By Kate Bartlett
America’s Got Talent (AGT) winner Puddles Pity Party will perform at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown this Friday, November 8th at 7:30pm. This 7-foot sad clown has stunned audiences across the globe with his golden voice singing standards, pop hits and more. Puddles’ act is a unique form of entertainment combining melancholy with his powerful voice, creating a theatrical performance to remember.
During season 12 (2017) of AGT, Puddles Pity Party introduced himself to the world as a sad white-faced clown. He spoke no words, conveying voice only through song, powerful and unique. His operatic renditions of popular songs captivated the judges and audience alike, each performance creating the complete wow-factor. He advanced to the quarter-finals, where he was ultimately eliminated from the competition, but has been successfully making a career touring the globe ever since.
His shows include a mix of silent prop comedy, mime, and audience participation with songs interplayed throughout. Puddles has a depressed persona and refrains from speaking or giving interviews. However, he cooperated with The Villager providing the following responses to our questions, giving some insight into the depth of Puddles the Clown.
Villager (V): What is your background? Where did you go to school? What were younger years like?
Puddles (P): I guess you could say I went to the School of Hard Knocks. But I must confess, I played hooky a lot. Most of my time was spent singing and goofing on my PawPaw’s shrimp boat. That’s where I picked up my shrimp cocktail habit.
V: How would you introduce Puddles to our readers? How would you describe him?
P: I would say, “Oh hello, my name is Puddles. I’m an old song and dance man from way back. I love coffee, pie and a good cry. And Kevin Costner is awesome.” I would say that if I was the talkin’ type. But I don’t really talk that much. And frankly, that bit about Kevin Costner goes without saying.
V: What is the inspiration behind Puddles?
P: Fellowship through music. And, of course, Kevin Costner.
V: Puddles early years? Shows and style? How has it evolved through the years?
P: Back in the old days, I’d set up a little show in the frozen food section at my local Piggly Wiggly. I’d do some singing, maybe a juggle or two. I’d finish off the show with a big sing-along to “I Was Born Under a Wandering Star.” The manager would pay me in frozen shrimp to support my ever-evolving shrimp cocktail habit. Simpler times then. Long before my doctor started advising me about high cholesterol.
V: What is your favorite thing about performing?
P: Meeting every single audience member at the show for my patent-pending “Puddles Cuddles” selfie op.
V: What makes Puddles unique?
P: The fact that a journalist is taking their valuable time to interview a silly goon like me. I love this country! But seriously, even though I may stand out in a crowd with my fancy dress, I’m just like everybody else. We’re all the same, us humans. And we’re all in this crazy world together.
V: What’s next for Puddles?
P: I’m about to embark on a surreal transcontinental train odyssey! Armed only with my suitcase of oversized handkerchiefs, The Oxford English Dictionary and a mysterious accordion that only plays in minor keys. I’ll be boarding the legendary “Locomotive of Lost Laments,” a train that’s been missing since 1872. It only appears once a century to transport lucky entertainers across the wilderness.
Wait, that’s the dream I had last night. In real life, I’ll be finishing up my album of original tunes and getting ready for my shows in Alaska and the UK. Then I’ll hop on the bus with my pal Weird Al for his Bigger and Weirder Tour this summer, playing 70 shows all over the US.
V: Anything else to add?
P: I’m pretty sure that last answer was my big finish. But I am looking forward to meeting the good people of Chautauqua County and hoping I’ll have time to visit the National Comedy Center. Say, where is the best place in Jamestown for a nice cortado and perchance a piece of pie?
It’s clear that Puddles doesn’t break character, and he is dedicated to his act. For a night of unforgettable entertainment, see Puddles live at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown on Friday, November 8th at 7:30pm. Tickets available online https://reglenna.com/upcoming and at the door. Tickets have sold out all over the globe.