The Lonesome Mind-Worm Gambling on Hope: Tozy Brings MR. OW to Hollywood Fringe

At The Cat’s Crawl

Imagine a creature born from the depths of a mistake, a lonesome yet glamorous “mind-worm” who spends his time gambling with his own dreams in a high-stakes game of Go Fish. This is the surreal, whimsical world of MR. OW, a modern clown show arriving at the Hollywood Fringe Festival this June after capturing hearts (and “Most Inspiring” awards) in Reno and Denver.

From Shame to Stardom

The character of Mr. Ow didn’t appear out of thin air. He first emerged as a “mistake” controlled by shame in Tozy’s previous acclaimed production, The Curious Revelations and Astounding Insights of the Great Shamé. In that show, the character eventually broke free, offering unexpected wisdom to the audience. Now, he takes center stage as a “Drag Thing” brought to life through a stunning, custom-made costume and Tozy’s unique blend of magic, puppetry, and absurd comedy.

The Art of the “Soft Clown”

Under the direction of Natasha Mercado, the creator of the “Soft Clown” philosophy, the show navigates the delicate intersection of vulnerability and absurdity. Mercado, whom Cirque du Soleil co-creator David Shiner once called “completely out of her mind,” has helped Tozy craft a performance where sensitivity is treated as a strength.

As audience members have noted, the experience is “hypnotically entertaining” and has the power to make you “cry while laughing”. Tozy, a multi-talented performer who hosts everything from Drag Trivia to queer open mics in Reno, specializes in “messing with the audience in the nicest way”

At its core, MR. OW is an exploration of the human condition disguised as a whimsical fever dream. It is a world where inner wisdom and vulnerability collide, offering a “fantastical experience with surprises at every turn”. Whether you are drawn to the traditional magic, the explosively funny improvisational elements, or the “electric” presence of a performer who refuses to be pigeonholed, this show promises to be one of the most unique offerings at this year’s Fringe.

Catch MR. OW at the Hollywood Fringe Festival: June 8, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, and 27 at The Cat’s Crawl (660 N Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles). Tickets available at hollywoodfringe.org.