THREE clowns are better than one. Just ask any fan of the Three Stooges – or Dick Monday of the New York Goofs.
“Comically, it’s a wonderful situation,” says Monday, who got his first big laugh, albeit inadvertently, at age 9 when he tripped on a gym mat and fell on his face.
“In a trio show like this, it’s always two against one.”
See for yourself today at noon, when he and his fellow Goof troupers Joel Jeske and Tiffany Riley clown around at Symphony Space.
Expect slapstick and spinning plates, lots of juggling and lyrical interludes on everything from alto sax to musical saw.
The Goofs will even draft a few people from the audience into the act – rubber noses not required.
Monday wears his own red nose proudly.
“At the heart of everything we do, we’re still circus clowns,” Monday says. “We’re keeping alive a certain style.”
In more ways in one: He and Tiffany Riley aren’t just clowns – they’re also husband and wife, and the proud parents of two potential cut-ups, 4-month-old Lily and 31/2-year-old Chet.
And while their hour-long show is recommended for ages 4 and up, Monday says, Chet will be there.
“He doesn’t miss any of our performances. He’s already starting to juggle!”
Symphony Space is at 2537 Broadway at 95th Street. For tickets, $11, call (212) 864-5400.
There’ll be more juggling and clowning around tomorrow at the Jewish Museum, which celebrates its 100th birthday with a free family bash.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., there’ll be storytelling, live music and merriment. The museum is at 1109 Fifth Ave., at 92nd Street. For more information, call (212) 423-3200.