Garbo and company present comedy as light as air

By ALICIA SPATES

H&R Staff Writer

"Come laugh at inflation" with the Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Co. at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

This fast-paced and energetic show, called "Helium light and hilarious" by the New York Times, features Garbo and Daielma Santos. The duo mesmerizes its audience with "imaginative imagery," comedic antics and gigantic inflatable props.

Garbo, creator of the 16-year-old show, said the show is something to experience visually with its vibrant colors, juggling and illusions and its numerous inflatable props.

A large number of inflatable animation pieces have been created for the production, including shapes, costumes, animals and furniture.

"A whole atmosphere is created from this inflatable world," Garbo said. "The show is very unique."

And how unique is a ballerina's dress that suddenly begins to grow and ends up engulfing her whole body or Fred Zeplin, the inflatable man?

"(The show) stirs together like a vaudeville production," Garbo said, describing some parts as funny and others as beautiful. He added that the surprise at the end is a definite reason to see the show.

Bringing back vaudeville, the Inflatable Theater Co. is full of comedy skits and some improvisation, most of which include Brazilian ballerina Santos.

Santos, a choreographer and teacher, has performed in Brazil and Uruguay and is a continuing guest artist with the Portland, Maine Ballet Company.

"Her athletic grace and radiant charm have been an integral part of the company's success," Garbo said in a letter to his audience.

Garbo is a long-time professional performer who has been the chief juggler in the hit Broadway musical "Barnum" and has played in costume as Sesame Street's Barkley the Dog.

Garbo said the show is universal and transcends barriers of language and age. He added he has played for elderly groups, as well as just finished playing for college students at Brigham Young University in Idaho where they were well received.

"It is a shock to the audience," Garbo said. "An interesting evolution is how I put it. The audience will be completely surprised with this unique world we've made."

Alicia Spates can be reached at aspates@;herald-review.com or 421-6986.