"Carnival Knowledge" is a joyous homage to that age-old branch of pure showbiz, the carnival sideshow, where you step right up and enjoy yourself -- and don't forget to give us lots of applause and, oh yes, plunk down your money. It's pure fun and the wonderful escape it's meant to be.
Todd Robbins plays many roles. He's the "outside talker" (real carnival folks don't say "barker," we learn), the emcee, and the performer of many of the old-time wonders and illusions that have brought out the crowds since who knows when. He is assisted by Shannon Morrow (as Twistina the Rubber Lady, the Gorilla Girl, and general "assistant," among other roles) and joined by Little Jimmy, a "little person" who has an extensive show business career in the, ahem, larger world (many a joke and wink about life as a little person). Robbins also draws upon the audience: Real people? Shills? Who knows? Probably a mix of both, but who cares? It's all in good fun.
We're not talking about any old carnival at this show. Robbins' base is Coney Island. He is active in keeping its history alive, as chairman of the board of Coney Island USA and through related activities, including sideshow performances. Throughout "Carnival Knowledge," Robbins serves as a sort of tour guide, interspersing facts about Coney Island and carnival history in the classic patter of the genre. Director Kirsten Sanderson successfully keeps it all flowing.
There's cotton candy and popcorn, balloons and whistles. What it's all about, Robbins reminds us, is "amazement." There is no such thing as security, so revel in the chaos of the carnival, he urges. Everyone left with a smile on his or her face -- and that's entertainment.