Just throwing this out there about an idea I had a while ago.

It's a stage routine centered around a 'Charlie Chaplin (CC)' type character.

Imagine the stage looked like a back alley from the 1950's, garbage cans, boxes, papers, etc..

The tune 'The Entertainer' is playing throughout the show, which is otherwise silent.

Along comes (CC) looking through the bins / boxes for something to eat, he makes a makeshift table by putting a couple of boxes together and starts pulling things out of the bins like empty tins, a 'cartoon type' fish bone, etc.

He pulls out a piece of paper that is sticky and manages to pull it off his hand, as he rummages further he brings out a discarded wand, which sticks to his hand.

As he flicks his hand to unstick the wand something magical happens (I'm not sure what though).

CC realizes that by 'waving' the magic wand he can preform magic, he manages to pull it from his hand and then proceeds to create a great feast from empty things, transforming things, a whole host of magical miracles.

When he's finished the table is festooned with edible goodies and then sits down to enjoy the meal only to be stopped by a policeman who happens to be patrolling the alley. Try as he might the policeman won't let CC have anything and moves him on his way.

Just as CC leaves the stage he lifts up his bowler hat he's had from the beginning and finds a cake there which he promptly eats before being chased off stage by the policeman.

Just though I'd share that.

I love it! As long as you keep it nostalgic I think it could kill! I think it would be great for a short dinner show

Thanks.

Have you seen Paul Romhany before? He does an amazing Chaplin magic act.

Love it MadLad! Charlie is such an everlasting character and I think even modern audiences would appreciate this nostalgic trip. If one lets your mind go to other characters, I think there are many more such routines one can use.

Sounds like a winner. Do it.

The idea of The Tramp magically creating a meal seems like a good premise (and if there was ever a good excuse for a dancing cane effect to be used ... ) .

I think the main issue is if you have the mime skills to successfully imitate Chaplin ? It's more than just donning the mustache , the bowler hat and cane, and the baggy costume .
The premise still works for a tramp (or to be politically correct: "homeless person") who isn't necessarily based on Chaplin's tramp character.

I'm not sure I get what you're saying here: "Imagine the stage looked like a back alley from the 1950's, garbage cans, boxes, papers, etc. . Why the 1950's ? Chaplin's main body of work was produced in the period from 1914 - 1939 , with the midpoint being about 1927 . So your back alley set would need to look like it's from the 1920's or 1930's. Joplin's 'The Entertainer' might work ok , but is rather overused I think . There's a much wider selection of Scott Joplin's works that you could use if you want ragtime music . ( check out The Complete Works of Scott Joplin , played by Richard Zimmerman ) . Chaplin's own tastes and use of music in scoring his films tended to lean on English music hall tunes, sentimental ballads and other popular music from the 1900's - 1920 . Ragtime would work , but try something other than "The Entertainer" .


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This can be a really good routine.

You might want to check out Paul Romhany's CC Act. He has a solid CC act and I have seen it live at a lecture. I hope you will be inspired to bring your act to fruition.

What David Todd said.

I like the sticky hand idea.... that is is the reason he flicks the wand.
I guess the misers dream could work well here. Gone from being a "tramp" to having a lot of food, wealth and new clothes ....surprise costume changes

First time, I saw Paul Romhany's act I couldn't tell the difference. His impression of Charlie" Chaplin is baffling good.