Omega Mart unleashes ‘really rowdy improv clowns’ with new show — PHOTOS

You might think Omega Mart would’ve run out of whimsy by now.

You would be wrong.

Area15’s purveyor of head-scratching groceries — emergency clams, tattoo chicken, nut-free salted peanuts (warning: may contain peanuts) and the like — has added an immersive theater piece for a limited time.

“Phenomenomaly” stars what Omega Mart creative director Kent Caldwell calls “really rowdy improv clowns” and features elements of theater, puppetry and contemporary dance, as well as a light parade, while highlighting the unimaginable importance of a misplaced sock.

“I think the energy it brings is really unique compared to the standard exhibition experience,” says Caldwel, a former “Mystère” Chinese pole specialist. “I think it’s substantial enough to warrant a return visit or a first visit.”

“Phenomenomaly” follows colorful interplanetary tourists Domino, Wavelynn, Plotzini, Lintley Foldsworth and George as they interact with guests in an attempt to trigger a migration of the elusive Flickerwerm.

“We played with the idea of these core characters sort of showing up to the exhibit because they’d gotten wind that it was going to happen here that day,” Caldwell says. “It’s the same way people will travel around the world to see a solar eclipse, or they’ll hit a certain section of the world to see the Northern Lights.”

Roughly half of each performance is improvised, and there’s a mid-performance spot that showcases local talent each week. Aerialists Holland and Sienna from the current season of “America’s Got Talent” perform through Sunday. They’ll be followed by halftime performer Sarah Moser (July 8-12), Ed & Ed present Duo Balloon (July 15-19), Vegas City Opera (July 22-26), electric cellist Mariko Muranaka (July 29-Aug. 2) and Cosmic Hoverboard (Aug. 5-9).

“It’s like a dopamine surge or whatever,” Caldwell says of the show. “I get so much fulfillment from seeing the audience’s positive reception to it.”

“Phenomenomaly” is performed at 2, 3:15, 4:30 and 5:45 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through Aug. 9. It’s included with every Omega Mart admission, which starts at $37 for locals.

Contact Christopher Lawrence at clawrence@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4567.