Twenty-three years ago, Paul Hadfield figured the name "General Foolishness" was a funny little play on words.

It allowed the young teacher to combine a reference to clowning around with the notion of someone in a position of authority acting, well, foolishly.

"I really think that the key to clowning, beginning with the king and fool in ancient times, is the idea that the more self important you are the funnier it is when you become foolish," Mr. Hadfield said.

That concept is at the center of the character-driven performance - juggling, slapstick comedy, unicycling and banter - the Frederick County performer will bring...