Shrine Circus Benefits LeBonheur
MEMPHIS, TN – What has clowns, tigers, elephants and daredevils?
The circus, of course.
The Shrine Circus is in Memphis October 22-24, 2010, at the Agricenter’s Showplace arena.
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the circus.” That’s how ringmaster Audrey Alvarez opens the show for every performance. One of only two female ringmasters in the world, Audrey says the circus is a family affair.
“There are lots of things where you can’t take the kids, or the parents won’t enjoy it. This is still something that the whole family can come and enjoy together.” said Alvarez.
One of the enjoyable “things” is ‘Vicky the Elephant’. Childlike and playful at 8,200 pounds, Vicky is one of the stars of the show.
There’s plenty on hand for thrill-seekers as well. Like The Espanas, an acrobat and daredevil act. Third generation circus acrobat, Martin Espana, likes coming to Memphis.
“The crowd always looks hot”, Espana told Eyewitness News, “they really like us here. They really like the show.”
Espana’s favorite part of the circus?
“The little kids sit in the bleachers, there’s suspense—then SURPRISE, laughing and clapping. That’s my favorite part.” said Espana.
Seven show stopping Bengal Tigers are also part of the Shrine Circus. Including a rare white tiger named Mohina. Mohina’s just four years old and weighs “only” 350 pounds, just a baby. I asked the secret to being a tiger trainer.
“The secret is being very careful”, said Bruno Blaszak, “you gotta have eyes behind your head at all times.”
And remember this.
“These are trained animals. They’re not tame. They are still dangerous.” said Blaszak.
Acrobat/daredevil Marilyn Espana, was born in Nashville and wants Tennessean’s to know that circus performers are athletes.
“We are athletes”, Marilyn told Eyewitness News, “we have to maintain our bodies. We can’t gain too much weight. We have to maintain our flexibility, our physique.”
The Shrine Circus is in Memphis October 22-24, 2010, at the Agricenter’s Showplace arena.
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the circus.” That’s how ringmaster Audrey Alvarez opens the show for every performance. One of only two female ringmasters in the world, Audrey says the circus is a family affair.
“There are lots of things where you can’t take the kids, or the parents won’t enjoy it. This is still something that the whole family can come and enjoy together.” said Alvarez.
One of the enjoyable “things” is ‘Vicky the Elephant’. Childlike and playful at 8,200 pounds, Vicky is one of the stars of the show.
There’s plenty on hand for thrill-seekers as well. Like The Espanas, an acrobat and daredevil act. Third generation circus acrobat, Martin Espana, likes coming to Memphis.
“The crowd always looks hot”, Espana told Eyewitness News, “they really like us here. They really like the show.”
Espana’s favorite part of the circus?
“The little kids sit in the bleachers, there’s suspense—then SURPRISE, laughing and clapping. That’s my favorite part.” said Espana.
Seven show stopping Bengal Tigers are also part of the Shrine Circus. Including a rare white tiger named Mohina. Mohina’s just four years old and weighs “only” 350 pounds, just a baby. I asked the secret to being a tiger trainer.
“The secret is being very careful”, said Bruno Blaszak, “you gotta have eyes behind your head at all times.”
And remember this.
“These are trained animals. They’re not tame. They are still dangerous.” said Blaszak.
Acrobat/daredevil Marilyn Espana, was born in Nashville and wants Tennessean’s to know that circus performers are athletes.
“We are athletes”, Marilyn told Eyewitness News, “we have to maintain our bodies. We can’t gain too much weight. We have to maintain our flexibility, our physique.”
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