THE BALLOON MAN

UniverSoul’s circus tent is big enough for all


Photo by Scott Cunningham
The UniverSoul Circus has a diverse array of acts, including China's Shaolin Kung Fu acrobats, who perform martial-arts moves and feats of strength.
By LISA GUTIERREZ
The Kansas City Star
Aug 01. 2012
If you’ve ever wanted to run away and join the circus, how much better does it get than a show where the performers invite you right into the spotlight of center ring?
And then …
You play “Simon Says.”
Or wiggle your way down a “Soul Train” dance line.
It happens at every UniverSoul performance. The 80-strong troupe — clowns, contortionists, acrobats, aerialists, elephants, tigers and horses, no bears — has set up a 2,500-seat (air-conditioned) tent next to Starlight Theatre in Swope Park.

 

Co-host Zanda
“We just took the traditional-style circus and added audience participation to it. You’re not only sitting there watching the show, you’re actually a part of the show,” says Zanda “Zeke” Charles.
He’s the show’s co-host, smartly dressed in snazzy Kangol berets and colorful vests. It’s his job to keep the energy high for 2 1/2 hours. (And to make sure the clowns give wide berth to audience members who look afraid.)
“People snapping their fingers, tapping their toes,” Charles says. “We like to take you to church.”
Can he get an amen?
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/01/3734423/a-circus-with-soul.html#storylink=cpy