Numbers Up!
presented by John Leo
Showtimes
Fri., Aug. 1 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 3 @ 2:30 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 6 @ 5:30 p.m.
Thu., Aug. 7 @ 8:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 10 @ 2:30 p.m.
Show details
Venue: Minneapolis Theatre Garage
Duration: 60 minutes
For ages 13+
Created by John Leo
From: Brooklyn, NY
Website: www.johnleo.net
Genres: Solo, Comedy, Drama
Warnings: Adult language, Sexual Content
Overall rating
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User reviews
Deserves a bigger audience!
by Mikael Rudolph Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
As someone who performs in a related style, there was a section of the show in about the 15-20 mark where I got uncomfortable as this gifted and studied clown worked some improvisation with the audience that didn't quite work out, but with an audience of 75-100 instead of the 23 or so that saw the show with me, the laughter would have been much more contagious and the lull would never have happened.
Very touching and genuine character work. Very impressive skills. His heart is so truly and touchingly revealed. I already miss this guy after 55 minutes with him.
The last 15 minutes alone are well worth the price of admission as the "Waiting for Godot" theme is warmly resolved, surpassing all expectations.
Two tips from a old fart:
1). Get to the point where you can do a whole show either "4th Wall" or Audience Interactive (or some of each of and you can perform for an audience of 1 or one thousand and will never risk a "lull".
2). If the audience sees you do something in the first ten minutes that they don't believe they could ever master, they are in the palm of your hand.
"When the audience is breathing with you, they are in the palm of your hand". ~ Marcel Marceau
3). Don't ever listen to an old fart.
What numbers?
by David Lee Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
Maybe it was an off night, but I really disliked this show. The script never really came together in any sensible way, but more than that, Mr. Leo lacked the stage presence that one needs to fill the stage in this type of show.
Maybe I'm spoiled by the Noah Bremmers and Jon Fergusons, but it always felt like Mr. Leo was constantly working to fill a void instead of just simply being there and owning the stage.
So lovely!
by Sara Richardson Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
I loved this adorable, sweet, touching, funny show. John is very talented, an amazing mover & a delightful clown. The show is inventive & playful & leaves you feeling like you drank a happy elixir. The only bummer was that it deserved a much bigger house. Go see this lovely show!
Nice hair :)
by Roni Goldstein Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
He was fantastic. I will confess I have a special place in my heart for clowning but I have to say he was great.
The way he handled the audience was something I haven't seen anyone do and my attention as well as my friendâs who I brought never left him.
My whole head hurt from laughing and smiling after this show.
The person I brought doesn't go to theatre and had never seen clowning. She loved it. If people give it a chance this show, or any clown show for that matter should not make them uncomfortable or scared. It should be taken for what it is. Expressing humanities eccentricities.
This show is a MUST SEE not just for those interested in clowning but also for those who have never seen it. I canât think of a better introduction to this genre. Thank you John Leo, please come back.
Go See This!
by Xerxes Fifield Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A strib review said it best: "This show requires and deserves a full house." The more people you bring, the more enjoyable it will be!
Brilliant Work!
by Kath Corcoran Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I didn't know I was headed to see this show when I attended my first two Fringe shows (ever) tonight. And I really enjoyed this one. From nervous to sympathetic to genuine laughter, it's a great experience and a great piece of clowning and acting.
Fabulous!
by Dan Rooney Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Flat out great... it's funny, heartwarming, sad, vulnerable, and satisfying. John is an extremely honest performer who opens up, draws you in, and takes you on a wonderful ride. There should be a line going around the block for this show. C'mon, midwesterners... quit being afraid of something "different" and come see this worthwhile performance.
Numbers Missing
by Renee Howard Follow this reviewer
Rating 1 kitty
I am sorry to disagree with everyone else, but I found the show painful to watch. It seems that John is a talented actor, but I found the show's material to be discombobulated. None of the scenes flowed together. It is if the audience was promised something exciting, but then nothing ever happened. I also felt that John was not sure of who his clown character was. By the end of the show I did not care what happened to his character, because I never really felt the character's journey. The pace of the show was too slow, and never really picked up. As for the jokes, well, maybe they are funny in NY.
chair butt sex?
by Molly choate Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
Entertained, uncomfortable, giddy, remorseful, and loved, I felt all of these things watching this performance. I loved his use of buffon, simple, and tragic clown. he had such fun just being a chair that it made me wish that the chair really WAS real. this show has fringe written all over it! and you must see it!!
Along with the humor...
by James Kosluchar Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
A real empathetic ride. Plus one of the most unforgettable love sequences ever in a solo performance.
Dirty CLOWN Love!!
by Fringivitis Vulgaris Follow this reviewer
Rating 5 kitties
This is beautiful, physical, elegantly awkward storytelling. It has richness and depth. It has silly songs and finger tricks. It has a Scary Monster and some hypersexual furniture. John Leo (and the truant El Macho del Norte) are not going to stand in front of the audience. Nope, they violate the fourth wall (but they lubricate it well!) and make the audience want more. From red nose to umbrella to saliva, this show is Serious Fun.
A really sweet show
by Sharon Kahn Follow this reviewer
Rating 3 kitties
John Leo is absolutely endearing as the abandoned sidekick desperately trying to keep the audience entertained until the mysterious star of the show turns up. If you sit anywhere near the front rows, expect to be involved in the action. But you'll feel like you're helping out a new friend, not serving as the butt of a joke. John has a real genius for connecting with each audience member, and you'll leave this show with a warm and fuzzy feeling. In fact, this is the only Fringe production I've attended where the audience ends up in a big group hug with the star. There is an extended naughty bit with a surprisingly rude folding chair that makes this show unsuitable for young children, but it's not essentially a "raunchy" show. My husband and I both enjoyed this show a lot, but agreed that some bits went on way too long. As a 20-minute segment in a longer show it could be a small masterpiece.
Lots of fun!
by Kevin McLaughlin Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
Please see this show... it's a really well-crafted and well-performed show full of wide-ranging humor, surprise, and heart.
Where in the world is Macho del Norte?
by paulino brener Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
I am really glad talented out-of-town Fringers choose Minneapolis Fringe Festival to share their shows. John is very funny and he knows how to involve the whole audience (even those who sit alone in a whole different section of the theater). The show seemed a little slow at first and many people (included myself) were a little slow at reacting at some jokes. Is it Brooklyn humor? :-) But then the pace picks up and John brings many surprises up to the very end (which I am not going to spoil here). The house was not bad for a first night but I hope people keep supporting performers from out of town with good shows like John's. Olé!
Inventive and Hilarious
by Kurt Hunter Follow this reviewer
Rating 4 kitties
What a wonderful show! Some of the most original clown work I've seen in a long time. Ongoing hilarity with moments of tenderness. Please check this one out.
