GARDINER — The Big-Time Vaudeville Show brings to the stage two incomparable variety performers – Michael Trautman and Michael Menes. Clowning! Juggling! Feats of magic and illusion! Light show! and more, in this family-friendly show at Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center, 280 Water St., Gardiner,  at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21.

These performers have traveled around the world, wowing audiences with their magical, amazing talents. The show is a perfectly-blended mix of expert juggling, magic, stunning slapstick, eccentric comedy, incredible illusions, and evocative variety-theater. The performance is the last in the Center Stage Series at Johnson Hall, co-sponsored by Kennebec Savings Bank and Valentine Green Music. The show is supported by Downeast Energy. Ticket prices are: Adult $16, Johnson Hall Member $14, Child (under 13) $10. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 582-7144 or email [email protected]. More information is available on Johnson Hall’s website: www.johnsonhall.org.

Trautman is variously identified as a visual comic, performance artist, new vaudevillian, mime, physical comedian, storyteller, magician, and fool, but he claims only to be a clown. He has appeared in such prestigious venues as the New York International Festival of Clown Theater, Festival D’Ete in Quebec, the General Jackson Showboat at Opryland USA, the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Michael was an artist-in-residence at Mabou Mines Theater Company in New York City, and has also been an artist-in-residence for the drama department of The Catholic University of America where he adapted and directed Alfred Jarry’s Ubu Roi. In the 1999-2000 season, Michael was the star clown in the national tour of OOPS! The Big Apple Circus Stage Show directed by Tony Walton. In the fall of 2006 Michael had the pleasure of working with Walton on a production of Busker Alley starring Jim Dale and Glenn Close.

Michael Menes (pronounced “men-ness”) is simply one of the most creative jugglers in the world today. Featuring exquisite juggling numbers, inventive physical comedy, mesmerizing special effects, audience interaction, amazement, laughter and much,  much more… his show is  an appealing mix that transcends age, language, and cultural barriers. He has performed for theatrical circuses like Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Voila!, and Cirque Ingenieux; for more than a dozen luxury cruise lines; at theaters and festivals around the world, and on television shows from Beijing to Brazil. Menes home base is near Portland.