Punching the Clown

So you wanna be a comic? Before you turn in your time card, check out Punching the Clown, a wry, satiric, and ultimately redemptive tale of a traveling funny man, making its area debut tonight at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Co-written by Gregori Viens and Henry Phillips (who also plays the semi-autobiographical lead character), the indie flick has garnered fistfuls of kudos since its 2009 release, including top-pick status at Slam Dance and the Chicago International Movies & Music Festival. Its satiric take on the inherent conflict between artistic integrity and commercial success has also found followers among the pros, including Sarah Silverman ("the best movie about comedy I've seen so far") and The Onion's A.V. Club ("totally primed for a fervent cult following"). Aspiring stand-ups and the people who love 'em can learn all about the trials and tribulations of takin' it on the road tonight at 5:30 or 7:15 p.m. in the museum's Morley Lecture Hall. Tix are $9 at the door, with discounts for seniors, students, and members. For more info, call 216-421-7350 or go to clevelandart.org. The Cleveland Museum of Art is at 11150 East Blvd. in University Circle. — Terry Jozwiak