 2010
The fact that the group of guys who call themselves the Flying Karamazov Brothers take their name from a Dostoevsky novel should be the first hint that this isn’t a straightforward juggling show. Yes, many a hazardous object will be tossed, flung, spat and hurled between the four pseudo-siblings—Roderick Kimbel (Pavel), Mark Ettinger, Stephen Bent and sole remaining founding member Paul David Magid—who return for their latest production, 4Play, at the Minetta Lane Theater. Particularly memorable is the grand finale, in which the Karamazovs contend with nine “terror objects” introduced over the course of the show. I won’t spoil the surprise, but rest assured they are not the kinds of things you would want to ordinarily handle—much less toss above your head.
Impressive as it is, the Brothers’ flashy juggling is not the essence of their shtick, but rather a single element of a multi-faceted, provocative performance. The audience will also be treated to classical music, “ballet,” Polish clog dancing and improvisational comedy. Sounds highbrow, right? But it, thankfully, doesn’t come across that way. The Flying Karamazov Brothers is escapism at its very best. Every act is delivered with a healthy dose of Marx Brothers-esque slapstick to keep things light and family-friendly.
Much of the bros’ frequently hilarious on-stage banter is unscripted—impromptu audience interaction/mockery is the norm. You’re given permission to spend the better part of the show laughing at the performers, so it’s only fair that they be allowed a few laughs at your expense, as well. Don’t worry, though: Unlike standup comedians, they don’t get personal, at least toward the audience. The way they lay it on each other is a different story.
Although the Karamazovs are not, in fact, brothers, their constant pranks, jabs and bickering attest to a pernicious breed of sibling malice. To label the whole affair a meditation on the brotherly relationship would be going too far, but anyone with a brother or sister of his own may find the interaction familiar, albeit extreme.
All teasing aside, the Brothers' act is predicated on unity and trust. If one guy makes a mistake, the entire delicately balanced choreography is thrown out of whack. These guys are, of course, professionals, able to compensate for occasional mistakes, but the fact remains that the show is a team effort that relies on everyone to move forward. And that includes the audience.
A particularly memorable gimmick asks the audience to volunteer objects for “the champion” (Magis) to juggle. Success means a standing ovation, while failure entails a pie in the face. When I attended, he ended up with an umbrella, a moldy ball of mozzarella cheese and a potentially deadly contraption that had its original purpose intended as either torture or exercise. Clearly the audience knew to come prepared. Suffice it to say, he won his applause.
4Play
Through Aug. 29. Minetta Lane Theatre, 18 Minetta Lane (betw. Sixth Ave. & MacDougal St.), 800-982-2787; Wed.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Wed., Sat. & Sun. 2 p.m.; Sun. 5 p.m., $20-65.
Eric Shapiro - New York Press - August 18, 2010
The fact that the group of guys who call themselves the Flying Karamazov Brothers take their name from a Dostoevsky novel should be the first hint that this isn’t a straightforward juggling show. Yes, many a hazardous object will be tossed, flung, spat and hurled between the four pseudo-siblings—Roderick Kimbel (Pavel), Mark Ettinger, Stephen Bent and sole remaining founding member Paul David Magid—who return for their latest production, 4Play, at the Minetta Lane Theater. Particularly memorable is the grand finale, in which the Karamazovs contend with nine “terror objects” introduced over the course of the show. I won’t spoil the surprise, but rest assured they are not the kinds of things you would want to ordinarily handle—much less toss above your head.
Impressive as it is, the Brothers’ flashy juggling is not the essence of their shtick, but rather a single element of a multi-faceted, provocative performance. The audience will also be treated to classical music, “ballet,” Polish clog dancing and improvisational comedy. Sounds highbrow, right? But it, thankfully, doesn’t come across that way. The Flying Karamazov Brothers is escapism at its very best. Every act is delivered with a healthy dose of Marx Brothers-esque slapstick to keep things light and family-friendly.
Much of the bros’ frequently hilarious on-stage banter is unscripted—impromptu audience interaction/mockery is the norm. You’re given permission to spend the better part of the show laughing at the performers, so it’s only fair that they be allowed a few laughs at your expense, as well. Don’t worry, though: Unlike standup comedians, they don’t get personal, at least toward the audience. The way they lay it on each other is a different story.
Although the Karamazovs are not, in fact, brothers, their constant pranks, jabs and bickering attest to a pernicious breed of sibling malice. To label the whole affair a meditation on the brotherly relationship would be going too far, but anyone with a brother or sister of his own may find the interaction familiar, albeit extreme.
All teasing aside, the Brothers' act is predicated on unity and trust. If one guy makes a mistake, the entire delicately balanced choreography is thrown out of whack. These guys are, of course, professionals, able to compensate for occasional mistakes, but the fact remains that the show is a team effort that relies on everyone to move forward. And that includes the audience.
A particularly memorable gimmick asks the audience to volunteer objects for “the champion” (Magis) to juggle. Success means a standing ovation, while failure entails a pie in the face. When I attended, he ended up with an umbrella, a moldy ball of mozzarella cheese and a potentially deadly contraption that had its original purpose intended as either torture or exercise. Clearly the audience knew to come prepared. Suffice it to say, he won his applause.
4Play
Through Aug. 29. Minetta Lane Theatre, 18 Minetta Lane (betw. Sixth Ave. & MacDougal St.), 800-982-2787; Wed.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Wed., Sat. & Sun. 2 p.m.; Sun. 5 p.m., $20-65.