Ryan Chartrand“It’s the most exciting comedy extravaganza in the world.”
That is the classic tongue-in-cheek response Jon Wee gives when asked to describe their act in his own terms.
Wee’s friend and business partner, Owen Morse, takes a more subtle approach.
“It’s hard to categorize,” Morse said. “The juggling is important but it’s definitely more of a comedy show that appeals to audiences of all ages.”
Collectively, Wee and Morse are the two main elements that form the comedic juggling duo known as The Passing Zone.
Performing together for more than 18 years, Wee and Morse deliver an excellent stage show. Weaved throughout with a combination of brilliant juggling sequences as well as comedic bantering and hilarious one-liners, they are worthy of rivaling such greats as Martin and Lewis or Abbott and Costello.
“We try not to take it too seriously,” Wee said. “We’re just out there to have a good time and create a good time for others. The more fun we’re having, the more fun the audience has.”
Even when it comes to somewhat serious matters such as injuries, both of the guys try to keep things on a lighter tone.
“There have (been) a few bumps, bruises and scrapes but nothing too serious,” Wee said. “We still have all of our limbs and all of our fingers.”
Morse quickly internalizes the comment and fires right back with smooth, comedic grace.
“The audience members haven’t been as lucky,” Morse quipped. “But we really try not to bring that up.”
Audience members are treated to fantastic feats of juggling prowess, including multiple clubs, rings and even a bowling ball.
Some other show highlights included two very funny bits. The first is when the guys juggle the “three most loved TV commercial items.” The items are supposed to be dangerous, heavy and an animal. Items juggled actually turn out to be the “garden weasel,” dangerous because of the pointy ends; “the club,” heavy because “it weighs 2,000 pounds when it’s connected to the car,” and the “Chia Pet” because “we’re no longer allowed to juggle a real animal.”
Another highlight was a hilarious yet dangerous skit involving, of all things, wearing tutus while juggling chainsaws. Wee and Morse disappear behind an on-stage screen to change. Some comedy ensues and the guys return dressed in ballet outfits complete with pink tutus. During the bit, they tragically dance to “Swan Lake” and juggle three live chainsaws.
Wee said the nervous factor definitely comes into play with the chainsaw segment.
“We’re always a little on edge during that one,” he said. “It’s one of those routines where not only is it hard to do, but it’s really bad to mess up, for every reason.”
Audience member Robert Garcia, of Atascadero, said that the chainsaws made him somewhat nervous.
“I was sitting in the front row and those things were buzzing away,” he said. “I got nervous at first but they showed they were in total control of the situation.”
Garcia said that he was impressed with the show Wee and Morse put on as a whole.
“These guys were working with really dangerous objects like fire, knives and chainsaws,” Garcia said. “Overall, I think they did a really great job.”
During the course of the show, Wee and Morse selected audience members to participate at specific key moments. One of those key moments was during the sickle toss.
Wee and Morse select an audience member, explicitly pointing out the fact that they are someone “who doesn’t want to participate” and get them to, well, participate.
Tom Hale, of San Luis Obispo, was brought to the stage and outfitted accordingly. While Hale balanced a number of spinning plates and flaming torches, Wee and Morse juggled six sharp sickles around Hale. As Wee and Morse explained, in tones both perfectly dramatic yet comedic, they would perform this trick “while risking Tom’s life for your amusement”; the audience roared with laughter.
Morse talked about the genuine response that Hale gave while he was on stage.
“Tom was a good sport,” Morse said. “What you get to see is an honest reaction of how somebody feels when they’re put in that situation.”
Hale said that during the sickle throwing trick, nerves were never a factor for him.
“No, I wasn’t nervous about it, I just put my trust in them,” Hale said. “I felt like they knew what they were doing because they’ve done it plenty of times.”
Hale said that although he did not expect to be part of the show, he was glad he did it.
“I never thought I would be in the show, by any means,” he said. “It was kind of a treat and I feel lucky that they picked me.”
For the duo’s grand finale, three audience members were brought to the stage, properly outfitted, rigged into harnesses and then juggled by Wee and Morse.
Of course, when it comes to performing a stunt like people juggling, Morse said getting it right can become a lengthy process.
“Just trying to figure out all the logistics for that trick in particular,” Morse said, “is something that we’ve worked on for a number of years.”
Both agree that fun is fun but safety is the primary concern. When it comes to safety in the show, they rely on their behind-the-scenes man: Kirk Vriesman.
The first thing Vriesman talked about is making sure the show runs smoothly.
“My official job title is technical director,” Vriesman said. “It’s my job to make sure that the show goes off without a hitch.”
Vriesman said that his job really centers around the people juggling finale and their safety.
“A big part of my job involves what is called technical rigging,” Vriesman said. “We obviously want to make sure the people that are being juggled remain safe.”
Matt Howell, a business finance and accounting junior, was one of the three picked to participate in the finale. He said that being juggled was something he won’t soon forget.
“I didn’t know what to expect going up on stage,” Howell said. “To be thrown around like that was definitely an experience.”
Howell said the trick made him a bit nervous but then Wee and Morse demonstrated complete mastery.
“It was just crazy because I was coming really close to those other two guys,” Howell said. “I thought I was going to hit them but they were totally in control the whole time.”
Howell is also a juggler. He said that with regards to Wee and Morse, they command a definite respect.
“I juggled when I was younger and still do, so I went to the circuit where they were at,” Howell said. “These guys are really well regarded in the whole community.”
Over the course of their career, Wee and Morse have received many awards and honors. They are the recipients of five Guinness World Records in the sport of juggling.
They have performed for monarchs and presidents, most notably Prince Charles in London and President Bush at the White House.
They have opened for the likes of Bill Cosby, George Carlin and “Weird Al” Yankovic, among many others.
For more information on The Passing Zone, go to www.passingzone.com.