Send in the clowns ... and sporty elephants!
cover story: Circus Spectacular at JQH Arena Trainer Larry Carden says circus is a "cool experience for everybody."
Johnny the Clown is one of many human and animal performers that will entertain circus lovers during Circus Spectacular 2011, which plays tonight through Sunday at JQH Arena. / Agente Entertainment Inc.Written byKaren Bliss For The News-Leader
Oct. 5, 2011
SPRINGFIELD, MO--An elephant throwing a football, a human cannonball and motorcross motorcycle stunts are just some of the things you might see at Circus Spectacular.
Not only will the standard circus acts be going on, but there will be also be performers of world renown doing their own acts, according to a press release. This includes David Smith, the world record holding human cannonball, and Karoly Zeman, a world champion bike rider.
"With the girls, animals, and the acts it's just a really cool experience for everybody," said Larry Carden, the elephant trainer.
David "The Bullet" Smith said that even though he gets shot out of cannon during every show that it still makes him a little nervous.
"It's pretty challenging and nerve wracking," he said. "I have spent years and years perfecting it and making it a science, but there are all sorts of different venues. We try to get as close to the ceiling as we can."
Smith said he is following in his father's footsteps, as his father also enjoyed being shot out of a cannon. In fact, the cannon Smith will be flying from during the circus was designed by his father.
"As a kid I watched my daddy do it," Smith said. "I am trying to carry on the tradition. It was pretty natural to me to fall into that career."
Not only will the standard circus acts be going on, but there will be also be performers of world renown doing their own acts, according to a press release. This includes David Smith, the world record holding human cannonball, and Karoly Zeman, a world champion bike rider.
"With the girls, animals, and the acts it's just a really cool experience for everybody," said Larry Carden, the elephant trainer.
David "The Bullet" Smith said that even though he gets shot out of cannon during every show that it still makes him a little nervous.
"It's pretty challenging and nerve wracking," he said. "I have spent years and years perfecting it and making it a science, but there are all sorts of different venues. We try to get as close to the ceiling as we can."
Smith said he is following in his father's footsteps, as his father also enjoyed being shot out of a cannon. In fact, the cannon Smith will be flying from during the circus was designed by his father.
"As a kid I watched my daddy do it," Smith said. "I am trying to carry on the tradition. It was pretty natural to me to fall into that career."
An aerialist demonstrates strength and skill during her act for Circus Spectacular 2011. / Agente Entertainment Inc.Smith isn't the only act in the circus who works in the family business. Carden is performing in a circus that his father owns.
"I loved being around animals," Carden said. "I fell in love with it when I was 16."
Carden said he enjoys working with all animals, but that working with the elephants, including Bo the Elephant who weighs about 11,680 pounds, is his favorite part.
"Elephants are just so smart," he said. "They can remember about 65 to 70 spoken commands. Just like people they can't all do the same things. Bo can throw a football and hit a baseball with a bat."
The show will also feature The Georgettes, a troupe of showgirls; Bruno Blaszac's Bengal Tigers; and aerial acts, according to the news release.
The show isn't all about the acts either, as the circus will be a fundraising event benefiting Champions Committed to Kids, a group that helps kids with serious illnesses to be a part of an athletic team.
Family Pharmacy is selling tickets to the event at their stores. Family Pharmacy President Lynn A. Morris said in a press release that the company was excited to be part of a charitable event.
"...We are very happy the Springfield Circus Spectacular has partnered with Champions Committed to Kids and also raise money for a very worthy children's charity," Morris said.
Before the circus, visitors can get up close and personal with the human and animal performers.
"We are having a pre-party ... where you can get pictures taken with the circus performers and the animals," said Theresa Masterson, media and public relations director for the circus .
Prizes will be given away at tonight's and Monday's performances, according to a press release.
Both Smith and Carden said the show is entertaining and that they are proud to be a part of it.
"The whole show is just phenomenal," Smith said. "I haven't been on a circus tour for 11 years, but I was invited to participate and it's just been a riot the whole time."
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