For years Dayton has been an annual stop for Henry Phillips as he travels the comedy circuit, but this visit to Wiley’s will be different as it includes a screening of his semi -fictionalized biographical film, “Punching the Clown.” Fan’s will be able to see the growing legend of Phillips, both on the big screen and in person.
The winner for best feature at Slamdance, as well as receiving high recognition at other film festivals, “Punching the Clown,” will make its Dayton premiere on Wednesday, April 13 at The Neon, 7:30p.m. The screening will be following by a Q & A session by Phillips and likely the performance of a few songs. “I’m looking forward to it, it’s fun to see new reactions to the movie,” said Phillips.
Playing a version of himself in “Punching the Clown,” Phillips is a comedian struggling to find acceptance in Hollywood for his act of creatively written songs. Though not entirely true to life many of the key plot points did occur to Phillips while building his career.
“It’s based on things that happened in my real life. We didn’t want to do a typical feature film and the mock-umentary genre has been done so we kind of mixed the two,” he said.
A positive buzz has been forming about the film, and Phillips is delighted that it has exposed him to a wider audience. Many who’ve seen it, were not previously familiar with his routine.
In the role of himself, Phillips is comfortable but is unsure of his ability to portray any other characters if ever asked to. He would like for his part in, “Punching the Clown,” to continue, by the development of a cable television series or a follow-up film. “We are trying to get the movie popular so people will want more,” said Phillips.
Music has always been in the center of Phillips’s life, he started playing the guitar at 8 years old and was in a number of garage bands during high school. His stage act allows him the opportunity to follow his dreams of music while also delightfully entertaining audiences with songs like; The End of the World, The First Time I Saw You, and She’s Talking Again.
“I love writing music, coming up with lyrics that are funny or unique. I’m fortunate to have found a medium I enjoy where I can play music and make people laugh at the same time,” said Phillips.
After the screening of “Punching the Clown,” on Wednesday, April 13 at The Neon, Phillips will be performing LIVE at Wiley’s the following three nights, April 14 – 16. Thursday at 8 p.m. for $5, Friday at 9 p.m. for $10 and Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for $12. Call 937- 224-JOKE for reservations.
