Portland offers comedy event Physical performers highlight week of productions, workshops

PORTLAND – A festival of physical comedy will be offered Dec. 26-30 at the Portland Stage Company at 25A Forest Ave.

Phyzgig will feature several shows by 10 performers, as well as workshops at Acorn School Studio.

A variety show was scheduled for opening night at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Performers were Randy Judkins, Sam Kilbourn, Julie Goell, Beau Jest Movement Theatre, Magical Mystical Michael, Reifer and Saccone, Antonio Rocha and musicians Tom Faux and Chris Moore.

Wednesday’s shows presented Randy Judkins and Michael Lane Trautman at 2 p.m., and Judkins and Magical Mystical Michael at 7:30 p.m.

There also will be two shows Today: Michael Lane Trautman and the Wright Brothers at 2 p.m.; and Tony Montanaro and Friends at 7:30 p.m., including Karen Hurll-Montanaro, Antonio Rocha, and Reifer and Saccone.

Magical Mystical Michael and the Wright Brothers will be back for the 2 p.m. show Friday, and the Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Co. will perform the 7:30 p.m. program.

Saturday is the last day of activities, with Julie Goell in “Opening Night: One Woman’s Carmen” at 2 p.m., and Avner the Eccentric in “Exceptions to Gravity” at 7:30 p.m.

Most of the performers are Maine residents. Randy Judkins, who previously performed as Jud the Jester, has taught at Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Clown College, and Juilliard School.

Tony Montanaro founded the Celebration Barn Theater in South Paris. Fred Garbo played Barkeley the Dog on “Sesame Street,” and Avner Eisenberg has performed on Broadway.

Tickets are $16-$20 per show for adults, $14-18 for students and seniors, and $12 for children 12 and under. Special rates are available for purchasing tickets for certain combinations of three shows.

Free performance workshops for teen-agers will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

For information or tickets, call 772-5580 or check the Web site at www.acornschool.com.