Circus family thrives on motorcycle stunts
The Urias Family of motorcycle stunt performers are part of the Barnum Bash coming to the Bismarck Civic Center, Sept. 28-30. (Submitted photo)
from: bismarktribune.com
By MICAELA GERHARDT | Bismarck Tribune
September 17, 2012
Although he now performs motorcycle stunts in a circus, Melvin Urias was afraid of riding a motorcycle when he was a boy.
from: bismarktribune.com
By MICAELA GERHARDT | Bismarck Tribune
September 17, 2012
Although he now performs motorcycle stunts in a circus, Melvin Urias was afraid of riding a motorcycle when he was a boy.
“I grew up around all these amazing performers, and I’ve been riding motorcycle since I was 4 or 5 years old,” Urias said. “I was kind of scared of it at first ... then I saw the smiles on my brothers’ and dad’s face when they performed.”
Urias is touring with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, which will bring “Barnum Bash,” a circus event, to the Bismarck Civic Center Sept. 28-30.
Urias comes from a four-generation family of performers who have been touring with Ringling Brothers for 30 to 40 years, he said. Other familiar acts include acrobats, clowns, exotic animals, dancers, hand-balancers and a strong man, among others.
New this year is the pre-show, held an hour before each performance. The pre-show includes a backstage tour along with the opportunity to learn dance moves, take photos and get autographs from circus members.
“It’s just a big, big party,” said Dean Kelley, a clown and master of ceremonies of the show. “We have incredible live acts from all over the world ... thrill acts, a live band, amazing lighting ... it’s absolutely breathtaking.”
Kelley attended a Ringling Brothers circus for the first time when he was 4 years old.
“I was enamored by the clowns in bright costumes and big shoes … and I thought, ‘I want to be that when I grow up,’” Kelley said.
He recommends that the Bismarck-Mandan community visit the circus because it is a “family-friendly” show.
“It’s bringing a visual spectacle that you won’t believe even when you see it with your own eyes,” Urias said.
Performances will be held at the Bismarck Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. Sept, 28; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29; and at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 30.
Opening night tickets cost $10. Succeeding performances will cost $10 for children 12 and under and $18-$25 for adult tickets depending on seating. VIP floor seats cost $30.
Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Bismarck Civic Center Box Office or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.
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