Jackson clowns around with cleaning-up routine

Solo star and clown of Manitou Art Theater’s “My Silly Leftovers,” Jim Jackson is cleaning out his closet.

Jackson’s new show — about discovering “hidden treasures” while doing a chore — is a combination of the clown tricks and tomfoolery he’s mastered for the past three decades, he said. The show debuts at 7 p.m. today and runs through Sunday.

“The show is really about this clown that’s trying to clean out his closet,” said Jackson, who will perform as his alter-ego, Art Guffaw.

Audiences will be familiar with the magic and juggling and giant bubbles, which Jackson has performed before, but the show will focus on familiar situations and props, such as chores and brooms, Jackson said.

“It’s certainly not a traditional play; it’s not reaching out to children, it’s making them laugh,” he said.

Although most of his acts have been done before, Jackson will perform new ones inspired by old tricks.

“I can’t tell you what they are,” Jackson said. “So much hinges on the element of surprise.”

Tonight’s performance will be followed by ice cream for the audience. There will be treats and an art painting after the shows Saturday and Sunday.

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