A good impersonation can be indistinguishable from the real thing, which is why Method actors are no longer allowed to play dictators. Take in a safer form of imitation with this deal.

The Deal

• Brian Hoffman’s Remembering Red – A Tribute to Red Skelton
• When: September 29–December 30, Saturdays through Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
• Where: Westin Hotel
• Seating: general admission
• Door time: 1:30 p.m.
• Ticket values include all fees.<p>

Ticketing Options

• $16 for one ticket (up to a $46.63 value)
• $30 for two tickets (up to a $93.26 value)<p>

Brian Hoffman’s Remembering Red – A Tribute to Red Skelton

For Brian Hoffman, Red Skelton’s material isn’t just the source of his tribute act, but a fragment of his own childhood. In his biography, Hoffman remembers watching the legendary comedian perform on his variety show until its end in 1971, when Hoffman himself was 10 years old. Perhaps it was this influence that would lead the fledgling entertainer to pursue his own comedic career, eventually being inspired by one of his regular audience members to recreate Skelton’s trademark characters. Among the colorful cast are the bickering seagull twosome Gertrude and Heathcliff, befuddled bumpkin Clem Kadiddlehopper, and Freddie the Freeloader, known for his social faux pas and meandering footwork. In between each of these portrayals, Hoffman performs bits of evocative pantomime. It’s another note taken from Skelton, who famously loved miming and hated props due to his strong existentialist beliefs. When the decades have passed and the evening is about to end, Hoffman finally bids the audience adieu with Red Skelton’s customary variety-show closing, “Good night and may God bless.”<p>