Stage Scene
Be prepared for snowy indulgence at 'Slava's'

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

No matter your age, you can enjoy an entertaining blizzard of delight at "Slava's Snowshow," which is at Hawai'i Theatre until Sunday. Russian clown Slava Polunin created the show, which premiered in Moscow eight years ago and has been staged in more than 100 theaters worldwide. 'Slava's Snowshow' Hawai'i Theatre 7:30 p.m. today; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1:30 p.m. Sunday $40 and $55, with discounts ($20 off $55 tickets, $15 off $40 tickets) for students, military and seniors 62 and older 528-0506 (Hawai'i Theatre), 526-4400 (Ticket Plus) Also: Jan. 3-4, 7:30 p.m. Castle Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center. (808) 242-7469.

If you go, here are 10 things you should know:

1. It's OK to frolic in the "snow" — paper tissue that drizzles from the heights, creating a blanket of white. Everyone does.

2. It's almost required that you get into a snow fight, too. The kids love it. Adults can't resist balling up wads of the white stuff, to toss in the air, or at someone. Even Slava's clowns get into the act. (And yes, you may throw back).

3. It's best to be in orchestra seating, because you get the full effect of the blizzard. And you don't have to put on woolies or wear mittens.

4. The show really begins before the curtain, so arrive early — and stay late (see No. 10). Watching kids prance through the confetti on the floor is delightful. They have so much fun, a little parental supervision is prudent.

5. If you have to take a break for a potty run at intermission hurry back into the theater. There will be wads of additional white "snow" everywhere, with clowns bringing out bucketfuls for patrons. Adults can act like children, and the usually stringent ushers won't scoot you back to your seat.

6. It's also a perk to be in orchestra seating to participate in the pre-intermission web that swooshes over the heads of the viewers, enveloping and unifying all cheering souls. Even if you've been through this part of Slava's snow flow before, it's interactive fun. Balcony patrons will want to scurry downstairs to be caught in the white cottony thing that winds up in your clothes and hair, but who cares?

7. The "snow" is recycled; when there's a ton of the stuff on the floor, blowers swoosh it into a pile and it's saved for another go in another show.

8. It is OK to take home some of the snow as a souvenir. Doesn't melt. Lots more when it came from.

9. Bring the kids, even young ones. If they've never been to a theatrical event like this, prep them about audience courtesies, such as being quiet when the stage mood is somber and hushed. But tell them they can scream, clap, cheer, jump up — taking cues from the rest of the crowd and the clowns.

10. Do not go home right after the snowstorm. It ain't over yet. For 10 to 15 minutes after the official performance, you will have a ball. Literally. OK, here's the secret: Four huge balls are released from the stage and into the house for a volley of outrageous fun.

"Slava's Snowshow" ultimately has bounce and flounce to spare — it's truly a winter wonderland of enchantment.