Sonoma couple returns to ABC's 'Gong Show'

Jonathan Taylor and Anne Goldmann on network show on June 21|

Modern Vaudevillians. Stand-up comedians. Local Sonomans. This couple has it all. Meet Jonathan Taylor and Anne Goldmann, the dynamic duo behind Daredevil Chicken, a riotously funny, unpredictably fantastic and oftentimes perversely daffy traveling show.

The married couple will return again this season for a performance on television's “The Gong Show,” hosted in its newest rendition by comedian and actor, Mike Myers. Having performed on and won last year's season opener, Taylor and Goldmann are excited about their return to the show.

“I absolutely love ‘The Gong Show,'” said 43-year-old Taylor who noted his lack of interest in other such TV talent-type shows. “I'm a huge fan and I've watched all of the reruns from the original 1970s version. I was really excited when they called us to appear last season and even more so, to be invited back.”

Described as a European-style cabaret and circus, Taylor and Goldmann combine physical theatre, comedy, burlesque, clowning, and vaudeville into a unique blend all their own. While it is difficult to pigeonhole their shows into any one genre, suffice to say that they are a must see event. Unfortunately for us, the couple travel the world performing and only live in Sonoma part-time.

“Anne's family is spread out all over the Bay Area so we knew we wanted this to be our home base. At the time, Sonoma was affordable and we were lucky to find a great home in a great little neighborhood in Eldridge,” says Taylor. “When we come home now, it's like a private bed and breakfast where our own clothes just happen to be in the drawers. It's perfect.”

Clowning Around

Before forming what is now their signature act, Taylor attended clown college and has been performing professionally in theatre and circus since 1998; first as a clown in Ringling Brothers, next as a Blue Man in Blue Man Group, and then working as a street performer throughout Europe for many years. He and Anne met at a circus audition and quickly realized their shared vision of traveling the world, performing physical theatre and comedy. As their relationship budded, Taylor worried unnecessarily that love and vaudeville might not mix. “At this point, we've been performing together for 20 years now and it's been a great adventure,” said Taylor. “We get to travel and do shows together instead of doing separate shows and never seeing one another.”

In fact, Taylor says that out of all of his past performances, what he is most proud of is running and performing in the theater company that he and Goldmann have created together. Since 2010, their company, known as Le Tigre Tent, has been touring shows throughout America and New Zealand. The group includes additional performers from the likes of Spiegelworld, Blue Man Group, Cirque Du Soleil, 500 Clown, Mucca Pazza and more. According to Taylor, Le Tigre Tent gives audiences an up close and intimate performance in a tiny venue.

As of today, the couple has traveled to more than 35 countries and have performed their shows in Japanese, German, Spanish and French. They pride themselves on being able to take any audience on a fun theatrical ride they won't soon forget.

Return to The Gong Show

Unforgettable is just the ticket for “The Gong Show” audience and celebrity guest judges like Fred Armisen, Will Arnett and Rita Wilson. For this year's show, the couple will showcase a unique talent called “Married With Magic.” For their Season One win, the couple performed “Married With Bananas,” which you can find and watch on YouTube.

“Winning the show last year was a huge surprise,” said Taylor. “We like to constantly challenge ourselves to make better theatre and this year's new act is really fun. We are excited to see what the judges and the audience think.” Last year's winnings amounted to $2,000.17. If they repeat their win, the couple will be awarded $2,000.18 this year. But Taylor is quick to point out that they are doing it for the experience and the fun of it, not the prize money.

Tune into to watch Taylor and Goldmann perform on the season opener will air at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 21 on ABC's “The Gong Show.”

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