"One of the Top Ten Reasons to Go Out During the Week!"
-- The Washington Post
"Freaks and weirdos are no strangers to the Palace of Wonders but even the most bizarre or eccentric acts pale in comparison to the bar's Weirdo Show, held every third Thursday of the month. This month's show features sword swallowers, fire dancers, burlesque performers, and, um, a Scottish cowboy. Plus--Mr. Jesus H. Christ himself will make a rare appearance! Now, how can you turn that down, huh?" --The Washingtonian
"Professor Sprocket demonstrated why he is known as the 'Talker of Renown'...he did an amusing 'Guess Your Weight' skit and sounded like he had just stepped off the midway. Great comic relief...This guy is terrific!"
-- Walt Hudson, Sideshow World
"Palace of Wonders remains one of the city's unique nightspots. Each time you walk into the H Street bar, there's a chance you'll see someone doing a) something involving fire, b) something involving a really sharp object or c) a scantily clad woman. And if action movies have taught me anything, it's that fire, really sharp objects and scantily clad women are the most exciting things in the world. Tonight is the club's montly Weirdo Show, and it seems that most of the sweet spots mentioned earlier will be on display, with burlesque, vaudeville, dance, circus, sideshow and variety acts. Like you aren't intrigued." -- The Washington Post
"The evening started with a bang and a pastie, emceed by the hypnotic Professor Sprocket. Soon burlesque artist Shortstaxx stormed the tiny stage. She was followed by the duo of Dutch and Dupp, Magician extraordinaire Brian Wendell Morton, and then fire artist Malibu. After a brief break the show resumed with more burlesque, a feisty and fun girl dancing with a hula-hoop to the Devynl's "I Touch Myself." More Brian, and finally Silver Raven, dancing with a flaming sword and finally, spinning poi on that tiny stage! I was beside myself with glee. I'm still amazed such a place exists within DC. If you really can't leave your desk job but dream of running away to join the circus, you really need to plan a visit to Palace of Wonders."
-- Cynthia Rudzis, Yelp
"I have fallen in ~love~ with Professor Sprocket. I would say, without reservation, that he is the area's BEST front side talker! He has elevated the pitch to a new art! I highly advise catching him at every opportunity!
-- Mab Just Mab, DC’s Premier Sideshow Girl
"Professor Sprocket hosts and produces ‘The Weirdo Show’ seen every third Thursday at the Palace of Wonders. His minions of mayhem and the macabre, run from the classic sideshows acts to burlesque to the simply inexplicable. Like the exploding whale video on YouTube, it has to be seen to be believed."
-- Alexander Kensington, The National Podcasting Company
The Weirdo Show, a genuine variety/vaudeville sideshow, has played host to legends of the Comedy and Burlesque worlds from both the U.S. and the U.K., as well as Music from ukulele to musical saw. We have also amazed you with Variety Arts, Sword Swallowing, Prestigitation, Dance, Multi-Media Extravaganzas, Sideshow Thrills, Aerial Acts, Juggling, Trick Roping, Juggling, Geek Acts, Freak Shows, and the most astounding attractions of the past and present, not to forget our signature Belly Dance artist Belladonna, and oursignature Fire Dancers Malibu and Silver Raven.
On Thursday May 21, the Weirdo Show proudly presented it's Last Show -- the best of the best from out last 30 Shows! After two wonderful years of bringing you weird, strange, unbelievable freaks, wonders and curiosities, as well as the best in the variety arts, the Weirdo Show folded it’s tattered tent, but we went out in an explosion of wonderment and excitement! The roustabouts have pulled up stakes, the canvasmen have kicked back, and there's nothing on the lot but lots of great memories.
If you weren't there, don't despair. The Professor isn't quite ready to retire. He'll be doing quarterly variety shows at the Palace of Wonders, broadcasting/podcasting, working up in Coney Island and Baltimore, and perhaps even touring. It's time to remake and retool, so Look Out for the Launch of Version 2.0 of our Really Big Show! Keep posted on all the latest Sprocket happenings RIGHT HERE on This Page!
The Weirdo Show Is A Byproduct Of
Who I'd like to meet: Performers, variety artists, and a whole lotta wonderful "show people" I've yet to meet, not to mention YOU.
In town for Thanksgiving? Skip the malls and bring the family to roller derby Nov. 29!
Tickets are $12 for ages 12 and up, $6 for ages 6-11 and free for kids 5 and under. On sale now through Ticketmaster (service charge applies) or for face value at the door.
Sports junkie? Our announcers will provide college football score updates throughout the bout.
Do-gooder? Bring an item from the Capital Area Food Bank's most wanted list and you will be entered into a halftime drawing.
What a great pleasure it was to meet you at the Gathering! You have a real silver tongue on the bally stage; after a couple of minutes I was reaching for my wallet!
Ah Professor. Last night's wonderful Weirdo show rejuvenated and renewed my commitment to being a live performer and burlesquer (i was having an existential crisis). it was so great to be back on the Palace Weirdo stage among friends, family (that's what we are i feel) and kindred spirits. i was also so happy to perform with Silver Raven in her last Weirdo performance. she truly is an incredible artist. With great love, respect and admiration~Staxx
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