WESTBROOK – With the holidays upon us, it won’t be long before we reach that week before New Year’s Eve, that lull that marks about the halfway point on the winter calendar, where we will have just gotten over the main Dec. celebrations.

And that can only mean one thing: It’s time for Phyzgig.

The annual local tradition, produced by Westbrook’s Acorn Productions, is all ready to go, with about a dozen performers expected to appear in three different venues, including Acorn’s theater at the Dana Warp Mill, said Michael Levine, the company’s producing director.

“It’s the biggest production we do all year,” he said.

Inspired by classic vaudeville acts, the popular series of performances will include jugglers, dance, mime, physical comedy, storytelling, illusion shows, and even an adults-only burlesque show. The festival kicks off in Westbrook Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m., at Acorn Studio Theater, with Dan Link, Iman Lizarazu, Karen Montanaro

Levine said Phyzgig began in 1995 with performances by Avner the Eccentric, a stage performer who drew in several other performers used to appearing on stage in solo acts.

“There was a lot of demand. People like the event,” he said.

They liked it so much, Levine said, that the production has only taken two years off since then, with this year’s production marking Phyzgig’s 14th event.

Levine said the festival has become more than just a fun way to liven up the winter for audiences. It has, in effect, become a meeting place for performers who usually don’t share billing with others. It is their chance, Levine said, to collaborate with fellow performers.

“They’re doing it because it’s a fun, party atmosphere,” he said. “It’s a nice, community feeling.”

And the energy shows. The performances draw approximately 2,500 people. Levine said the high-energy fun is welcome during a time that, for many people, marks a lull in the winter.

“The New Year’s Eve shows tend to be popular sellers,” he said.

Comedic Juggler Randy Judkins will be performing as part of
Acorn Productions’ Phyzgig event. Right, Acrobatic Juggler “Ray:
Big Ball Juggler” will be performing as part of Acorn Productions’
Phyzgig event. (Courtesy photo)