Preposterous! a Happenstance Clown Circus

Happenstance Returns!

July 23, 2024, 1pm

PREPOSTEROUS! is a sophisticated, family-friendly, pocket-sized clown circus in which charming vintage clowns play circus animals, sing as a human calliope, do the classic circus mirror routine with a twist, invent a number of ridiculous "entrées", perform live music, and execute a very satisfying slow motion number involving a pie.

“Happenstance Theater is a delightfully precise group of actor/clowns, all hell bent on making you smile. It will be a smile that goes directly to your heart. If they're in your neighborhood, grab a friend or relative and hurry to buy a couple of tickets. You'll be sure to have a wonderful time.” Paul Binder, Founder, Big Apple Circus

PREPOSTEROUS! premiered in the summer of 2017 at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s 50th Anniversary featuring CIRCUS ARTS and it has been performed at The National Theater as part of their Saturday Morning family series. The show is a pared down version of the award winning production IMPOSSIBLE! A Happenstance Circus about which the Washington Post said "Happenstance Theater specializes in the old skills - physical theater, clowning, mime - all served here with winking whimsy."

Happenstance Theater is a winner of 5 Helen Hayes Awards has been called “DC’s leading peddler of whimsy” by the Washington Post.

Featuring Mark Jaster, Sabrina Mandell, Gwen Grastorf, Sarah Olmsted Thomas and Alex Vernon.

photos by Leslie Swan Photography

Host or Publisher The Waterfront Museum