Theatre Review—

The Season Opener At Yale Rep Is Something Else

By June April

NEW HAVEN — Mump & Smoot, those Canadian clowns of horror,” bring a creatively twisted, wistful and deliciously humorous experience to audiences at the Yale Repertory Theatre for the opener of the theatre’s 35th anniversary season. Playing through October 7, the current production is subtitled,” Something Else with Zug.”

The popularity of this amusing show is clear because this go-round marks the fourth time Mump & Smoot they have been booked at Yale. One imagines the attraction is that it beckons to the child within to come and play, yet resonates meaningful and comical universalities to the intellect.

For those who have never seen these clowns, this reviewer urges all ages, save the very young, to catch this interactive production. It is a marvelous vehicle for teenagers to relate and respond to.

There are some rather gory segments that could be slightly traumatic to younger minds, such as the degutting of the main course — a pathetic green member of the lizard family — in one of the vignettes where a member of the audience is brought up to partake in a specially prepared meal; or the sawing off of the head and limbs of one of the clowns.

Overall however, Mump and Smoot is a revelation into human nature and sensitively hewn so that tragedy magically becomes comedy just at the perfect moment. 

The creators of this unique presentation are two Canadians, Michael Kennard (the tall one, who plays Mump) and and John Turner (Smoot). They began their relationship 13 years ago when they met at The Second City Workshops where they “shared their penchant for human fears, magic spiritualism, [and] personal values...” Joining forces with director Karen Hines, the dynamic duo has moved into other venues, television, cinema and workshops. They also teach clowning at the theatre co-operative in Toronto, Canada, called The Space.

The cast at Yale includes fellow Canadian Christian Laurin, who is the awesome and somewhat evil genie Zug. With shades of Aladdin, Zug appears from a silver pot that is rubbed and grants Mump and Smoot their fondest wishes.

Apropos to his character’s name, Scurry (Scott MacDonald) darts about the stage in hooded attire. He appears a creature of the netherworld, ruled over by Zug.

Fascinating music, with a strong hint of Indonesian flavor and instrumentation, is heard before the play begins.  It is very rhythmic and unusual harmonically, and very pleasant to the ear. Just off stage, in a special “box” suddenly appears a tall cloaked figure whose skull appears to be bald and covered with what appear to be red veins.

Fondly known as “Fingers,” composer/musical director Greg Morrison creates eerie and wonderful sounds and melodies with the keyboard.  This enhances the actions onstage, and occasionally Fingers is even brought into the adventures of Mump and Smoot.

Kennard and Turner have created a world for their stage characters. It is called Ummonia, where they speak (what else?) Ummonian. They worship a deity who is called Ummo.  But now and again a full sentence of very clear English emerges. The essence of their words is always obvious.

Interplay with the audience is one of the reasons this production is so successful.  Making their entrance through the audience, having jewelry or signatures “volunteered,” and throwing what are called bomb/balls brings out the child that is still part of most adults. Establishing a bond between both sides of the stagelights is usually a sure road to entertaining theatre.

Three tall pyramid forms on stage were ingeniously used in wondrous ways. Taken apart, resassembled, modified by lighting effects, shifted into new positions... it was all very exciting. Campbell Manning’s set designs are terrific to say the least. The added imagination of James Fisher’s artwork brings this group of talented individuals onto a level that is memorable, meaningful and entertaining.

Yet without the skills of lighting designer and stage manager Michel Charbonneau, Mump and Smoot In Something Else with Zug would not be at the level it is within one cohesive package.

(Performances of Mump and Smoot… continue through October 7, with shows presented Monday through Saturday; curtain is 7 pm on Monday, 8 pm all other nights. Tickets range from $10 to $36 each, and Pay-What-You-Can nights are September 23 and 25, and October 2. Call 203/432-1234 for details.)