Everywhere you look, a new spirit is revitalizing the world's stages: Penn and Teller, Bill Irwin, Ricky Jay, Cirque du Soleil, Il Circo. Add Charlie Frye & Company to that exclusive list.

Acknowledged America's rich vaudeville tradition, these innovative new performers synthesize virtuosic skills and a passionate love of their art into something classic yet undeniably fresh – something that astounds even as it entertains.

For the last dozen years, Charlie and his wife Sherry have been delighting audiences worldwide with their singular blend of silent comedy, slapstick, magic, juggling and acrobatics. Charlie has even been compared to classic comedians such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Stan Laurel and Dick Van Dyke.

If the setup sounds a bit like a two-ring circus, that's not surprising. Charlie, whose father and grandfather were entertainers, has been making people laugh since he was a child. Sherry spent her youth attending a performing arts school, where she studied ballet.

The couple met at Ringling Brothers. Charles was a clown, Sherry performed daring feats as an aerialist. A respected vaudevillian, George Carl, recognized Charlie's true talents and convinced him to ditch the clown. "He took my costume and threw it in the trash," Charlie said. "He said, 'You don't work that way anymore. You work this way,' and pulled one of his old costumes out of the closet. That was the first time I performed without make-up, and the husband/wife act was born." It quickly proved to be something that everyone could identify with.

The act is a winning combination. Charlie plays the rubber-faced, put-upon juggler/magician. Sherry plays his elaborately bored, beautiful assistant. Charlie amazes; Sherry yawns.

Charlie Frye & Company has thrilled audiences around the world – Australia, Africa, Europe, Asia – in many exotic venues. Return engagements were common; so were distinguished fans, such as the royal family of Monaco. But as America's taste became more sophisticated and physical comedy enjoyed a renaissance, Sherry and Charlie felt the time was ripe to return home.

It was a good career move. Charlie Frye & Company has taken the United States by storm in the last two years: frequent appearances in their home base of Las Vegas, including star billing in the Folies Bergere at the Tropicana Hotel, performances with Liza Minnelli, starring in an internationally syndicated television special, "The World's Top Shows," and a featured role in Tom Hanks' film, "That Thing You Do."

What next for Charlie Frye & Company? "There's a positive feeling in the air," Frye said. "People are seeking out variety acts again. Unusual forms of entertainment are in demand, and we feel very fortunate that we fit the bill." As the world rediscovers the wonder and delight of stage comedy, juggling and magic, Charlie Frye & Company is certain to become a name – and two faces – that everyone knows.
Charlie Frye & Company may be available for your next special event.
Contact us!

  Back to Roster of Variety Acts

  Fast Index

  Home