Kyle Jozsa is a theatre artist from Akron who recently helped reopen the Akron Center for Art, Music, and Performance (#AMPupAKRON). Nici Romo is also a theatre artist from Akron and is the founder of Dunamis Theatre. They referred all questions to their representatives, Don T. Matters and Ima B. Voting, who will be making clowns of themselves during the “Joy of Voting Debate” at Wandering Aesthetics’ “Bigger Than a Breadbox: Akron’s Legends of Tomorrow” on Saturday, November 17.
Describe your legend: In the far future, what will people say about you?
Ima: Whoa! That is quite a question. My legend will be… legions of voters in America! 100% voter turnout!
Don: Pancakes! So many pancakes! People will come far and wide to eat my pancakes! International House of Matters!
And that’s what Matters!
Ima B. Voting (Nici Romo) and Don T. Matters (Kyle Jozsa) in a rare moment of camaraderie before going head-to-head in the “Joy of Voting Debate.” (Photo: Wandering Aesthetics)
Who/what are the legends that influence(d) you as a performer?
Ima: Lucille Ball! She’s a classic clown, and I aspire to be her one day. Notorious RBG! Nothing gets me more fired up than a classic Gins-burn!
Don: Two names: Ronald McDonald and Joe Biden. Joe is a friend of mine from clown college.
And that’s what Matters!
What is your artistic origin story?
Ima: When I was younger, I was not ready for clown college, so I went to clown pre-school. Eventually, my grades were good enough to get into NOSE college. I majored in political science and pie throwing. It was there that I found my love for voting and clowning.
Don: I come from a long, long line of clowns. All the way back to the Pagliaccis of Clowntonia. I went to SHOES– the best clown college! I know all the best clowns! That’s where I met my best friend Joe Biden, in our a capella group Funny Noizes. I’m forever grateful to Joe; I was a silent clown until he encouraged me to speak.
And that’s what Matters!
Describe your superhero costume.
Ima: Wow! My costume would be an American flag I could wear like a sandwich board. And big red shoes!
Don: Mine would be a plaid leotard onesie that turns me invisible– except for my nose. (Mr. Matters inappropriately shoots seltzer water.)
And that’s what Matters!
Who is your arch nemesis?
Ima: I used to look up to Don, but he now rubs my cookies the wrong way. I’d like to meet him in a dark alley with a pie.
Don: Hard to believe, but my arch nemesis is our “ring girl” Mizz Bizzness. She keeps upstaging me. I asked for her number, and she said “five”.
And that’s what Matters!
What kind of clown doesn’t vote?
Ima: That would be a dead clown. They’d have to be laid up in a box. Or… in someone’s basement.
Don: Anyone who doesn’t vote is a clown! Duh! Sheeple!
And that’s what Matters!
Who would you like to see be president in 2020?
Ima: I would really like to see Bozo the Clown. (The interviewer points out that Bozo is dead.) Oh [expletive]! Shirtballs!
Don: I think it’s obvious: My friend Joe Biden. I’m going to help him grow a ponytail. One tail, one vote.
And that’s what Matters!
Can you rock the vote?
Ima: Yeah! I voted hard on Tuesday! I filled every single bubble! I got more than one sticker! And a lemon bar from Dorothy! The poll workers were very proud!
Don: I totally rock the vote. I can stick the vote, leaf the vote, I can water the vote… filling ballot boxes with water sounds like fun.
And that’s what Matters!
***
Join Wandering Aesthetics for another rendition of Bigger Than A Breadbox, Akron’s rousing variety show.
“Akron’s Legends of Tomorrow”, the third #AkronBreadbox production, features a diverse array of artistic talent as they explore legends in Akron, from past to present.
This live vaudeville performance explores Akron’s cultural heritage and celebrates those artists who work to preserve it.
Featuring music, comedy, poetry, art (and a few surprises), this variety show has something for everyone!
“Bigger Than a Breadbox: Akron’s Legends of Tomorrow” takes place on Saturday, November 17 at Bricco Prime (4315 Manchester Road, Akron) in Portage Lakes. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 for two and are available at https://www.watheatre.com/boxoffice.
