If you go
› What: Puddles Pity Party› Where: Walker Theatre inside Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave.› When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16› Admission: $29.50 and $39.50 plus fees› For more information: 423-757-5580
He's a melancholy clown who doesn't talk, but lets his singing speak for him.
Puddles (aka Mike Geier of Philadelphia, Penn.) is a 6-foot, 8-inch clown in sad whiteface who makes a Gomer Pyle-to-Jim Nabors transformation when he begins to sing. In a rich baritone voice, he performs covers of current pop hits in an act known as Puddles Pity Party. He never speaks, only mimes.
Puddles first came to national attention in 2013 when he partnered with Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox to record his version of Lorde's hit song "Royals." It instantly went viral on YouTube, and has received more than 22 million views so far. In fact, Lorde named it her favorite cover of her song.
Earlier this year, the sad serenader auditioned for "America's Got Talent," singing Sia's "Chandelier." He won over the skeptical audience and judges, receiving a standing ovation at the end of his performance. Judge Simon Cowell called his act "originality at its best."
Now Puddles is bringing his Pity Party to Walker Theatre inside Memorial Auditorium on Saturday night, Dec. 16.
Reviews of Puddles Pity Party performances at other venues range from "Last night I watched a gigantic clown chew gum and sing 'Under Pressure' while forcing an audience member to eat pastries" from one blogger to "It seems like a parody. But when Puddles opens his mouth to sing, it's beautiful" from The Boston Globe.
The sad clown will pull some new, emotional anthems from his suitcase. But with any Pity Party performance, Puddles' set is peppered with a brilliant sense of the absurd, mixing lots of humor with the awkward, tender moments. So bring your Kleenex - and get ready to laugh.
For more information: 423-757-5580.