March 10-16, 2005

mixpicks

From the Pound Up

pet project

Gregory Popovich's Comedy and Pet Theatre tour might only have one leg, but it runs on about 100. With an animal cast including 14 cats and eight dogs, the only time Popovich doesn't have his hands full onstage is when he's defying his arms-to-objects-in-the-air ratio. Hailed as a world champion juggler, he updates this skill by doing it while balancing on a 10-foot freestanding ladder.

Think those are high standards? Popovich hand-picked every animal in the show from shelters around the country, choosing them based on "who has personality and energy." Apparently his audition process has worked so far — no doggy divas have left for solo careers, and from the looks of it, the 'lines and 'nines have avoided creative differences. But paws don't push the whole program. Popovich enjoys the variety of the eight-person show, which features acrobats, clowns and plenty of physical comedy. And it's for all ages: Watching kitties catapult themselves through tiny hoops is a universal crowd pleaser. When you have 14 of them scurrying around at once, it makes for a hilarity ballet, not to mention Popovich's favorite part of the show. Check it out, choose your own and be sure to bring some unopened pet food for the local animal shelter collection.

Comedy and Pet Theatre featuring Gregory Popovich, Sat., March 12, 2 and 7:30 p.m., $11.50-$14.50, Keswick Theatre, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside, 215-572-7650.

—Nick Norlen