Big top tradition: Shrine Circus features classic acts
The Amazing Bo, an Asian elephant, balances on a drum during a 2008 performance of the Shrine Circus.By Joe Hadsall,Globe Features Editor, The Joplin Globe
January 28, 2011
JOPLIN, Mo. — Audrey Alvarado loves animals. Naturally, she loves the elephants.
As the ringmaster of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Circus, she gets a firsthand look at the elephants every night. Though much larger, they have the mannerisms and attitudes of puppies, she said.
“They are amazing creatures,” Alvarado said. “They are so lovable. Each one has their own separate character.”
The elephants will be featured alongside tigers, aerial artists, clowns, jugglers, acrobats and more during the circus, which will be at Memorial Hall until Sunday. Alvarado, who performs as ringmaster Audrey Michelle, will introduce the audience to each act.
Alvarado said the circus is the same type of circus that parents and grandparents remember from their youth. Only the lighting and music is modernized, she said.
That means there is plenty for kids to do. Before each show, kids can have their faces painted, jump on inflatables and ride ponies ÑÊor even those puppy-like elephants.
There’s not much in a circus that Alvarado hasn’t done. Her parents were hand balancers for a circus, and by the time she was 5 years old, she performed right alongside them. Growing up, she and her brother put together a riding animal act, and she also became an aerialist. She quit for a while as a teenager, finished high school and took some college classes.
But the lure of the circus was too strong.
“I couldn’t get away,” she said. “I got married to a man in the business, and now our family is in it.”
That man was an acrobat with the Golden Aztecs. The couple and their three children tour with the circus.
Other attractions in the circus include:
~ Tiger trainer Bruno Blaszak, a Polish trainer who emphasizes positive reinforcement in his act. According to the circus’ website, one of the things that makes Blaszak’s act different is that the tigers come to him from platforms.
~ “Princess” Elayne Kramer, a contortionist and fifth generation circus performer. At 17, she can shoot a balloon with a bow and arrow held by her feet, which are stretched behind her back and over her head while balancing by her hands on a small platform.
~ Karoly Zeman, a BMX bicyclist who performs stunts in the ring.
~ Clown Johnny Dominguez.
Want to go?
The Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Circus will be presented at 6:30 p.m. tonight and at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Memorial Hall.
January 28, 2011
JOPLIN, Mo. — Audrey Alvarado loves animals. Naturally, she loves the elephants.
As the ringmaster of the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Circus, she gets a firsthand look at the elephants every night. Though much larger, they have the mannerisms and attitudes of puppies, she said.
“They are amazing creatures,” Alvarado said. “They are so lovable. Each one has their own separate character.”
The elephants will be featured alongside tigers, aerial artists, clowns, jugglers, acrobats and more during the circus, which will be at Memorial Hall until Sunday. Alvarado, who performs as ringmaster Audrey Michelle, will introduce the audience to each act.
Alvarado said the circus is the same type of circus that parents and grandparents remember from their youth. Only the lighting and music is modernized, she said.
That means there is plenty for kids to do. Before each show, kids can have their faces painted, jump on inflatables and ride ponies ÑÊor even those puppy-like elephants.
There’s not much in a circus that Alvarado hasn’t done. Her parents were hand balancers for a circus, and by the time she was 5 years old, she performed right alongside them. Growing up, she and her brother put together a riding animal act, and she also became an aerialist. She quit for a while as a teenager, finished high school and took some college classes.
But the lure of the circus was too strong.
“I couldn’t get away,” she said. “I got married to a man in the business, and now our family is in it.”
That man was an acrobat with the Golden Aztecs. The couple and their three children tour with the circus.
Other attractions in the circus include:
~ Tiger trainer Bruno Blaszak, a Polish trainer who emphasizes positive reinforcement in his act. According to the circus’ website, one of the things that makes Blaszak’s act different is that the tigers come to him from platforms.
~ “Princess” Elayne Kramer, a contortionist and fifth generation circus performer. At 17, she can shoot a balloon with a bow and arrow held by her feet, which are stretched behind her back and over her head while balancing by her hands on a small platform.
~ Karoly Zeman, a BMX bicyclist who performs stunts in the ring.
~ Clown Johnny Dominguez.
Want to go?
The Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Circus will be presented at 6:30 p.m. tonight and at 2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Memorial Hall.
Proceeds benefit the Abou Ben Adhem Shriners.
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