Bello Bros. Circus #1 (From Chic Silber)

BELLO MANIA AT THE NEW VICTORY THEATER MARCH 15 THROUGH MARCH 31 Though his business card may read "America's Best Clown," roping Bello Nock in with giant shoes and tiny cars is selling him way, way short. The guy is a master, pulling off acrobatic feats with ease, and performing physical comedy with the precision of Chaplin and the cheeriness of Martin Short. And now, in the small but gorgeous New Victory Theater, audiences have never been closer to the great clown. Bello's unique abilities are rooted in a long family history of performance. His parents, one Swiss and the other Italian, met under the big top. And Bello's daughter, Annaliese Nock, represents "eight generations of performing Nocks." A slideshow playing before the lights go down offers a thoughtful, and personal, tribute to this legacy. Joining Bello are show host Dave Cox and performer Zebulon Fricke. As Bello's hard-working assistant, Fricke walks a fine tight-rope, and can take a fake kick to the face with the best of them. Annalise is also featured, including a solo act in which she dangles high above from a giant ring. As her act closes, Bello is at the edge of the stage, sitting with a giant smile, appearing more as the proud father than outrageous clown. It's heartwarming, for a second. Then, his chair breaks apart, collapsing with a loud "bang." Daughter or no daughter, there's no upstaging Bello. It's hard to imagine anyone, young or old, not having a wonderful time at Bello Mania. The show is funny, the acts impressive, and as framed by the historic New Victory Theater, as close to a true vaudeville experience as you'll ever find.