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Saturday, April 26, 2014
Ringling Bros. Presents LEGENDS -
Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson
Published on Dec 23, 2013
Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson gives us an inside look at the ALL NEW Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS!
Behold the living legends! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® brings the unbelievable to Children Of All Ages in an all-new show - - Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS. Experience unimaginable family fun, as amazing performers from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder to summon the mythical and mysterious creatures: a Unicorn, a Pegasus and a Woolly Mammoth! Join us for an unforgettable family night of legendary proportions! Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS!
Indoor arena to host Circus Pages
Spencer Daily Reporter
Friday, April 25, 2014
Four shows scheduled Thursday, Friday
The world's oldest form of family entertainment returns to northwest Iowa.
Circus Pages, produced by Jorge Pages, draws from three generations of performing Pages to create a show designed for all ages. The circus will offer four opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of acts at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. both Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2 in the indoor arena at the Clay County Fairgrounds.
Pages will showcase its show-owned animals including elephants, rare white tigers, camels, acrobatic dogs, liberty ponies, horses and white lions as well as aerial acts, juggling and clowns. The show is scheduled to run approximately an hour-and-a-half.
During the intermission, elephant and pony rides will be offered, and Ringmaster James will be searching the crowd for enthusiastic volunteers to help with the performance.
Originating in Cuba in the 1960s, the world-renowned Pages has progressed from its initial talent on the flying trapeze to its current array of international animal trainers, daredevils, aerialists, acrobats and clowns.
Tickets are available at various locations around the region, with a coupon available allowing children ages 2-14 free admission with the paid admission of one adult. Two children can use one coupon per adult admission. Tickets are also available at the Clay County Regional Events Center box office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or from Ticketmaster outlets.
With the greatest of ease, circus comes to Atlantic City
Edward Lea
Ringmaster David Shipman performs the opening number for Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on Thursday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
from: pressofatlanticcity.com
By VINCENT JACKSON, Staff Writer
April 24, 2014
ATLANTIC CITY — Cailee Prescott, of Absecon, is only 8, but she knows already that warm weather brings the circus.
With her mother, Cathy Prescott, 51, and her father, Mike Prescott, 51, Cailee sat waiting for the opening night show of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to begin Thursday in the arena at Boardwalk Hall.
Cailee had been to the circus previously, but this was her first time seeing the circus in the hall.
“It was her idea. She has been bugging me for weeks,” Cathy Prescott said.
After a five-year absence, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey returned to the hall in 2012, last year and this year. The show has the theme of “Super Circus Heroes” this year, which puts emphasis on the aerialists, acrobats and clowns this time as much, if not more so, than the elephants, horses and camels.
Even though the circus is known for pumping things up as if they are larger than life, this edition does have some impressive acts, including the twin titans from Bulgaria, Miroslav Toskov and Nikolay Dobrovolov.They don’t just do their hand-balancing maneuvers on the ground. They also support their own combined weight with only their arms and shoulders while suspended in the air by straps.
Jackie McIntyre, 46, of East Meadow, Long Island, N.Y., was taken to the circus by her parents when she was a child. Now that McIntyre is the mother of Shane McIntyre, 10, her parents encouraged her to pass along a love for the circus to their grandchild. The family made the three-hour drive to see circus at the hall, but the grandparents skipped actually seeing the circus themselves.
“I took Shane when he was 3 years old. He liked the people walking on the wire,” said McIntyre.
Among the Super Circus Heroes that Ringling Bros. brought to the hall this time was the Lopez family, brothers Johan and Jonathan and Johan’s wife, Erika.
The men perform a high-wire act, battling with swords while standing on a wire high in the air. They also jump rope and ride both a unicycle and a bicycle on it. Before the act ends, Erika Lopez joins in by balancing herself on a bar that stretches between the two men while they each ride bicycles on the wire.
Twila Washington, 42, remembers traveling from where she grew up in Ocean City to the former Spectrum in Philadelphia at least three times when she was a child to see the circus.
As an Easter surprise, Washington took all three of her children to the circus Thursday, Alexis Shanks, 9, Darrius Shanks, 8, and Brianna Shanks, 4. Washington did not tell them they would be attending until Thursday morning. Washington didn’t come just because she thought her children would get a kick out of it.
“I still like it too. I’m a kid at heart, like they are,” Washington said.
Ringling Bros.’ “Super Circus Heroes” show will be performed at 7 tonight, 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $13 and are available at the Boardwalk Hall box office, online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-736-1420.
Circus ???? comes to Ft. Branch
From: 14news.com
Posted by Audra Levy
Apr 25, 2014
FORT BRANCH, IN (WFIE) -
The circus has come to Ft. Branch and three local schools are hoping to cash in on ticket sales.
Students from Holy Cross School watched the tent go up Friday at Fort Branch Community Park.
Holy Cross, Saint Peter and Paul, and Saint James schools will receive proceeds from the pre-sold circus tickets.
The Knights of Columbus in Haubstadt came up with the idea.
"I think it's a great opportunity for the kids because its kind of like a throw back to the old days with the circus coming to town. It's really a neat deal. Its a once in a lifetime opportunity for a lot of these kids," said John Hollis, Principal at Holy Cross School.
"I'm excited and I've never really been to a circus so it's going to be a first for me so just going to explore it and hopefully see a lot of things," said Daniel Hirsch, student at Holy Cross School.
The Holy Cross principal says his school will use the extra money to buy gym equipment.
Circus planned at the Clay County Fairgrounds
From: siouxcityjournal.com
April 25,2014
SPENCER, Iowa | The Circus Pages show will perform May 1-2 at the Indoor Arena at the Clay County Fairgrounds, 1401 Fourth Ave.
Show times will be at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to show times.
Tickets are $17 for adults; kids ages 2–14 are free with a coupon when accompanied with one paying adult, limit 2 children, additional children are $4; and kids under age 2 are free.
Tickets may be purchased at the box office, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com.
Friday, April 25, 2014
When life becomes a circus
Irem Temple Shrine event back in town
A tiger jumps through a flaming hoop at the 65th annual Irem Temple Shrine Circus at the 109th Field Artillery Armory in Wilkes-Barre on Monday afternoon.A tiger jumps through a flaming hoop at the 65th annual Irem Temple Shrine Circus at the 109th Field Artillery Armory in Wilkes-Barre on Monday afternoon.
from: psdispatch.com
By Jon O’Connell
April 21. 2014
WILKES-BARRE — It’s on with the show.
For its 65th year, the Irem Temple Shrine in Dallas Township brought the circus to town with bicycling bears, tightrope-walking tigers and daredevil motorcycle stunts performed by the acrobats and animals of the Royal Hanneford Circus from Sarasota, Fla.
With two performances daily, the local Shriners hope to fill the house for each show.
The nostalgic smells of cotton candy, lighter fluid from flaming rings and, yes, even a little elephant dung mixed in the air as the sunlight streamed through the skylights as folks filed into the 109th Field Artillery Armory on Monday afternoon for this year’s debut show.
Stephen Stemmler, 10, of Forty Fort, waited anxiously for the show to start with his friend Michael Jordan, 7, of Jermyn. The two boys were anticipating the motorcycle act and pointed to a large sphere-shaped cage sitting in the shadows outside the circus rings.
Jordan hypothesized how the riders stay upright on their bikes while zipping around inside the cage.
“Maybe they use sticky glue on the tires so they don’t fall off the tracks,” Jordan said.
read more:
http://www.psdispatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?avis=TL&date=20140421&category=news&lopenr=304219857&Ref=AR
Circus elephants are roadies, too
Lane Talburt
Published on Jul 13, 2013
The five elephants trained and presented by Tim Frisco on Cole Bros. Circus know the daily routines in the circus backyard and the big top just as well as, if not better than, their keepers. The Frisco family delights in their individual personalities.
Shrine Circus sets up in Pasco, show tonight
Oleg Gertz of Seattle and his son, Igor, 2, stop to get information about the 60th annual El Katif Shrine Circus. The tent is set up near the Pasco softball complex next to the TRAC center. The first show is 7 tonight. For ticket information go to: wwwelkatifshrinecircus.org.
From: tricityherald.com
BY TRI-CITY HERALD
April 24, 2014
PASCO — The Shrine Circus comes to TRAC in Pasco with eight performances through Sunday this week. The first is tonight.
The shows are 7 p.m. April 24; 3 and 7 p.m. April 25; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. April 26; and 1 and 5 p.m. April 27.
General admission is $10; reserved seats are $15. VIP tickets are $25.
Tickets are available at www.elkatif. org/ShrineCircus.html.
Read more here: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/04/24/2941610/shrine-circus-sets-up-in-pasco.html?sp=/99/900/#storylink=cpy
Circus widow sells designer wardrobe
East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Circus widow sells designer wardrobe
From: guardian-series.co.uk
By Francesca Tye
25th April 2014
The designer clothing collection of Hannalore Smart, widow of circus king, Billy Smart Junior, went on sale to the public at Westfield last night.
Mrs Smart, of Betts Lane, Nazeing, was born in Berlin in 1945 and moved to Los Angeles when she was just 20 to work for Pan American Airways. However, she spent the majority of her life touring with famous circus impresario Billy Smart Junior.
She initially developed a passion for clothes through her mother’s role as a seamstress and started collecting pieces.
East London and West Essex Guardian Series: Circus widow sells designer wardrobe
Her daughter, Baccara Smart said: “She always had a thing for clothing. She loved the theatre of it and never threw anything away. She had an antique store, but hardly ever sold anything because she didn’t ever really want to sell things, she would always say ‘Oh no, I don’t feel like selling that today’.”
The unusual collection includes pieces by Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Vivienne Westwood and Manolo Blahnik, spanning three decades
Bacarra said: “A lot of the items are coming back into fashion, there’s a lot of 80’s stuff which is very trendy. I’m not sure about the clip-on bikinis though.
“I am looking forward to seeing how much the clothes will make. A few buyers wanted to whip it all up in one go, but I couldn’t do that. This sale will really show my mum’s taste in fashion."
The sale is hosted by former editor of Vougue.com Abi Chisman in Designer Jumble, her pop-up shop at Westfield.
Mrs Chisman said: "This astonishing collection tells the story of an extraordinary woman, with an eye for new fashion talent and a love of life.”
Proceeds from the sale will go towards The Alzheimers Society.
A CHEERFUL circus will roll into town for a one-off performance.
from: worcesternews.co.uk
24th April 2014
Happy’s Circus, a traditional all-human circus that tours the country, is bringing its many traditional art forms to the playing fields of Northleigh CE Primary School, off St Peter's Road, Malvern, on Wednesday, May 7.
Since 1992, the circus has performed to millions of people and has helped re-awaken interest in the world of highly-skilled contemporary variety entertainment.
Its all-human show stars the Randelle Clowns alongside acrobats, aerialists, speciality acts Rolla-Rolla and sword balancing, plus loads of magic, fun and much more all within the colourful big top.
Doors open at 5.30pm and the show runs from 6pm to 8pm, with a barbecue and other stalls available before the action starts.
Tickets are £6 for children or £8 for adults and the event has been booked by the Friends of Northleigh CE Primary, so the proceeds from the show will be used in various projects.
For more information and tickets, call Kim Philpotts on 07796528026 or e-mail kim.philpotts@yahoo.co.uk
DAVID WHARTON
From Ronald Finch
FROM THE LATE 60'S OR EARLY 70'S
Dick:
Saw this on e-bay and thought of you! I think I saw this show once, do you recall what year it was ot?
Ronald C. Finch
Spring Fair is a big draw
View of the midway: The Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos is the place to be.
CHARLES GUEST
FROM: losbanosenterprise.com
Enterprise Staff Reports
April 25, 2014
With attendance topping 75,000 annually, the Merced County Spring Fair is easily the premier event in Los Banos each year.
The fair has its run from April 30 to May 4, and features entertainment, special attractions, food contests and an abundance of competitions for FFA and 4-H livestock exhibitors.
The fair is a moneymaker. The West Side event generates more than $7 million, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s fairs and expositions division. Merced County Spring Fair is part of a network of California fairs that generate more than $2.5 billion in economic activity.
The fair provides business tax revenue from the additional activity produced by the fair, its visitors and other events on the fairgrounds throughout the year.
People loved the 100-foot Vertigo ride last year at the Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos.
GENE LIEB
As the Merced County Spring Fair prepares to enter its 125th year, fair management is striving to continue in the face of budget cuts.
About three years ago, the state stopped funding the fair system. Local businessmen and the Merced County Spring Fair Heritage Foundation have stepped in to raise enough funds to continue to pay out more than $40,000 in prize money to youth for projects ranging from ag mechanics to livestock.
Fundraisers have also been critical in operating the fair and attracting talent.
More then 6,000 students come to the fair through the free school tour program, which provides them with hands-on learning about agriculture. The fair includes musical entertainment, a plethora of rides, plenty of food and an abundance of contests.
New this year is a bull-riding rodeo called Jaripeo Ranchero. The event is scheduled for May 1.
read more:
http://www.losbanosenterprise.com/2014/04/25/219818/spring-fair-is-a-big-draw.html
Thursday, April 24, 2014
SAD NEWS FROM LOUISANNA
King Charles Weathersby was my grandfather.He passed away on April 22, 2014 and a small memorial service will be held on Friday. Any pictures of him in his circus days would be appreciated. mschaira@yahoo.com on
IN MEMORIAM TO A GREAT SHOWMAN
WITH CURLEY McCORMICK
WITH BOB CHILDRESS AND ALBERT BUCHANNON
Circus World big top goes up
from: wiscnews.com
April 23, 2014
The new big top at Circus World Museum lay on the ground before getting cranked up Wednesday morning.
Ben Bromley, News Republic
Tent poles were inserted to stabilize Circus World Museum's big top Wednesday.
Ben Bromley, News Republic
A view across the Baraboo River shows Circus World Museum's new big top after it was put up Wednesday.
Ben Bromley, News Republic
Wonderland Circus entertains middle school students
from: theitem.com
By Raytevia Evans
February 28, 2014
Getting an education is important, but so is taking a much-needed break from the day-to-day routine of classrooms, smart boards, textbooks and regular instruction. On Thursday, the students of Furman Middle School did just that with the help of some impressive entertainment by Wonderland Circus, a traveling circus that tours South Carolina schools.
The circus - run by Bill Brickle, who has been in the circus business since 1954 - performed two shows for the school of more than 800 students. With help from his troupe, Brickle's Wonderland Circus mixed music, slapstick comedy, audience participation, an aerial cradle performance, clowns, juggling and other amazing circus acts to create a fun-filled, loud and enthusiastic atmosphere in Furman's gymnasium.
Wonderland Circus
from:the sumteritem.com
Friday, February 28, 2014
Getting an education is important, but so is taking a much-needed break from the day-to-day routine of classrooms, smart boards, textbooks and regular instruction. On Thursday, the students of Furman Middle School did just that with the help of some impressive entertainment by Wonderland Circus, a traveling circus that tours South Carolina schools.
A performer hula hoops multiple rings at the Wonderland Circus that came to Furman Middle School on Thursday.
Matt Walsh / The Sumter Item
Matt Walsh / The Sumter Item
An acrobat balances himself using just one arm as part of a circus performance at Furman Middle School.
Matt Walsh / The Sumter Item
An acrobat balances himself high above the floor in Furman Middle School's gymnasium on Thursday.
Matt Walsh / The Sumter Item
Performer reaches for stars as human cannonball in Cole Bros. circus
Thomsen flies 90 feet across the stage going 65 miles per hour
Cole Bros. Circus
Dale Thomsen performs the human cannonball act for the Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars tour, which is coming April 25-27 to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg.
from: gazette.net
By Jenn Davis-- Staff Writer
April 23, 2014
Shortly before high school graduation, Dale Thomsen’s parents gave him a send-off in his senior yearbook by submitting a photo of him holding a toy star and writing “reach for the stars.” Nearly ten years later, he’s doing just that.
Thomsen, 28, is starring in the Cole Bros. “Circus of the Stars” show, performing the human cannonball act, among others. In keeping with the theme, the top of the tent’s interior has been designed to look like the night sky.
“When I’m looking through the barrel, toward the light at the end of the tunnel, the only thing I can see are these stars,” Thomsen said. “My job is literally to reach for them as soon as I shoot out.”
Calling himself an “adrenaline junkie,” Thomsen said he embraced the opportunity to become a human cannonball when the position became open in anticipation of the tour, which kicked off in DeLand, Fla., in mid March. His act involves being shot out of a cannon and sent flying 90 feet across the stage to a landing net. His flight reaches a top speed of 65 miles per hour and a height of 37 feet — a “line drive” shot.
Thomsen, who is in the midst of his first year with Cole Bros. Circus, also performs the flying trapeze stunt and an aerial
Le Plus Grand Cabaret Du Monde - Bande Annonce du Same
Published on Apr 24, 2014
Patrick Sebastian offers a wonderful evening of fantasy and escape! Sponsor of the show: Michel Leeb Guests: Joyce Jonathan Sebastien caueter, Tony Carreira, Nathalie Rheims, Philippe Torreton, Satya Oblette, Frederick Bousquet, Karl Zero, Dounia Coesens, Marcel Upstream. Visuals: Casablanca Troupe: Troops acrobats Showgirls of Magic: Great Illusions Khan & Moon: Hip hop screen Parrot's show: Dressage parrots Bernard Bilis: Conjurer Picaso Jr: Juggling balls & plates David Sousa Magic Handling The 7 Fingers: Gang banquine Ted Kim Magic Projection Panacloc Jeff & Jean-Marc: Ventriloquist Mustache Brothers: Stuntmen Mirko Kockenberger: Balance on suitcase Duo Madrona: Duo Trapeze Dani Lary: Illusionist Troupe Jinan: The lassos Duo Lyd: Acrobatics on bike The Fine Brothers: Number towels
Circus clown visits Indiana Free Library
from: indianagazette.com
by JAMIE EMPFIELD
April 23, 2014
Indiana,PA--Rob Ringling, of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, juggled Tuesday in the children’s section of the Indiana Free Library to promote the circus’ visit to the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex May 15-18.
He also read the children a special story on Earth Day, and visited with life skill students from Indiana Area High School and seniors from St. Andrew’s Village at the Jimmy Stewart Museum.
For more information about the event, contact the complex’s box office at (800) 298-4200 or visit www.kovalchickcomplex.com. (Jamie Empfield/Gazette photo)
Atlantic City mayor defeats circus elephant in oversized Monopoly game
Edward Lea
Duchess , left the Elephant from Ringing Bros. Circus playing Monopoly with Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian, right Wednesday, April 23, 2014.
from: pressofatlanticcity.com
April 23, 2014
By BRADEN CAMPBELL, Staff Writer
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian has his hands full daily, but Wednesday afternoon’s challenge was the biggest of his tenure so far — literally.
Guardian squared off against Duchess, a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus elephant, in an oversized Monopoly match a few blocks from Boardwalk Hall. Duchess was a fierce competitor, but in this battle of pachyderm and politician it was Guardian who was victorious.
Edward Lea
Ariana Frangias, 5, left of Northfield Gabriella Krachman, 4 of Linwood Mayson Cartwright, 5 of Galloway Township and Gerorge Frangias, 3, right of Northfield watch Duchess the Elephant from Ringing Bros. Circus playing Monopoly with Atlantic City Mayor
The game was organized by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in conjunction with Boardwalk Hall to celebrate the return of “The Greatest Show on Earth” to Atlantic City. Shows will be held Thursday through Saturday.
Because of the competitors’ busy schedules and Duchess’ limited dexterity, the game was abbreviated to just a single trip around the board. No money was exchanged and no property was purchased.
Following her defeat, Duchess threw her piece on the ground in disgust, but Guardian quickly placated her with an offering of Formica Bros. bread baked specifically for her.
“I figured I’d get to take the bread home if I’d won, but after second thought, the size of the elephant convinced me otherwise,” Guardian said.
During the game, Ringling Bros. Ringmaster David Shipman shared elephant facts with the audience, among them that female Asian elephants such as Duchess typically weigh in at upwards of 4,000 pounds and use their trunks to feel and grip objects in the same way a human uses hands and fingers.
A sizable crowd of a few dozen lined the fence at the game, most of them mothers with young children. Ventnor resident Jessica McCormick attended the event with her 1-year-old son John and a few friends. She said they likely wouldn’t attend the circus itself, but enjoyed Wednesday’s game.
“It’s hard with the babies,” she said. “This was our circus.”
The Ringing Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Super Circus Heroes will play five shows at Boardwalk Hall April 24-27. Tickets start at $13 and are available at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-736-1420.
see and read more:
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/atlantic-city-mayor-defeats-circus-elephant-in-oversized-monopoly-game/article_0be0d8a6-cb20-11e3-aa58-001a4bcf887a.html?mode=story
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Melha Shrine Circus coming to West Springfield
4/26/12 Springfield- Republican Photo by Mark M.Murray-
Peter Sturgis the ringmaster for the Melha Shrine Circus, introduces the next act during the circus preview held in downtown Springfield Thursday afternoon.The Melha Shrine Circus is running thru Sunday at the Big E in West Springfield./foto-Mark M. Murray
From: masslive.com/
By Keith O'Connor / Special to The Republican
April 22, 2014
It’s called the “Circus with a Purpose.”
It’s the Melha Shrine Circus, now celebrating its 60th anniversary, bringing its chills and thrills to “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages” once again at the Coliseum on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield beginning Thursday, May 1.
It’s purpose?
All proceeds are used to support the work of the Melha Shriners in western Massachusetts communities and to spread the word about the orthopedic and other care being provided at Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield.
Ringmaster Peter Sturgis will officiate over the 2014 Melha Shrine Circus – produced by Hamid Circus – with seven unforgettable performances over four days of daring-do and laughs galore with the comedy and breathtaking stunts of Johnny Rocket, juggling genius Shane Hansen, Galaxy Girl and her Diamond Divas, aerial daredevils The Winns, giggles and gags from the Shriner Clowns, tons of fun provided by the Hamid Circus Shrine Elephants, Star Christi’s Alaskan Malamutes, the Hamid Circus Performing Tigers, and many other stylish and stunning acts, including a live circus band led by Larry Rothbard.
“I’m the guy who guides audiences through the show and sets them up for what they are about to see, without giving away too much information because you don’t want to take away the surprise. My job is to also make sure that the acts continue to flow. We don’t want anybody sitting around and getting bored waiting for the next one, although it’s unlikely that you are going to be bored at the circus. But, there are some points in the show that are slower than others, and I work to keep up the audience’s interest at all times,” said Sturgis.
Sturgis said audiences are going to love Johnny Rocket’s stunts.
“He has what we call the Wheel of Destiny, where he walks inside of a cage, similar to what you might see a hamster doing. Then he climbs outside to walk on the wheel and even jumps rope. It’s a very dangerous act,” said Sturgis.
The flashy ringmaster also said audiences will also meet one of the fastest hand-to-hand jugglers in the entertainment industry who has worked at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
“Shane Hansen is very handsome and the ladies especially love him. There’s a lot of variety to his act and Shane juggles balls, clubs, square cubes and finishes with the most dangeious thing to juggle – fire,” said Sturgis.
Looking back over 60 years, Allen G. Zippen, past potentate of the Melha Shriners and circus chairman, said Jack Butterfield “got us into the circus as a fundraiser way back before he was even a Shriner.
“It’s my understanding that Jack and his cousin Teddy Shore, Jr. used to promote the Ice Capades and many other shows like the circus coming into town. We wanted a family-oriented circus, and that’s what we’ve been delivering for 60 years now. The Shrine Circus provides a very comfortable, safe environment for children of all ages, as they say, and there aren’t many of those opportunities today, especially at such a low price,” said Zippen.
“From a financial standpoint, this is the fraternity’s biggest fundraiser. We have separate fundraisers for the hospital, but the monies raised from the circus enable us to get out into the community and bring our story and talk about our Shriners Hospital for Children,” said Zippen.
For those who can’t wait until the circus officially opens at 7 p.m., there will be a special promotion in downtown Springfield on opening day from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Main Street between Boland Way and East Court St. will be shut down as one of the prominent circus acts displays their hijinks in a demonstration of free-style motor cross. Rock 102 will also be on site offering free giveaways.
Last year, circus lovers saw the return of the popular old-fashioned circus parade which had been discontinued in previous years. The new, smaller version returns again this year beginning at The Big E’s Gate 9 and continuing onto the grounds just prior to the first night’s show.
read more
http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/04/the_melha_shrine_circus_is_com.html
Zoppé Italian Circus Comes to Chicago
from: lawndalenews.com
Posted by Editor
April 17, 2014
Zoppé, an Italian family circus, returns to Addison Mother’s Day Weekend, May 7 through 11. Join the Zoppé family as they journey to an enchanted world, separate from our modern, accelerated electronic age and celebrate life, circus and family. In the “commedia dell’arte” tradition, the one-ring circus features Giovanni Zoppé as Nino, an old-word, European-style clown, along with captivating international acts under the big top at Caputo’s Fresh Market. Acts from around the world join the Zoppé family in a thrilling Mother’s Day performance. No one is farther than 20 feet from the ring. Adults and children of all ages go back in time and experience the excitement and authenticity of a traditional, family circus with a few modern touches. All performances will be held at 510 West Lake Street (Caputo’s in Addison, IL ). Tickets start at $10. Admission is free for kids 13 and under. For more information go to www.zoppe.net/addison or call the box office at (773) 255-1467.
CircusFest 2014: Belonging at the Roundhouse
from: theupcoming.co.uk
By Booker Woodford
17th April 2014
Playing to a full crowd as part of CircusFest 2014, Belonging is a new production from Graeae, a theatre company that places deaf and disabled artists centre stage.
>Built upon an abstract narrative, the show is episodic. Constructed of the flashbacks of several characters who have been told to say goodbye to a soon-to-be-demolished building that holds much sentimental value.
Director Jenny Sealey has created a brave narrative that attempts to harbour several lofty themes, including love, loss and the passing of time. Regardless of the emphasis placed on their differences, Sealey’s story enthuses a solidarity among its characters, which communicates a powerful message. Challenging the age-old ideal that “we’re all the same” it instead argues that we form an extremely diverse species, that despite our differences humans can still exist in unity. The cast also add good humour to the mix: during a fight scene between two men on suspended hoops – a highlight of the show – one character literally pulls the other’s leg clean off.
As the characters reflect, we are introduced to their pasts, each compiled of poignant moments and delivered via a blend of circus tricks, dance routines, song and narration. The narration itself is delivered vocally (in English and Spanish) and through sign language, often at the same time, which adds an extra dimension to the production’s presentation.
The play is fraught, fast-paced and unrelenting, supported by a dissident, unnerving musical score, which refuses the audience rest and cleverly diffuses the potential for overwrought sentiment. Belonging does at times feel amateurish and slightly undercooked, and the acting is often flat. The dialogue, although infrequent, is obvious and hackneyed, which in turn hinders some of the play’s successes. A more focused and tighter narrative thread would have surely increased its accomplishments.
That said, although it may not achieve all of its ambitions, the production does provide laughs, beauty and philosophy. When compared to its flaws these are much more significant achievements. Combined with its unique brand of circus theatre, Belonging delivers quite the act.
read more:
http://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2014/04/17/circusfest-2014-belonging-at-the-roundhouse/
Tom Duffy’s Circus brings the thrill of the Big Top to Coleraine
Tom Duffy’s Circus brings the thrill of the Big Top to Coleraine
from: colerainetimkes.co.uk
April 23,2014
Tom Duffy’s Circus makes a long-awaited return visit to the Coleraine area this week.
Ireland’s best loved circus look set to thrill local audiences as they set up their big top at Coleraine Showgrounds for shows from Monday, April 28 to Wednesday, April 30.
Duffy’s is one of the world’s longest-established circuses, amazing family audiences across Ireland over three centuries. The new show blends the traditional and the twenty-first century. Acts enjoyed by generations of circus-goers are brought right up-to-the-minute with a spectacular light show, state of the art sound and expert choreography.
With the glamour of elaborate hand-made costumes, glittering lights and stunning special effects, you’re sure to be astounded by Tom Duffy’s.
Lovers of traditional circus acts will roar with laughter at the antics of the hilarious clowns, David and Raffy, and multi-talented Steven Munoz will perform one of the most complicated juggling sets ever seen in this country. Don’t miss the electrifying sight of this talented artist juggling with fire. Tom Jnr and Jamie Duffy take to the air with a heart-stopping wheel of death – one of the most dangerous acts in modern Circus.
The Kenya Boys are making a welcome return to Northern Ireland, with their astonishing acrobatics, twisting and tumbling, and startling human pyramids. This years Grand Finale sees the first ever Irish visit of Team Loucia – amazing motorcycle skill inside the Globe of Death.
As always, the animal acts are the main draw for regular visitors. In the all-new Canine Review, the loveable giants, the St Bernard dogs, tend to dominate the ring, but it’s the cheeky miniature poodles that raise a smile with their mischief.
An old favourite with every generation, Tom Duffy’s troupe of Minature Shetland Ponies make a welcome return to the ring, with a sparkling display of Jumping and hind-leg walking.
Many fans round off their trip with a visit to the Circus Zoo, where for a small fee you can meet the much-loved animals and see the phenomenal round-the-clock care they receive. Come and get to know Tom Duffy’s extended family in their own living quarters, including some of the show’s biggest stars in their outdoor swimming pool.
Tom Duffy’s Circus will be at Coleraine Showgrounds from Monday 28th April to Wednesday April 30.
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