tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-368452152024-03-18T13:34:29.606-07:00Showbiz DavidOn Nobody's Payroll ... Not Yours ... Not Theirs.Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.comBlogger1261125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-22621480096987641612024-03-17T00:30:00.000-07:002024-03-17T07:03:23.719-07:00SUNDAY MORNING OUT OF THE PAST: Bach Be Damned! ... Woke Folk Invade Frisco Concert Hall Scene, Hip Hop From the Top?<p><i>UPDATE: Like so many things planning to leave San Francisco, Macy's on Union Square the most recent, add now San Francisco Symphony director Esa-Pekka Salone, who arrived five years ago and is not renewing his contract. "I have decided not to continue as music director of the San Francisco
Symphony, because I do not share the same goals for the future of the
institution as the Board of Governors does." For a quick recap, advance to the last sentence.</i><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OYc-rBgBkNYOGjQHQvjg3sTKQjJb7M00gTuRsjivf1BVjSAnT_inMmGw6LThSaSJdtZpEmpUzVz1ZbJLJYf_SZiDM6wDH3SNVaqgchxENwaemH46nxDxUu88_sJOCO3dbdUarg/s696/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Birthday-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="696" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OYc-rBgBkNYOGjQHQvjg3sTKQjJb7M00gTuRsjivf1BVjSAnT_inMmGw6LThSaSJdtZpEmpUzVz1ZbJLJYf_SZiDM6wDH3SNVaqgchxENwaemH46nxDxUu88_sJOCO3dbdUarg/w400-h189/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Birthday-.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Music Review: <i>Throughline: San Francisco Symphony, From Hall to Home, </i>November 14, PBS. Esa-Pekka Salone now rules the baton.</b><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b></b></h4><p></p><p>Oh my! And it couldn't happen to a worthier city than San Francisco -- ground zero for the subversion of Western culture. Over there across the bay, where I was born, I now avoid it like its own plague. Now, the streets are ghostly, shops boarded up, tourists gone, bums better off than ever before, living it up and shooting up in empty upscale hotels, businesses fleeing, bus rides fraught with freaky nut balls keeping you constantly on edge. How unexpected can unforeseen events change cities overnight. "Baghdad by the Bay" risks being zoomed into an empty metropolis begging for renters on fixed incomes.<br /></p><p>And how sorry I feel for <span class="aCOpRe"><span>Esa-Pekka Salone</span></span>, the new San Francisco symphony director, a man of world class stature from Finland, who will have to face this urban wasteland. I marveled at many of the great and wonderful concerts he lead in front of the L.A. Philharmonic. <br /></p><p>Facing a season without a hall to play to during lock-down, PBS broadcast a weirdly ominous and unsatisfying one-hour preview of what Salone wishes to accomplish during his tenure. New sounds. New voices. New ideas. Good enough. All incoming conductors these days say the same thing. But Salone will need far greater works than those on display during the preview. </p><p></p><p>His chosen composer-musicians specialized in a form of straining minimalism, heavy on dissonance, woefully weak on <i>music. </i>And hardly all that new. Terry Riley was already fostering this counter-culture form over fifty years ago. I still have one of his records. </p><p></p><p>A more unusual segment took place out in the open air, where a hip-hop artist and a dancing woman wearing a sweatshirt lettered BLM cavorted. Yes, really. But concert hall audiences still favor larger, more melodically expansive works. Surely Esa-Pekka must know this. Only a few years ago as guest conductor with the symphony, he piloted the orchestra through a thrilling performance of Stravinsky's The Fire Bird and nearly brought the house down.</p><p>Inexplicably missing were more Asian faces. They don't exactly excel in Da Hood, but they do in symphony halls around
the world. And in symphonic composition. Asian culture passionately embraces classical music. Why not market to them? Knock knock! They are a big part of your future. <br /></p><p>When, finally, Esa-Peka Salone takes the podium with a full audience behind him, will he be wearing a sweatshirt prominently lettered BLM? <br /></p><p>Early retirement already in the works, Maestro?</p><p><i>First posted 9.2020 </i><br /></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-21027941432240524442024-03-16T10:36:00.000-07:002024-03-16T21:03:07.449-07:00The Wall Street Journal Walks Water for the Felds at their New "Better Smelling" Greatest Show on Earth ...<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Those cunning Felds have managed to bring off another non-circus review of the show that may feel to some like a review. Credit a mutual love fest between the Felds and the <i>The Wall Street Journal's</i> Ben Cohen.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Though he rarely contributes a review-like statement, Cohen is implicitly high on the product.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You will learn, a surprise to Cohen, that Ringling's re-invention is perfectly in step with precedent. To learn this, he consulted with Matthew Wittman, curator of the Harvard Theater Collection to learn
"something about circus I wasn't expecting to hear: 'Historically, the circus has involved a lot of innovation."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Writes Cohen: "The key to Ringling's comeback is not just that it is more humane. The Circus is now more human."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And, oh, how much lovelier to the senses: "their workplace smells better."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Give them credit for pressing Feld on the bottom line: "The privately held company declined to provide financial information about the tour, although Feld says he's pleased with ticket sales."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The story lends the impression of a show venturing into far off places to find talent. For this revelation, quoted is J. Vaught, senior vice president of production and touring operations: "You have to look in places where people haven't looked."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">They've been doing that for years.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have to wonder why Cohen did not note the absence of the word "circus" in the show's legendary title, a word he frequently drops, and ask why?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, of course, might have spoiled the feel-good tribute.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Thanks to Don Covington for the link. <br /></i></span></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-47105880929148983292024-03-08T07:14:00.000-08:002024-03-09T10:02:53.415-08:00Back on the Ringling Watch: Show Packs Barclays Center, Says One in the Know -- Average Rating on on Yelp, Updated: 1-1/2 Stars ... <p><i><b>UPDATE</b>: Don Covington sent me the New York Times article on the new Ringling. Turns out, it was not a review, but a feature about how the new show came to be. Why the Times will not review is very puzzling. Thank you, Don!</i><br /></p><p>++++++++++++ <br /></p><p>Fastly trying to catch up, having heard the show "strawed 'em" over a three day stand in Barclays, once again I set out on the review trails to see what I could find. About the same as before. Show did pull, at last, what appears to be a real newspaper review, from the Orlando Sentinel, and a good one, from what I could see before being blocked by the "sign up" gate. <strike> <b>And I find a review on March 2 in the New York Times, but I can't read it, nor is there mention of it on the Ringling website.</b></strike></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Here, totally copied and pasted, is a string of reviews on Yelp. Some I may have already posted</b>.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Start Yelping, America!<br /></p><p>Not just missing the Animals and the Clowns but the voice of the Ringmaster ???? Couldn’t see the screens and lights blocked many views! Not four our 3.1/2 yr old grandson…. He was asking where’s the clowns and elephants??? Why not include some animatronics ? Just sad and expensive<br /><br />2.0 star rating Anonymous from Houston, Texas<br /><br /><b>A LOT SMALLER CIRCUS THAN I FIGURED</b><br /><br />I was thinking Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was the circus of all circuses. I was wrong. Arabia Shrine Circus was much bigger, had more and just seemed overall better, and it's a quarter of the price. I won't go to another Ringling Bros again.<br /><br />1.0 star rating Merlotsmom from Bossier city La<br /><br /><b>NOT A CIRCUS AT ALL</b><br /><br />All we saw was acrobats swinging back and forth, the worst CLOWN show ever, and a fake robot dog. I wish I had my money back. The tickets were not worth the price we paid and the show was a pathetic two ring mess. Our Shriners circus is way better!<br /><br />1.0 star rating Jere from Chicago, Illinois<br /><br /><b>THE WORST SHOW ON EARTH<br /></b><br />False advertisement. Not a circus at all, more musical than anything. Total disgrace, all it was were acrobatics and dancers with lil talent. Clowns was horrible no tricks or shocking entertainment. The host(main speaker) was lip singing, sounded like it was pre recorded. No motorcycles or animals like lions tigers n elephants but they had a fake robo dog which was TRASH!!Food horrible. NEVER!! Gotta do better. Do yo homework on universal sol circus<br /><br />1.0 star rating Debbie from Kansas City<br /><br /><b>DISAPPOINTING<br /></b><br />The circus was a complete disappointment. Not one animal (not even a dog) and no clowns. Kids were restless with singing and drums. Will not be going again.<br /><br />1.0 star rating Denis from jacksonville florida<br /><br /><b>DISAPPOINTING</b><br /><br />I wouldn't go again. It is not circus anymore and the show is nothing special...acrobat shows that you saw hundred times already, cheesy Disney like singing of song....it was boring and not worth the money.<br /><br /><br />Photo of Andrea W.<br />Andrea W.<br />FL, FL<br />0<br />8<br />Jan 7, 2024<br /><br />Just not the same. Plus $35 for cotton candy $14 for crushed flavored ice in a cup !!! Hello !!<br />The ringmaster at Amalie Arena was mediocre and none of the clowns could get the crowd 'going'<br />I am sad our grandsons will really not know 'the circus' with its wonderful smells sights and acts! But happy our grown daughters (41/39/26/33) all did. Year after year after year. And so on !<br />Times they are changing -for sure!!<br />Photo of Melba P.<br />Melba P.<br />Chicago, IL<br />0<br />8<br />1<br />Nov 7, 2023<br /><br /><b>BORING!! Bring back the animals!<br /></b><br />This was a subpar Disney performance at best.<br /><br />I did enjoy the acrobats and highwire performances, though.<br />Photo of Mark I.<br />Mark I.<br />FL, FL<br />0<br />2<br />Jan 27, 2024<br /><br />It's really not a circus. No animals, no clowns, just an acrobatic show. My kid was very bored. Plus a popcorn and cotton candy cost $34. Complete disappointment. Do not waste your money and time.<br />Photo of Cindy I.<br />Cindy I.<br />CO, CO<br />0<br />1<br />Nov 5, 2023<br /><br />Lamest show on earth!! No clowns and no animals made no fun for the kids! The "new approach to the circus" was not good enough to have the Ringling Brothers legacy! Don't waste your money on this, but go to a rodeo instead for great entertainment with animals and clowns and authentic danger!<br />Photo of Mike O.<br />Mike O.<br />Belle Isle, FL<br />0<br />2<br />Jan 14, 2024<br /><br />After reading the first review of this, I was actually expecting to see a circus. Let's make it clear, Bello Nock, elephants, trained animals of any kind, or any talent worth paying to see was missing from the performance. Exception: 3 girls doing impressive contortions and balancing. This must be an old review or a very fake review that is listed as the first review. Here's what the show was not. It is not a circus. It is definitely not the greatest show on earth. And you don't have to be someone who has been to an actual circus back in the Glory Days when you had animals, talent, clowns, exciting acts to watch. Nothing here was equal to your standard street performer that you would see down at the Key West sunsetfest every night, or during Mardi Gras in New orleans. There was a lot of stuff going on but nothing exceptional, no animals, people clowning around but they weren't dressed up as clowns, and a sorry b team or even c team Tina Turner like I guess you would call ringleader. Definitely not a circus. Quite the disappointment.<br />Photo of Robert H.<br />Robert H.<br />Excelsior Springs, MO<br />0<br />1<br />Nov 12, 2023<br /><br />Save your money.. I bought the tickets so my wife and I could take my 3 year old grandson after he had his second open heart surgery. The show lacked a lot. There was a lot going on all the time but not very entertaining. The sound system sucked, the acts were at times boring and pretty uneventful. We left shortly after intermission. Wished I could have that $200 back again..<br />Photo of Maggie C.<br />Maggie C.<br />Collinsville, IL<br />0<br />3<br />Dec 17, 2023<br /><br />this was a very disappointing show. there were no clowns, animals, and very little actual circus performances. it was about 80% just singing and very bad dancing. I'm sorry, but singing and dancing is not a circus. it's a show I would not recommend or ever go to again.<br />Photo of Michael S.<br />Michael S.</p><p>END OF STREAM, back to me.</p><p>What were they to expect? Hasn't the circus that dare not speak its name -- removed its name? It's a show, stupid!<br /></p><p>From the photos/videos I have seen, biz looks very good ... </p><p>Most interesting/telling Yelp comment to me is this: <i>"the show is nothing special" </i></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-43857047187755494252024-03-02T06:44:00.000-08:002024-03-05T06:38:18.016-08:00Win a Free Copy of My Forthcoming Book --- Keep That Day Job! How to Enjoy Chasing Showbiz Without Going Mad<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Update <br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">HOW TO PARTICIPATE ANONYMOUSLY</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>For those posting anonymously, please re-post as follows: After posting your answer, leave a distinctive user name that no others could have used, such as Cotton Andy, Rosin Rosie. If you are the winner, I will make known your user name, and you will e-mail me directly to provide a name and address for sending out the book, and I will not disclose this information to others. <b><br /></b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Be the first to name the American circus that one season hired a high school jazz band to provide music for the show.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Post your answer in the comments section below; all answers will be kept secret and not posted until the winner is revealed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I came upon this rather extraordinary event by sheer accident, while gathering photos for the book. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You have 30 days, contestants.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Good luck! </span></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-55796048480960271272024-02-04T15:13:00.000-08:002024-02-22T13:33:53.364-08:00Techno INSANE: When Even the Operator is No Longer Available ... We Embrace Extreme Technology at Our Own Risk<p>This morning, I called <i>The Santa Rosa Press Democrat</i>, hoping to obtain information about photo reprints for my new book,<i> Keep That Day Job! How to Enjoy Chasing Showbiz Without Going Mad. </i><br /></p><p>I dialed several numbers, one finally gave me the option of pressing O for operator. But even that person was not available -- I'd have to leave a message!!!<br /></p><p>It's a nightmare world we seem to be slowly slipping into. People preferring virtual reality to in--person contact. Suicide rates among the young rising. A nation increasingly submerged in more drugs, massive streams of them crossing the southern boarders and causing death to thousands. Social media streams urban mayhem, major media laps it all up.<br /></p><p>Whenever I call Comcast, I end up screaming into my phone TALK TO AN OPERATOR!... TALK TO AN OPERATOR! ... TALK TO AN OPERATOR!</p><p>Finally, so far, their AI voices relent, and put me through.</p><p>To a call I made a while back to Wells Fargo ,needing to renew a CD, a voice answered. "I will be your virtual assistant" What was going on there? Maybe with Comcast, but <i>Wells Fargo</i>? I had to ask,"Are you a robot?" <br /></p><p>He chuckled and assured me he was not, gave his name, and fleshed himself out, and we talked, and the conversation seemed real. <i>Seemed.</i><br /></p><p>One day, it may not be. <br /></p><p>Sick. Sick. Sick. <br /></p><p>SANITY IN CHINA? The last word to Chinese Premier <span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">Xi Jinping</span></span>, who recently issued an order to one of the regions, to wit:<i><b> If you have jobs by robots that can be done by humans, hire humans. </b></i></p><p>12.21.23<br /></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-9403287203497404522024-02-02T11:51:00.000-08:002024-02-02T15:44:08.767-08:00MIDWAY FLASH! ... MIDWAY FLASH! ... Elephant Gold at Monte Carlo! Stunning New Revelation Recasts Pacyderms in Slower, More Thougful Mode ... <p><span style="font-size: medium;">And yet still, they mesmerize.<span class="Y2IQFc" lang="en"><br /></span></span></p><p> <span class="Y2IQFc" lang="en" style="font-size: medium;">Elvis Errani's elephants, if I translated right,</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> won a Gold Clown, and I viewed the act. More later</span>.<br /></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-24510026910757276112024-01-24T09:08:00.000-08:002024-01-24T09:13:18.977-08:00THREE GOLD CLOWNS AT MONTE CARLO TO ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqI_n_DT0bM1GUfwpwi6a6vZOsAyBRN0XnBnWrfyBPsg2K_OkG3bf6yvD5SsYYXLipeW1b8aciKBEgL3lfY-Vj3iqmQmsgZ9qMKnRRGvzwdiLy4mRLQMaZdWfL6k2A6zikNYCQJHIVvjyXJNOCcXBhXwdvYwBZCoiCoNUJe0OPCJqTa9Sh8Zc-g/s780/monte%20carlo%20princess%20stephanie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="780" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqI_n_DT0bM1GUfwpwi6a6vZOsAyBRN0XnBnWrfyBPsg2K_OkG3bf6yvD5SsYYXLipeW1b8aciKBEgL3lfY-Vj3iqmQmsgZ9qMKnRRGvzwdiLy4mRLQMaZdWfL6k2A6zikNYCQJHIVvjyXJNOCcXBhXwdvYwBZCoiCoNUJe0OPCJqTa9Sh8Zc-g/w400-h241/monte%20carlo%20princess%20stephanie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1">Charles and Alexandre Gruss for their horse juggling act</span></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1">The Kolev
Sisters, Michelle and Nicole, for their hand-to-hand performance</span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="s1">The elephants trained by Elvis and Cvetomira Errani</span></span>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-46925131463274063002024-01-18T16:01:00.000-08:002024-01-19T10:08:46.555-08:00STEVE AND RYAN TO MONTE CARLO ...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj4P57i-GNViPin_l_3vNa82JSutGKZCtaW5WjQckeQd_p8lR0KWzXYgoX814gRaTPYkbKVA4sOPAZ9lI6378SHTi6zOS8zhNBMToxvmBCFHNmWk0S16lqf7BsR5Xu7ZlLotuDnoKBzQu6hDzoHUfpGKei7SdK64wJJGlJ3wkkv8WcHWHzHvoaQ/s1440/steve%20and%20ryan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1440" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj4P57i-GNViPin_l_3vNa82JSutGKZCtaW5WjQckeQd_p8lR0KWzXYgoX814gRaTPYkbKVA4sOPAZ9lI6378SHTi6zOS8zhNBMToxvmBCFHNmWk0S16lqf7BsR5Xu7ZlLotuDnoKBzQu6hDzoHUfpGKei7SdK64wJJGlJ3wkkv8WcHWHzHvoaQ/w400-h301/steve%20and%20ryan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">America Calling: There they are! First row, left, our own Steve Copeland and Ryan Combs appearing in this year's festival. High Honors for two dedicated goof balls helping to keep clowning alive. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTpBSxGWRhi2EEThlUSDLF3uUGVy9urHavx5Y6aUyYWOxdx65nFE7Zp_t7YZx0lBIT6ve1MfqikO3A_2lUGKQYBeYE2YfL7JZNRAE93qwg2ATiyhkv9ZBxIsg30gtZci5O25tQe4jz168oid9l0Wqa7Ln9GeszX5hAyjVjHE7uu0SB_j7WbsNVg/s720/Steve%20and%20Ryan%20in%20parade.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTpBSxGWRhi2EEThlUSDLF3uUGVy9urHavx5Y6aUyYWOxdx65nFE7Zp_t7YZx0lBIT6ve1MfqikO3A_2lUGKQYBeYE2YfL7JZNRAE93qwg2ATiyhkv9ZBxIsg30gtZci5O25tQe4jz168oid9l0Wqa7Ln9GeszX5hAyjVjHE7uu0SB_j7WbsNVg/w400-h300/Steve%20and%20Ryan%20in%20parade.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div> <p></p><p></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-597119523426415132024-01-13T00:20:00.000-08:002024-01-19T12:26:42.844-08:002023, Looking Back: The Year That Was & Wasn’t<p style="text-align: center;"><b> “GREATEST SHOW” RETURN FAILS TO CAPTURE HEADLINES</b> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /> PERHAPS THE BIGGEST IGNORED EVENT event ever in American circus history was the so-called “comeback” of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey. Not a single legit notice in a newspaper that I can find. Some will send me “reviews” that turn out to be feature stories in which show people self-review their own work It sill feels like media in this country giving up on circus as passe after Ringling folded in 2017. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>HOW CAN YOU RETURN WHEN IT’S NOT YOU?</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b><br /> RINGLING BEING ALL HUMAN may fail to be seen as a comeback, but a make over so radical as to not count as a comeback, defined in my dictionary from Webster, “a return to a former position or condition” Show is not helped any by “circus” out of the title, by going without rings or ringmaster, animals or clowns — even a live band. All of which may strike a hurried reporter taking a fleeting glance as inconsequential. Which is not to imply they are failing to attract crowds. For all I know, they may be.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>MY BIGGEST BLOGGING BLUNDER</b><br /></p><p><br /> MORE THAN ONCE, I PREDICTED that Ringling would be “Circus du soleil on steroids” If those who have seen it up close and in full are to be believed, how dead wrong was I.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>RINGMASTERS NEED NOT APPLY? </b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /> AS I TOUR OUR REAL OR YOU TUBED SHOWS, seems that suddenly the man in red is MIA. Truth be told, he was never as fixed a figure as some might argue. Some times, he was a voice that announced just a few of acts; other times, as in Zoppe Now, a pleasing silent figure in red on the edge of the ring, but as comforting to see as a caring dad watching all. Ringmasters can still add a very human touch, but they need not be overbearing. Al Ringling called for “elusive, yet vital.” Ah, that fits Zoppe’s man.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>GOTTA DANCE, LIKE IT OR NOT!</b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /> <b> </b>DANCE HAS SOMETIMES PLAYED a subsidiary role in circus shows. Ringling’s production numbers used dancers to embellish action. You’ll see this at Vargas and U.K. shows, where a line of girls fill in briefly between turns.. But rarely if ever has dance been made an act itself, as it is in recurring appearances on the Big Apple’s Roncalli Theater-circus. Which begs the question, Why? Were it closer to acrobatic dance, such as Gene Kelly in flying whirls, and could thrill audiences, then let them dance!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>HOLD YOUR FAKE HORSES! HERE COME THE FAKE PIGS? </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b> OUR FURY FRIENDS, robots or costumed performers, are showing up everywhere — what, to tease kids and kiddie adults into missing them? To signal ownership’s true heart? To amuse Americans back into support mode? Costumed Polar Bears at Big Apple of all places! Heck, dogs and horses, even pigs, have not been for the most part banned. They are NOT exotics. They are DOMESTICS, and adults raising kids are coming to see the learning value of the magical interaction between man and non-man. <br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>ZIPPY ZOPPE CAN DO</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> ZOPPE FAMILY CIRCUS HAS DOGS and horses and they are playing long dates in the blue state of insanity (CA), and nobody seems to be picketing them. When they play 60 shows in Redwood city, and in the parking lot of the public library, we are talking a circus performing for the progressive left and Silicon Valley. How could this possibly be? Ask a parent.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>VARGAS RISING </b> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> NOW THAT I OWN A CAR AGAIN (a Lyft), I am happy to see a Vargas tent more than half full, heck, thriving! Something I have almost never seen in recent years. Something that tells me they and the public are connecting. And yes, not even a fake animal in sight.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b>DIMINISHING THRILLS? </b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> THE OMINOUS RISE IN LIFELINES, if this is indeed a trend, will only further dilute the primal appeal of circus. There are still plenty of risk takers out there to remind audiences of what sets circus apart. Surely, this is why so many shows owners still carry the double wheel and motorcycle globe. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>THE CHANGING FACE OF CLOWNS</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> <span>I'VE A GENERAL IMPRESSION </span>of they're finding renewed acceptance with funny faces more sketchy than thickly made up. It seems to be making a big welcome difference. Grin, Clown, Grin! <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>SHRINERS, RESTART YOUR GOLDEN AGE!</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> THEY CAN EASILY get away with domestics. And a few are still getting away with wild, elephants included. These men of good will towards ailing children are fixtures in the community, the best possible link to a circus wishing to keep the animals <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>MEMO TO MONTE CARLO & PRINCESS STEPHANIE:</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> TOUGHEN UP, LET GO and Bring in Outside Judges, Mandate Gold Clowns only for<i> mechanic-free acts. </i>All of the others can still<i> </i>qualify for silver, bronze, and tin foil<i>. </i><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>YESTERDAY NEVER DIES </b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> YOU CAN KICK THE SOUL OUT OF CIRCUS, but you can’t kick it out of a kid who loves amusing animals and funny faces making mischief. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>GOOD LUCK, 2024!!!</b></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-15615485534125828332023-12-28T18:30:00.000-08:002023-12-31T20:59:23.146-08:00 Circus of a Hodgepodge: Roncalli At Big Apple Sparkles in Spots, Stumbles through Weak Direction and Focus<p><b>Uupdate: 12.29 See End Ringers ***</b><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV24CCW5taOzCnSpkBGpBLEjgbtnOtpDcGg9oHIOoV5J1qJyX-Mqz0HenZxHgm0b47Yx5dI6N-Hi9plOQpLUw6CwEe4BmDwZY7d0_VR2WGkmuYS-xqleXyl7ic6Ji4tXCBDtD8-2UZRd-xBzWe8Yz1Q1mXxTm-0jZAlf3lApTpeawlYPVLVSLAMg/s672/roncalli%20poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="672" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV24CCW5taOzCnSpkBGpBLEjgbtnOtpDcGg9oHIOoV5J1qJyX-Mqz0HenZxHgm0b47Yx5dI6N-Hi9plOQpLUw6CwEe4BmDwZY7d0_VR2WGkmuYS-xqleXyl7ic6Ji4tXCBDtD8-2UZRd-xBzWe8Yz1Q1mXxTm-0jZAlf3lApTpeawlYPVLVSLAMg/w400-h265/roncalli%20poster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>You Tube Review<br /><i><b>Journey to the Rainbow</b></i><br />Roncali Theater-Circus and Big Apple Circus<br />At Lincoln Center through mid-January</p><p>Tickets: $19.95 – $89.95 ringside, plus $4.95 fee. VIP packages available, from $130, plus $7.95 fee</p><p> <br /> <b> BE FOREWARNED</b>: I could not clearly see a couple of acts behind a tent tower, blame it on the guy taking the film illegally, who put himself and thus me, too, behind it. So, this must be considered a rough first draft of what might have been a more valid review, had I been there in person to see it for myself. Nor do I find the names of the acts on the website, thus the few missing here. And any of my comments are subject to revision upon discovery of lifelines being used. Okay, so here we go — on with another stab at another kind of variation on circus!<br /><br /> <b>REVIEWING THE COMPLETE</b> two hour program, excluding intermission, what struck me the most, given all the gush about it from fans and the adoring New York Times critic is how ineptly staged and paced it is. Then again, how do you direct such a scattered hodgepodge? In its favor, the lineup now and then sparkles with some noteworthy turns, then slogs along through sluggish prop changes, fashion show walkarounds, prolonged bows and milked encores, and extensive dancing sequences in-between, as to make it feel as if the circus is sharing the ring with an out-of-work dance troupe. Nor will the moderately amusing old-school European clowning, too much of it staged in the seats, thrill everybody straining to see it. Terrible sight lines!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreEByuADptSxLfge13IJFbVDzqmVjxau9N3eGG1otNvMy9ajXITvuCvZDcBHKNnnhu_2Hxs7EgRXxAVEdkuVUmwDMmmXmWpqe77EFaJJco0JcxmOW6FfHIuHEzkOFlieuqJEbNFQlo_il3I9PJaGayOTRhhYd7UAyhiN8R6l4_bMvYjI1i0I8cw/s750/roncali%20dancers%20costumes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhreEByuADptSxLfge13IJFbVDzqmVjxau9N3eGG1otNvMy9ajXITvuCvZDcBHKNnnhu_2Hxs7EgRXxAVEdkuVUmwDMmmXmWpqe77EFaJJco0JcxmOW6FfHIuHEzkOFlieuqJEbNFQlo_il3I9PJaGayOTRhhYd7UAyhiN8R6l4_bMvYjI1i0I8cw/w400-h225/roncali%20dancers%20costumes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQu6ma2kGepLI4hxdbNQy1WtQnSba_V63BSurZUTGG31Vz3CaDt8aS-4AmK19gRjaYpmU31RDXbC7twyKdFPEw4hl-j-OVJuBH21TrpMwwhRFOVS57tK8PQkxRldQEPkx94eaNq3W5ZVIss8Mi9rXTb1NqaIBwIo64hNsnb2aqYuv9hhLU4SBBA/s677/roncalli%20womann%20feared%20cast%20at%20back.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="677" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQu6ma2kGepLI4hxdbNQy1WtQnSba_V63BSurZUTGG31Vz3CaDt8aS-4AmK19gRjaYpmU31RDXbC7twyKdFPEw4hl-j-OVJuBH21TrpMwwhRFOVS57tK8PQkxRldQEPkx94eaNq3W5ZVIss8Mi9rXTb1NqaIBwIo64hNsnb2aqYuv9hhLU4SBBA/w400-h268/roncalli%20womann%20feared%20cast%20at%20back.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b> Not any old hoofers. They're the "Broadway Dancers</b>" <br /></p><p></p><p> <b>SHOW HAS A LIVELY BAND</b> (even Ringling no longer has one) hearkening back in style to older fashioned, and rises on occasion to ride the drama inherent in certain of the acts — reminding us of the primal force of unencumbered circus. <br /><br /> <b>CHASING BUBBLES: </b>At the outset, the program proposes to take us on a journey to the rainbow, which, I assume, means the dazzling multitude of colorful lighting effects that splash in and out --- not all the other extraneous fluff, together consuming a good half hour more than need be. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVqW6pauug9J7WW_KeE0p2L29YPmqeJQlHWV33XmO1C0vgtciiu7V6ikN2BBqCvaogNJJ2d_Fql8ipo6k9RyTUmgjNjvXaYoqzvp1wCYJge4lW7xLHbCo4pvNxwOky581Vstb12nStASkihnpOdGXK-6lggHYyXHD62CcfMBudDZ7srsv1nyk2A/s800/roncalli%20wire%20walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="800" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVqW6pauug9J7WW_KeE0p2L29YPmqeJQlHWV33XmO1C0vgtciiu7V6ikN2BBqCvaogNJJ2d_Fql8ipo6k9RyTUmgjNjvXaYoqzvp1wCYJge4lW7xLHbCo4pvNxwOky581Vstb12nStASkihnpOdGXK-6lggHYyXHD62CcfMBudDZ7srsv1nyk2A/w400-h260/roncalli%20wire%20walker.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLpOL6kk_FDs8BgQwkeER10r8tsHnoQnShneBnrL6mcouA5qY-1VWfAMSfBFxJe9LMjkRrl51ygFn3TdEib_uS0T10vl0yc2_t5eW_dl6kQB8QW3tOuEYwSjL5Z8Y-K0mnUE1rmDYGWmJiNq7yZ-e9C6q-htpL4Pp98qttfJCrflU7tmITY-Yeg/s635/Roncalli%20balloons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="635" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLpOL6kk_FDs8BgQwkeER10r8tsHnoQnShneBnrL6mcouA5qY-1VWfAMSfBFxJe9LMjkRrl51ygFn3TdEib_uS0T10vl0yc2_t5eW_dl6kQB8QW3tOuEYwSjL5Z8Y-K0mnUE1rmDYGWmJiNq7yZ-e9C6q-htpL4Pp98qttfJCrflU7tmITY-Yeg/w400-h330/Roncalli%20balloons.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p> <b>THE CIRCUS IN THIS MORASS </b>impressively offers a number of winning entries that manage to break through the fru fru and give us what we came for. They include ---- <i>envelopes, please!</i> — Geoffrey Berhault a fellow working on two cris crossing low wires, executing both backward and forward somersaults and showing a flair I would like to have seen more of — after spending almost as much time before the act, setting it up himself; vaulting acrobatics; a captivating juggler named Geoffrey Berhault who wows the crowd; and, top of the heap, a single trap flyer who ranks an A rating on my sheet. Here, the band gives him the kind of dramatic scoring that such an act deserves. The show’s high point, and smartly placed near the end. Curiously, I can't find a photo of this singular performer.<br /></p><p> <b>FOR NOVELTY</b> the enormous floating "basket”, as they are calling this newer number, with a bike rider inside it circling above, again tickled my fancy, as it did at Zoppe. This particular basket seemed to tip a little more ominously from side to side, hinting at a tension payoff that I did not get from Zoppe. And such an utterly pleasant prop. Watch it rise in the extremes and take off in circus rings around the word. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxmlKXwqoaQTdg4_yYC6RFYpNpaBwRrHo4jjb6AJomAshq8IZ69zFCF5dQ8tKG1ZzbaRrwUU4ew0odpFwoZfW-qmu7t2DcZuvhebBuMsMtUaU0bSI5pwJts3rNJD9ZJcpBqvzrV77QJikKbITOd543T42bib3g7TkIDfxLrD9pBJ236Co6w4Cgw/s4096/j%20clowns%20chair%20on%20head.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2732" data-original-width="4096" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxmlKXwqoaQTdg4_yYC6RFYpNpaBwRrHo4jjb6AJomAshq8IZ69zFCF5dQ8tKG1ZzbaRrwUU4ew0odpFwoZfW-qmu7t2DcZuvhebBuMsMtUaU0bSI5pwJts3rNJD9ZJcpBqvzrV77QJikKbITOd543T42bib3g7TkIDfxLrD9pBJ236Co6w4Cgw/w400-h266/j%20clowns%20chair%20on%20head.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p> <b>RONCALLI'S STATED MISSION </b>in Journey, "to embody a new kind of circus that is less death-defying and more artistic," is perfectly in sync with menagerie-free trends. Then why oh why, the most unexpected feature in the form of three polar bears on all fours lumbering into the ring, to dabble on and around teeter-boards? Talk about in-your-face bizarre. HELLO000? Sorry, those animals are no longer allowed in here! No, they are not real animals, but costumed performers, which, what, makes them perfectly acceptable to a woke world that sickened to the point of knee jerk intolerance over the slightest media reports of alleged circus animal cruelty? Such a fitting insertion to a jumbled parade that can’t make up its mind what it really wants to be I’d say old time variety stage revue. <br /></p><p> <b> GO FOR THE BEST MOMENTS</b> and be patient. It’s the most we can hope for in these war torn days under our rattled big tops. In my book, Big Apple Circus won’t fully rebound until it can put on a show successful enough at the ticket windows to spread its wares like all commercial circuses do. Since when did a successful property that opened in New York not, in making it there, make it anywhere --- as the song goes? BAC once did, all the way up to Boston. I remember seeing them in May at Cunningham Park, the idyllic setting. They have become slaves to the allure of Lincoln Center and Broadway. <br /><br /><b> END RINGERS:</b> Who directs what? There are so many CEOs and director titles between the two companies, is ANYBODY really in charge? There’s Marty LaSalle, former BAC juggler, listed as BAC CEO. There's Patrick Philadelphia, Roncalli Company Group CEO, given credit for directing. But then there’s Geoffrey Berhault, who also gets directing credit in another write up. No wonder the fractured result ... Any circus is far better seen in person than on video, which is why I am holding back and watching the complete Ringling show on You Tube, but will wait for it to come this way ... I suppose we can thank these interlopers with cameras making the movies, and consider that You Tube allows them through some sort of consent by the circuses themselves ... So .... what next, You Tube? Oh, I know what next. I saw a complete Russian Circus from 2018, at the Old Circus arena in Moscow. Talk about a stunning rebuke to the prevailing makeup of U.S. and UK shows. You wouldn't believe. Oh,you already saw it!? Hot tip: Speak "Russian circus 2018 on You Tube" into your Comcast mike</p><p><b>*** </b>If you watch the Russian video, beware: Show starts off with a ponderous and overly long cage act and early on, wire walking performers strapped to life lines galore. But from there on out, it takes of. <br /></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-26706495905118775282023-12-28T18:15:00.000-08:002023-12-28T18:15:00.130-08:00Step Right Up and Keep That Day Job!<p style="text-align: center;">Due out later next year, Showbiz David's next book</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Keep That Day Job!<br />How to Enjoy Chasing Show Business in Vain</span><br /></p><p><br />From the fifty (yes, fifty) jobs he held down to keep the pay checks coming in, author and playwright David Lewis regales readers with a fast-moving panorama of workplace America.<br /><br />Driven by his all-American dream of a Broadway opening night, <i><b> Keep That Day Job t</b></i>akes you on a wild ride back and forth, between cleaning out rental cars in Oakland and dining high on Park Avenue with New York literary agent Bertha Klausner and Clare Booth Luce. Between being chauffeured around Moscow while researching for a book on Russian Circus and, back in Oakland, chauffeuring Kaiser Steel clients from and to the airport. Between walking a rail yard one night recording box car numbers, and the next, meeting with French mime Marcel Marceau to discuss a Mother Goose screenplay. Between typing out letters for a chemical company in Hollywood and being handed a rave review in <i>Variety</i> for his new musical <i>Those Ringlings.<br /> </i><br />From prune picking to circus clowning, press agent to roller skating instructor to bank teller, night-shift doorman, house painter — and, finally, to “accidental librarian” for Oakland’s largest law firm, the amusing twists and turns keep coming. <br /><br />Stay tuned for more ahead. </p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-48686219890854245552023-12-15T00:30:00.000-08:002023-12-15T00:30:00.134-08:00Surprise! Animal Rights Activist Learns to “Like ” New Non-Circus Ringling --- All Except for a Ghostly Robotic Nightmare ... <p><span style="font-size: medium;">"</span><span style="font-size: medium;">I never thought I would say this, but I like the circus."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thus proclaims our guide to the proper attitudes suitable for taking in a new kind of Greatest Show on Earth. She is Ashley Webster Babcock of Maine, known for her work that focuses on the relationship between humans, animals, and environments. Her credentials make her the ideal reviewer for what the Felds are now up to. <br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But the heavenly relief I imagine her feeling in an animal-free show was jolted by a totally unexpected invader from the older, more vulgar world now under lock down — when a robotic dog invaded the tent, causing our charmed critic to cringe like a petrified senior snow flake. <br /><br /><i>"Children and adults of all ages definitely will have nightmares tonight about Bailey the robot dog, who dons a pink mohawk and matching pom-pom poodle tail and a face that resembles that of the Teletubbies’ vacuum cleaner. Bailey and slapsticker Nick Nack hold a dance-off, the winner of which is unclear”</i><br /><br />Perhaps a little pre-performance counseling for those entering with residual anxieties from past encounters in real circus lands? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">She was there in a crowd of 4,000 on opening day down in Louisiana, and now reviews the show in the latest issue of <i>Esquire</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> A sampling of her notice: </span><span style="font-size: medium;">"A ten-person dance troupe performs a fusion folk
dance, and three people stacked atop one another skip rope. There are
lots of interesting haircuts." </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Her long essay, which covers Ringling history in modern times, feels like a straining intellectual struggle to justify a new kind of acrobatic show that dares not speak its previous name. (The C word) In a nation called America, were far-left revolutionaries are redefining realities as deeply rooted in science as gender, to the point of practically outlawing pronouns, will “ circus.” too, become such a scorned word?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Babcock looks back with collegial ambivalence, and now is relieved to look forward to what she and her kind are ready to accept. Happy to quote PETA attorney</span> Brittany Peet<span style="font-size: medium;">, who granted: “I think I’m going to take my nephews to the circus. I never would have thought that would be something I was saying.”<br /><br />Will this new GSOE flood the gates with members of the above clique? I wouldn't bet on it. But the Felds already have their audience base of Disney on Ice patrons to play to. Could be an easy win-win for both.<br /><br />This is, yes, one hell of a chapter in American circus history — if you happen to believe that “circus” has a distinctive meaning all its own. Trust me: children still LOVE performing animals. And trust me, children still LOVE the clowns. And so do adults. <br /><br />When John Ringling North sold the show to the Felds in 1967, he made known his belief in “their concern and dedication to maintain the concept, traditions and artistic standards inherent in the world-famous title The Greatest Show on Earth."<br /> <br />The word <i>inheren</i>t, as defined: <i><b>Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.</b></i><br /><br />What would Irvin Feld think of all this? I remember him in old program magazines gong on about the family feeling a pride in being “stewards of the circus.” <br /><br />For me, the issue is not how good the show is or how well it may fare. A far greater issue is with the Ringling name and legacy, and how the Felds are reducing it in scope to a vapid shadow of what it once was, when under other less rattled or regulated big tops around the world, grateful family crowds are still waiting to take in what we call CIRCUS.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU7oly1GWUGaF1C2d4Aoa-1x9Jbk4KkAOVOjdMExTd0HRCNxSR2DW3jZ7NichEhYDcmi1IGH4Ki0AmBJdUyF2e7vfkWzM9Niyi7Tx0Krd7M8GIajT4LB6oCWwGtNM7kcxtUga2JO5bYYgRwEkYdSpsw6pThFWMNbi-olan7uEpQ58HxmDHRSuvA/s400/ringling%20NEW%20dog%20on%20set.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU7oly1GWUGaF1C2d4Aoa-1x9Jbk4KkAOVOjdMExTd0HRCNxSR2DW3jZ7NichEhYDcmi1IGH4Ki0AmBJdUyF2e7vfkWzM9Niyi7Tx0Krd7M8GIajT4LB6oCWwGtNM7kcxtUga2JO5bYYgRwEkYdSpsw6pThFWMNbi-olan7uEpQ58HxmDHRSuvA/w400-h268/ringling%20NEW%20dog%20on%20set.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Kenneth Feld's conscience?<br /></span></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-79255288455759977932023-12-09T09:59:00.000-08:002023-12-10T06:57:19.808-08:00Enter Ballet. Exit Daring-Do. Shunned in Some Countries, Celebrated in Others ... Real Circus Is Not Going Away ... <p> <b> CIRCUS, WHATEVER</b> you may wish to believe it means, to some it means the bloody gore of Circus Maximus, where Christians were fed to the lions and chariot races stormed around the hippodrome track.<br /><br /> <b>TO OTHERS, CIRCUS IS</b>, as so described in my Merriam Webster's dictionary, a show combining “feats of physical skill, wild animal acts, and performances by clowns” — the form invented by English horse rider Philip Astley over 250 years ago. <br /><br /> <b>TO THAT, P.T. BARNUM,</b> teaming up with James. A. Bailey, added his name and rings to call it the Greatest Show on Earth. One ring or three, it was clearly defined by the three essential elements, listed above.<br /><br /> <b>SINCE THEN, ANIMAL PROTECTION</b> societies and the creepy clown novels of Stephen King have driven animals and clowns from most of the rings in the U.S. and the UK. Russia would not bend, and China did not have to, rarely if ever presenting animals or clowns in its acrobatic shows. Let this put your fears to rest. <br /><br /> <b>THUS WERE THE TENT FLAPS</b> thrown wide open to people from ballet and theater, eager to save the old circus from itself – from its vulgar clowning and abused animals, as they would have you believe. To show circus artists how to bow with an overplayed humility that is false, like ballet gods at the start and end points of their acts. And on the highest level, to convey “character arcs” as in a play. Con Colleano of old knew how to dash in, twirl his cape and quickly take to the wire. How might his passion have been revised into stilted and pretentious through the cirque mills of Montreal? He and the best of his ilk knew how to shade their acts with choreography, and how not to become a slave to the shading They we re proud to be circus artists. <br /><br /> <b>WHAT THIS LED TO </b>is more ballet (or dance) on the ground, and in the air, more protection with safety wires. In-between the two intrusions, the edge of circus is being softened to the impotent elegance of a classroom practice session. How would you feel over the embarrassing spectacle of a group of pole climbing acrobats from China, all wired up? I saw this on one of the Monte Carlo You Tubes. Yes, Monte Carlo. Suddenly, mechanics are becoming a widely accepted part of the act. <br /><br /> <b>SO ... IS THE CIRCUS ASTLEY </b>created approaching its demise? I doubt this, there are too many reasons to enjoy the funny faces and the dancing dogs, etc. And the evidence out there of this is too overwhelming to believe otherwise. I am not pipe dreaming in a bubble. I have You Tube’s insatiable appetite for circus shows on my side.<br /><br /> <b>RINGLING NO LONGER</b> calls itself a circus, a shocking yet honest deletion. They are no longer a circus anymore than the Chinese Acrobats are alone a circus They are a show, like Five Fingers is a show. This is a story whose impact on the still standing real circuses will take time to play out. One thing is certain. Funny faces are not going away, and neither will performing dogs and seals and horses. They thrive in Russia and parts of Europe, and dare to soldier on over here, as witness the Zoppee Family Circus, which recently played a 80-show stand in Redwood City, CA. Life at its core has a way of going on. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>NEXT: YOU TUBE REVELATIONS</b></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-35485272731853064662023-12-08T07:15:00.000-08:002023-12-09T06:33:33.069-08:00FAKE DOG IN TODAY'S FAKE CIRCUS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WA57fIpVRnlALqgWeOtO4ttmiU8NcqH5uQDLWXHOn4SPgPA_ygFtOZllURJy-nb_4ydB0KrafkaPcToF_mLlu4nLxpNLsZZTx1jyRCb4FHgnUANrvy5WaK_hegJUW_a9NMYCY1_7bwFzfsRpbXMZLEFLrwSyP25IRkwkkR89gQIHEl-iBt8vcQ/s3024/DOG%20IN%20MECHANIC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2468" data-original-width="3024" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WA57fIpVRnlALqgWeOtO4ttmiU8NcqH5uQDLWXHOn4SPgPA_ygFtOZllURJy-nb_4ydB0KrafkaPcToF_mLlu4nLxpNLsZZTx1jyRCb4FHgnUANrvy5WaK_hegJUW_a9NMYCY1_7bwFzfsRpbXMZLEFLrwSyP25IRkwkkR89gQIHEl-iBt8vcQ/w400-h326/DOG%20IN%20MECHANIC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>by skill and strength only ... by skill and strength only</i><br /></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-38093114210889877422023-12-03T00:30:00.000-08:002023-12-04T05:43:04.063-08:00SUNDAY MORNING NOW: Minus Media Reviews for New Ringling, UK Critic Takes a Deep Dive into You Tubes, and Finds It "The Greatest Circus on Earth" <p><span style="font-size: small;">A friend to this blog, London-based entertainment reporter and critic Douglas McPherson covers circus among other topics for a number of publications, including <i>The Stage</i> and <i>The Daily Mail. </i>He is as perplexed as I by the lack of media reviews for the new Greatest Show on Earth, so he took it upon himself to watch a number of You Tubes out there of the complete performance of the show, and he loves what he sees, with minor reservations. Here is a link to the notice he posted on his blog: <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2023/11/still-greatest-show-on-earth-review-of.html" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://circusmania.blogspot.com/2023/11/still-greatest-show-on-earth-review-of.html</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">THE KID HAS CHARISMA </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a followup e-mail I sent to Douglas, asking him what he thought of the music, he responded, and added a few more thoughts on the show:</span></p><div>'The music, I thought, was well suited to the mood of each act.
Apart from the theme song, I didn't notice it too much, but that
probably only means that it was not distracting from the action. An act I didn't mention in the review by the way but I maybe ought to add in was a springboard act, which went very high. On
the subject of Wesley (Williams), I've just reviewed a UK show on the blog called
Planet Circus and I was talking about how only a very few circus
performers seem to put their personalities into an act and connect with
the audience as individuals. But I noticed that Wesley really does do
that. Especially in the ensemble numbers or where he's giving background
support to another act, he really makes an effort to engage the
audience and put his enthusiasm across. He definitely has charisma."</div><div> </div><div>This is most interesting. It suggests that Wesley may be giving the performance a more intimately human quality. <br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">WAITING TO SEE IT LIVE</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">I have resisted watching You Tubes of the full show because I would rather see it ideally in person, when it gets out here next year, if it does. Which is why I am glad I made the effort recently to take in a live performance of Zoppe Family Circus, reviewed a few posts down. I am sure I felt a more emotional connection to the show, being there, than I would have felt in front of a flat screen.</span> <br /></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-31132939101239277322023-11-29T16:04:00.000-08:002023-12-01T12:16:41.358-08:00Brit Big Tops Draw Long Lines ... Shrine Circuses Stay True ... Big Apple Circus Wins Another Tmes’ Valentine Review .... Ringling’s Spectacular Roll- Out Spectacularly Ignored ... Fake Animal Acts on the Rise ...<p>Let me whistle this one in by raising a few heart-warming photos on my midway, sent our way by my UK connection, Sir Douglas of McPherson, in reply to my asking him about the scene over there in 2023. Take a look. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71PlcDQwdOs9cOuDOqnOKTldParNkipKLFbn1HZeK2oo2todr3DNJitKo2v2rO5Bn9Wree6Z4lkVEzhrjTX6JGFddA7RsvPC7e3_GJY65JBRbLrx1KNn7IbWJpuyYqHgOs_H0i-mRg5fYJFligB5i51Jt1DInuyFizitbdTd5X_1jc4FxWfcGig/s1873/brit%20circus%20scne%20%20%20big%20kid.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1873" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71PlcDQwdOs9cOuDOqnOKTldParNkipKLFbn1HZeK2oo2todr3DNJitKo2v2rO5Bn9Wree6Z4lkVEzhrjTX6JGFddA7RsvPC7e3_GJY65JBRbLrx1KNn7IbWJpuyYqHgOs_H0i-mRg5fYJFligB5i51Jt1DInuyFizitbdTd5X_1jc4FxWfcGig/w328-h400/brit%20circus%20scne%20%20%20big%20kid.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Big Kid Circus, at their last stop for the season, last month in Glasgow<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvKfnJnVWh2aT1TCtdEeS81wKRDHccjlHZke5Sy6ifLeS_Sh7HhhSnz1dXvJM5tmTLyEtctPzGEJ6McbsMoJuTDw1cZWgdvMiiam59LMSMNdCKT0f5V84HseVR7QYw_ImDytDGK5bicyEUw_peJoUC3kS7m0fsNZoqUq_-2bFspooOo6nW_IeUg/s990/Brit%20circus%20scene%20%20Zippos%20cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="990" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvKfnJnVWh2aT1TCtdEeS81wKRDHccjlHZke5Sy6ifLeS_Sh7HhhSnz1dXvJM5tmTLyEtctPzGEJ6McbsMoJuTDw1cZWgdvMiiam59LMSMNdCKT0f5V84HseVR7QYw_ImDytDGK5bicyEUw_peJoUC3kS7m0fsNZoqUq_-2bFspooOo6nW_IeUg/w400-h166/Brit%20circus%20scene%20%20Zippos%20cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Zippos circus last summer<br /></p><p> <b>HOW DO YOU FEEL </b>seeing long lines at a circus? It always excites me, especially when I am in one, to the point of a mild panic: Will I get in before the tent sells out?? Only once did this trauma test my well being, on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood where Circus Vargas had wisely raised its tent. I did get in, and enjoyed the pristine novelty of watching the show with a full house. <br /><br /> <b>AND ONLY TWICE</b> was I actually turned away at the ticket counters, by the Moscow Circus in Oakland in 1967, and Vargas, circa 1986, then tenting over the parking lot of the Hollywood Bowl. About 10 minutes before showtime, I hurled myself off a greyhound bus on Highland, returning from the Bay Area, and raced across the street, up a ticket vacant window. “Sorry, sold out”<br /><br /> <b>BIG APPLE CIRCUS'S STRUGGLE </b>to go beyond Lincoln Center continues, and suggests the show is not making sufficient profits anymore to hit the road. Current opus features Germany’s Circus Theater Roncalli, some of its acts in video teases quite impressive. Long lines do not seem to be forming. They threw out 50% off tickets over the black Friday weekend and are pushing other discounts. Inexplicably, they have failed to draw major reviews outside of their number one fan, <i>The New York Times,</i> which has become The White Tops of Gotham circus reviewing. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9USkWmGkiGio7AQMJ3FQ4wpE3k5nygzUAATuDrRtYube69vcZeg2t3M_Hmmi2h57LUaRgFq_kt91H-4NoOO9lFeMYegVvJbeQk1zhlfDlno8XEV3AHKanQm_Y0uzCbvAWALQ2PnFtIW9EpjVQtghKg6xeU27ZH2GccFZgb70MvtQhK0ILiwwLw/s696/big%20apple%20fake%20bears.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="696" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9USkWmGkiGio7AQMJ3FQ4wpE3k5nygzUAATuDrRtYube69vcZeg2t3M_Hmmi2h57LUaRgFq_kt91H-4NoOO9lFeMYegVvJbeQk1zhlfDlno8XEV3AHKanQm_Y0uzCbvAWALQ2PnFtIW9EpjVQtghKg6xeU27ZH2GccFZgb70MvtQhK0ILiwwLw/w400-h266/big%20apple%20fake%20bears.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p> <b>ANOTHER VALENTINE CRITIC'S PICK</b> from the<i> Times’ </i>Alexis Soloski. She had nice things to say about everybody. She did miss Big Apple’s dogs and cat acts, and raised a slight quibble over the second act beginning “with a puzzling routine” of four fake polar bears (costumed performers). Left discretely uncharmed was she. Add the Roncalli bears to new Ringling’s robotic dog, and do we have a trend smacking of spineless showmanship? This merits an academic study. PETA PhDs could have a field day. <br /></p><p> <b>GREATEST COMEBACK FIZZLE ON EARTH?</b> Never did I imagine: The most spectacular thing about the return of the circus that dare not speak its name, is how spectacularly ignored it has been by big media and newspapers. On national TV, have YOU ever seen even a mention of it: They may be doing boffo biz, for all I know.. Today I thought I spotted a review in the<i> Chicago Tribune</i>, only to find a feature story that felt like a hand out, talking up the show’s return, with Kenneth Feld being quoted. Where is Chris Jones, who regularly reviews circus for the <i>Tribune</i>? I would love to read his take on the show.. <br /><br /> <b> SHRINE CIRCUS RENAISSANCE? </b> The temples that still produce real circus shows are forcing the public to re-think its ambivalence about real circus, forcing them to make their feedings known, to wit this, from one of only three Yelp reviews, all negative, dated Nov. 16, from Cindy I. in Co, Co:</p><p> <b><i>"All we saw was acrobats swinging back and forth, the worst CLOWN show
ever, and a fake robot dog. I wish I had my money back. The tickets were
not worth the price we paid and the show was a pathetic two ring mess.
Our Shriners circus is way better!"<br /></i></b><br /> <b> YES, YOU STILL DO</b> have the Shrine Circus, those of you lucky enough to be near one. I tip my hat to the fearless men in red who have stayed the course. In their favor, they have strong ties to the community and enjoy the respect of all for their children’s hospitals. If anybody knows what can delight a child, surely it would be a Shriner.<br /><br />I have more of that thread in mind. But for now, I am turning off my Intel brain implant to take a fake break.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6paBAMSm8D4-99Cb9ThZ6Qf-Ni6xOinQkKoTFE0w0U4GlDcl5IIbsq30-ae4o133gzJcugb4l1V0Fg3LBli7a3S_bq8RISNxleUV6whaKkv3CKh-1wcr-9HBtAB_PWnOs3RNzg0PsPHWmhccsCn98gEkbkj1RswMZ8nvv4SqnFzHvCUQppcKyA/s2700/shrine%20hadi%20pig%20after%20my%20heart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2700" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6paBAMSm8D4-99Cb9ThZ6Qf-Ni6xOinQkKoTFE0w0U4GlDcl5IIbsq30-ae4o133gzJcugb4l1V0Fg3LBli7a3S_bq8RISNxleUV6whaKkv3CKh-1wcr-9HBtAB_PWnOs3RNzg0PsPHWmhccsCn98gEkbkj1RswMZ8nvv4SqnFzHvCUQppcKyA/w400-h266/shrine%20hadi%20pig%20after%20my%20heart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Big pig after my heart, at Hamid Shrine Circus.<br /></div>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-36318946533322572552023-11-11T16:27:00.007-08:002023-12-09T15:37:44.025-08:00You Tube Impromptu: From Classic Pfening to Classic Old Circus Ringling ... You Never Know What Next May Come Your Way ...<p> Since I now have You Tube on my flat screen, it so much more enjoyable to watch movies, but the incessant ads kept me away. I wanted to see if they had Oklahoma, they do, and many other first rate movie musicals or adaptations from Broadway. So I was elated to start shelling out $13.00 a month in order to watch EVERYTHING without ads. Which means there are a great many films I can watch that I will no longer be able to either from my local video store, about to close, or from the already closed Netflix. How I miss its red envelopes coming through the mail.<br /></p><p>Last night I ran into a video of Fred Pfening giving a presentation on the history of Sells Bros Circus to a group of people in what I thought was a CHS convention but, I think was a local group. Very enjoyable learning more about the Sells Bros. They had what must have been one of the longest big tops ever raised -- even longer than old classic early Vargas under a February rain in Northern California (LOL)<br /></p><p>And then the words: THE BEST CIRCUS appeared. Which might that be? Came a You Tube showing a group of highly trained, highly accomplished elephants executing an impressively smooth series of various maneuvers to the most fantastic score, more like a soundscape. A quiet score, sounding like what one of my favorite musicians, Paul Hardcastle, could have composed. The entry says six years ago, which would mark the last "circus" edition of Ringling, but I do not recall hearing anything like that music when I saw the show the year before. ??? You Tube editing?<br /></p><p>Tonight I am going to watch Oklahoma with my new flick friend, You Tube </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-50339179743665257542023-11-08T07:18:00.011-08:002023-11-17T06:52:41.588-08:00The "Lamest Show on Earth"? Yelp Pans New Ringling ... Major Media Ignores ... Shriners Come Out Shinning ... <p><b> UPDATE, 11.17.23</b>. <b>Where are the media or newspaper reviews?</b> I comb cyberspace and still find nothing. What I find are advance press releases about the show, routinely printed in the papers. They have now played in some major cities, and nothing.<i> I would have thought that Chad Jones of the Chicago Tribune, who routinely covers circus, would have done a deep dive on this one. </i>Might it be a somewhat traditional reluctance of newspapers in the U.S. to knock circus? If you don't have anything good to say ...<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzzkzvg6VZgGbwy6wT2fyP86Wlzl7yTBaaOyMtAYA4J8rsuopND3nZCxknpT3ewTe9NohW1fKXF3iaibHVyFe4gYmRBdaP5QsTUppCuOeOjmB01ovU2hsCC3G-gwdYQx5xTa2pQIzqxUMonar4nHs1FcbEURQQQ0QNCWySqlBWSW6Ftc-cSqynw/s606/new%20ringling%20hand%20balance%20act.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="606" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzzkzvg6VZgGbwy6wT2fyP86Wlzl7yTBaaOyMtAYA4J8rsuopND3nZCxknpT3ewTe9NohW1fKXF3iaibHVyFe4gYmRBdaP5QsTUppCuOeOjmB01ovU2hsCC3G-gwdYQx5xTa2pQIzqxUMonar4nHs1FcbEURQQQ0QNCWySqlBWSW6Ftc-cSqynw/w400-h263/new%20ringling%20hand%20balance%20act.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Okay, I told myself this am, I had better google "Greatest Show on Earth" and "reviews," for I like to keep this blog true to the minute.</p><p>I could find no reviews in newspapers or major media. <br /></p><p>What I did find so far is best reflected here in customer feedback, a mixture that leans toward acute discontent with the circus that dares not speak its name anymore. And for the moment that is what I shall post: <br /></p><p>More digging in and down later.<br /></p><p></p><p>YEP REVIEWS.</p><p>So far there are just three:<br /></p><p></p><div class="user-passport-info css-1qn0b6x"><span class="fs-block css-ux5mu6" data-font-weight="bold"><a class="css-19v1rkv" href="https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=HlTTQS8I1mykFQ08d7OSxw" role="link">Melba P.</a></span><div class="css-kzxnxo"><div class="css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-qgunke">Chicago, IL</span></div></div></div><div class="css-1dys0n1"><div class="css-1jq1ouh"><div class="user-passport-stats__09f24__NQxB4 css-1qn0b6x"><div aria-label="Friends" class="css-volmcs"><span alt="" aria-hidden="true" class="icon--16-friends-v2 css-1nrzw89" role="img"><svg class="icon_svg" height="16" width="16"></svg></span></div></div></div></div><div aria-label="Reviews" class="css-volmcs"><span alt="" aria-hidden="true" class="icon--16-review-v2 css-1nrzw89" role="img"><svg class="icon_svg" height="16" width="16"></svg></span></div><div aria-label="Photos" class="css-volmcs"><span alt="" aria-hidden="true" class="icon--16-photos-v2 css-1nrzw89" role="img"><svg class="icon_svg" height="16" width="16"></svg></span></div><div class="css-1c9o6ng"><div class="inline__09f24__zZaGy"><div role="presentation"><div class="menu-popover-container__09f24__JN_XM css-1jq1ouh"></div></div></div></div><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs gutter-1__09f24__yAbCL vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-1d8srnw"><div aria-label="2 star rating" class="css-14g69b3" role="img"><div class="css-1ljpb85"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></div></div></span></div></div><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><div class="css-10n911v"><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs gutter-1__09f24__yAbCL vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg arrange-unit-fill__09f24__CUubG css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-chan6m">Nov 7, 2023</span></div></div></div><div class="css-9ul5p9"><p class="comment__09f24__D0cxf css-qgunke"><span class="raw__09f24__T4Ezm" lang="en">BORING!! Bring back the animals! <br /><br />This was a subpar Disney performance at best. <br /><br />I did enjoy the acrobats and highwire performances, though.</span></p></div><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg arrange-unit-fill__09f24__CUubG css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-1xfc281"></span></div></div><span class="css-1xfc281"></span><span class="css-1xfc281"></span><div class="css-1qn0b6x"><div class="css-174a15u"><div class="css-1w3ky6t"><div class="css-1u1p5a2"><div aria-label="Go R." class="css-1qn0b6x" role="region"><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs gutter-1-5__09f24__vMtpw vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg css-1qn0b6x"><div class="css-eqfjza"><a class="css-vzslx5" href="https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=jNGUelSBJCFOANNN7TpvDw" target="_self"><img alt="Photo of Go R." class="css-1pz4y59" draggable="true" height="64" src="https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/photo/nnhDEt7n9kwZqdSD3Sk58Q/60s.jpg" width="64" /></a></div></div><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg arrange-unit-fill__09f24__CUubG css-1qn0b6x"><div class="user-passport-info css-1qn0b6x"><span class="fs-block css-ux5mu6" data-font-weight="bold"><a class="css-19v1rkv" href="https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=jNGUelSBJCFOANNN7TpvDw" role="link">Go R.</a></span><div class="css-kzxnxo"><div class="css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-qgunke">Brookfield, IL</span></div></div></div><div class="css-1dys0n1"><div class="css-1jq1ouh"><div class="user-passport-stats__09f24__NQxB4 css-1qn0b6x"><div aria-label="Friends" class="css-volmcs"><span alt="" aria-hidden="true" class="icon--16-friends-v2 css-1nrzw89" role="img"><svg class="icon_svg" height="16" width="16"></svg></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div aria-label="Reviews" class="css-volmcs"><span alt="" aria-hidden="true" class="icon--16-review-v2 css-1nrzw89" role="img"><svg class="icon_svg" height="16" width="16"></svg></span></div><br /><div class="css-1c9o6ng"><div class="inline__09f24__zZaGy"><div role="presentation"><div class="menu-popover-container__09f24__JN_XM css-1jq1ouh"></div></div></div></div><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs gutter-1__09f24__yAbCL vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-1d8srnw"><div aria-label="2 star rating" class="css-14g69b3" role="img"><div class="css-1ljpb85"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></div></div></span></div></div><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><div class="css-10n911v"><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs gutter-1__09f24__yAbCL vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg arrange-unit-fill__09f24__CUubG css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-chan6m">Nov 4, 2023</span></div></div></div><div class="css-9ul5p9"><p class="comment__09f24__D0cxf css-qgunke"><span class="raw__09f24__T4Ezm" lang="en">This
was such a waste of money. What happened?! This was more of a musical
starring fake Tina Turner! Show was boring, light up toy, $36. A soda in
a ringling cup. $15!!! Highway robbery!!!<br />Save your money, kids hated it. No animals! Can I get a refund?</span></p></div><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg arrange-unit-fill__09f24__CUubG css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-1xfc281"></span></div></div><span class="css-1xfc281"></span><span class="css-1xfc281"></span><div class="css-1qn0b6x"><div class="css-174a15u"><div class="css-1w3ky6t"><div class="css-1u1p5a2"><div aria-label="Cindy I." class="css-1qn0b6x" role="region"><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs gutter-1-5__09f24__vMtpw vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg css-1qn0b6x"><div class="css-eqfjza"><a class="css-vzslx5" href="https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=ZGFLxhY9fEuEcBY9DcAnvA" target="_self"><img alt="Photo of Cindy I." class="css-1pz4y59" draggable="true" height="64" src="https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/assets/public/default_user_avatar_64x64_v2.yji-19e0a8ff85b15f4bbd79.png" width="64" /></a></div></div><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg arrange-unit-fill__09f24__CUubG css-1qn0b6x"><div class="user-passport-info css-1qn0b6x"><span class="fs-block css-ux5mu6" data-font-weight="bold"><a class="css-19v1rkv" href="https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=ZGFLxhY9fEuEcBY9DcAnvA" role="link">Cindy I.</a></span><div class="css-kzxnxo"><div class="css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-qgunke">CO, CO</span></div></div></div><div class="css-1dys0n1"><div class="css-1jq1ouh"><div class="user-passport-stats__09f24__NQxB4 css-1qn0b6x"><div aria-label="Friends" class="css-volmcs"><span alt="" aria-hidden="true" class="icon--16-friends-v2 css-1nrzw89" role="img"><svg class="icon_svg" height="16" width="16"></svg></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div class="css-1c9o6ng"><div class="inline__09f24__zZaGy"><div role="presentation"><div class="menu-popover-container__09f24__JN_XM css-1jq1ouh"></div></div></div></div><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs gutter-1__09f24__yAbCL vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-1d8srnw"><div aria-label="1 star rating" class="css-14g69b3" role="img"><div class="css-1ljpb85"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></div></div></span></div></div><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><span class="css-1d8srnw"><svg height="20" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20"></svg></span><div class="css-10n911v"><div class="arrange__09f24__LDfbs gutter-1__09f24__yAbCL vertical-align-middle__09f24__zU9sE css-1qn0b6x"><div class="arrange-unit__09f24__rqHTg arrange-unit-fill__09f24__CUubG css-1qn0b6x"><span class="css-chan6m">Nov 5, 2023</span></div></div></div><div class="css-9ul5p9"><p class="comment__09f24__D0cxf css-qgunke"><span class="raw__09f24__T4Ezm" lang="en">Lamest
show on earth!! No clowns and no animals made no fun for the kids! The
"new approach to the circus" was not good enough to have the Ringling
Brothers legacy! Don't waste your money on this, but go to a rodeo
instead for great entertainment with animals and clowns and authentic
danger!</span></p><p class="comment__09f24__D0cxf css-qgunke"><span class="raw__09f24__T4Ezm" lang="en"> </span></p></div><p> SOME OTHER REVIEWS</p><p> <br />2.0 star rating Anonymous from Houston, Texas<br /><br />A LOT SMALLER CIRCUS THAN I FIGURED<br /><br />I was thinking Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was the circus of all circuses. I was wrong. Arabia Shrine Circus was much bigger, had more and just seemed overall better, and it's a quarter of the price. I won't go to another Ringling Bros again.<br /><br />1.0 star rating Merlotsmom from Bossier city La<br /><br />NOT A CIRCUS AT ALL<br /><br />All we saw was acrobats swinging back and forth, the worst CLOWN show ever, and a fake robot dog. I wish I had my money back. The tickets were not worth the price we paid and the show was a pathetic two ring mess. Our Shriners circus is way better!<br /> </p><p>Of course, this is a random sampling of what I could find. Among the comments made at the end of the Washington Post story, which I posted for a few days, there was more balance between good and bad. One thing is sure, the strange Ringling facelift may unintentionally spur a national debate favoring the return of sanity to the makeup of a circus program.<br /></p><p>Given my trek recently to Zoppe Family Circus, I am not surprised when I observe support for the domestic circus animal acts among even blue state adults. <br /></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-42187850428591225372023-10-31T06:57:00.006-07:002023-12-02T21:12:52.028-08:00The New Ringling: What the Public May be Saying<p><b><i>Following are a string of comments left on a Washington Post story about the new Ringling show. Since they reflect a fairly wide range of views, I am posting them here. <br /></i></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i> </i></b>The animals were mostly a cross between clowns and elephants. They were busy avoiding a shutdown. Their circus never left town, while their ringmaster is being sued all over the place. <br /> <br />The best circus act I ever saw was trained house cats.<br /><br />Can it still be a circus without animals, clowns, or a ringmaster?<br /><br />It's better without the animals. Like the 'robotic'dog!!<br /><br />The horses were fun, I don’t see why they were eliminated and what about the original “dog and pony shows.” ? <br /><br />So dumb. Woke circus is going to fail.<br /><br />Cirque du Soleil has no animals, and they have been thriving for 30 years.<br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> HUMAN PROGRESS!! This is huge! Now if only Sea world would shut down...<br /><br />How would humans like it if animals locked humans up and made them do dangerous tricks for their supper???<br /><br />With the efforts to remove animals from venues like circuses and zoos, there's the worry about children losing any caring or relationship with the animals and the environment. Strong support the ethical treatment of animals is a must but too many activists don't understand or undervalue the role of a child actually seeing, touching, smelling an elephant, a bison, or a bear. There is the fear that disconnecting children and nature is that they will stop caring about it. Zoos and these other venues serve a critical role in exposure, education and connection for the people and survival and propagation for critical species that no longer have natural habitat or have been killed to the point of extinction. There needs to be a balance and acknowledgment of the benefit.<br /><br />As a child in NYC, I attended the circus yearly from the front row with my grandparents. I loved the elephants and the clowns, especially Emmet Kelly. I will always remember it that way, with cotton candy and awe. <br /> <br />Good news about the circus freeing the animals. They belong in their natural habitats - not as performers for our amusement.<br /><br />Their natural habitats have disappeared — why they live in zoos and nature preserves.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Do people still go to stuff like this?<br /><br />Of course. I just went to Paranormal Cirque a few weeks ago. Entertaining.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A circus without clowns? Without Ring Masters? I can see losing the elephants, even though is there a more iconic symbol for a circus than an elephant? Maybe a clown?<br />E O lives!<br /><br />Change is inevitable, and it's good to see people who can change with it and still put on a good show.<br /><br />Having seen the circus behind the scenes.... I think the animals had it better than the humans.<br /><br />Good, I always thought their excuse of No Elephants = No Shows was a "F.You" to the animal rights people. Of course you can have a profitable circus without animals, Big Apple Circus and Cirque manage fine <b>*** </b>without monkeys and elephants" .<br /><br />No more animals. Very good.<br /><br />Evolution! So good to hear this.<br /><br />“The circus is back in town — but the animals aren’t”<br />Thank God.<br /><br />can't the modern circus have horses? Horses are transported without animal rights problems (that I know of) to races, shows and such. The ladies riding them and standing up would bet a cool thing to see as acceptable throw past to the traditional circus. Think kids would love it too.<br /><br />n 2023, it's sickening and indefensible that any circus is still hauling animals around in fetid, sweltering tractor trailers, beating them into submission, and forcing them to perform. Just last week, UniverSoul gave up the animal acts - about time! Here's the few left still exploiting animals - including the Shriners!<br /><br />Sanity prevails. On behalf of all animals, thank you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>***</b>debatable. Is Big Apple circus doing "fine" when the best it can do is manage an annual run at Lincoln Center of only two months? It once played a full season.</i></span><br /></p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-71955787901669706222023-10-24T08:00:00.017-07:002023-10-26T09:03:13.061-07:00Creatively Rich Zoppe Family Circus Trumpets Tradition, Touches the Soul<p></p><p><b> </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6Z1Px1Skd9gMgsId2rZ7uCPrW4qNKpPPxgUwijFwlCKIoYaPlITeN_LBaNanUFWZNWJY7qpFgq_5NmwXjBdZZEFidfnz7Dyc4WZlTBJs0BTOpFluk8USeH1jwwCnUYmqoiDe3gZP_i9Bvx4PpL3216k2GP4l32URC8AGiKDCzd3crOu2NaQFZA/s701/zoppe%20blog%20small%20ficket%20like%20flyer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="701" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6Z1Px1Skd9gMgsId2rZ7uCPrW4qNKpPPxgUwijFwlCKIoYaPlITeN_LBaNanUFWZNWJY7qpFgq_5NmwXjBdZZEFidfnz7Dyc4WZlTBJs0BTOpFluk8USeH1jwwCnUYmqoiDe3gZP_i9Bvx4PpL3216k2GP4l32URC8AGiKDCzd3crOu2NaQFZA/w400-h226/zoppe%20blog%20small%20ficket%20like%20flyer.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiu8bswv6w-_X0W2RVveA4g1kJUcnnzPudjYmrSUHghEow02I8JsiFHPn5x1SqPDE4K_r0RANqgv71TjUdsdBnCMC_3geHAcMtxF5mFq1ciGysWMD7JMRWRu2y3efRlmxDYtpbUPxgmcf_FBPWNW2doRXZFHahJLaX-IFUwNPYX5s_mv_FCCD5w/s960/zoppe%20blog%20dog%20rides%20hoorse.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiu8bswv6w-_X0W2RVveA4g1kJUcnnzPudjYmrSUHghEow02I8JsiFHPn5x1SqPDE4K_r0RANqgv71TjUdsdBnCMC_3geHAcMtxF5mFq1ciGysWMD7JMRWRu2y3efRlmxDYtpbUPxgmcf_FBPWNW2doRXZFHahJLaX-IFUwNPYX5s_mv_FCCD5w/w400-h225/zoppe%20blog%20dog%20rides%20hoorse.png" width="400" /></a></div></b><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p></p><p><b>Legit Circus Review<br />Zoppe Italian Family Circus</b><br />Redwood City, CA<br />Seen October 14, performances run through November 27<br />tickets $15 to $25.00<br /><br /><i>Note: the Zoppe website does not list the names of performers, nor has a message I sent them requesting such yet been answered.<br /></i><br />How do you review a circus so different, one that comes at you eccentrically poised, surprises you in small subtle ways and leaves you not missing tired old cliches it has wisely left behind. <br /><br />On paper, the lineup is inarguably slim. Yet in action, a number of winning assets — classic clowning, novel programing surprises, and a few popping good acts wrapped in a warm family spirit — combine to make this a delightful confection greater than the sum of its parts. <br /><br />Zoppe shuns strobe lights and motor bikes and droning musical soundtracks. It leaves behind three humdrum bargain basement yawners (aka: filler), seen too often on too many shows these tepid days, items I could forever go without: Clunky roller skating on pedestals, sleep-inducing rollovers on “bed sheets” (Kenny Dodd’s nickname for the fabrics); and hula hoops ad nauseam. Here is a show with no patience (or space) for motorcycles in a cage — blame my indifference to this thriller on the Chinese having spoiled me in Shanghai with eight bikes in motion. Eight.<br /><br />Under their 500-seat tent, Zoppe unfolds over a simpler, older fashioned ring, which gives it an other-worldly mystique of its own. You are not in any old arena. Nor in a chic designer tent. Best of all, you are patronizing a company that favors domestic animals, doubly impressive to the point of unthinkable, here in the State of Insanity. Here where the nearby <i>San Jose Mercury News</i> (in an unrelated news item) smugly culture signals its support for “animal free circuses.” The same Silicon Valley social media giants who are inflaming the world with live streaming of murder and rape and mayhem -- and wreaking <span class="JCzEY ZwRhJd"><span class="CSkcDe">unconscionable</span></span> havoc on countless young lives. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LAsWfqlSuNcQRLYlS8WU9BnEZr3gkIFcf1VJTaYrEL-39WEsBnUzcGLxjpAK1ZcPY3_uTiHQCzLCV8Opco-PLvVu_dksf8I2XFmv_TU0ZYpi8eS6-i1wDF5jRTbvTMyuUVGcXxkmaed5qRYJS4OclhKJk554eOQObGcz3g9XobSUxdHDE3Km_A/s4032/zoppe%20blog%20on%20platform%20best.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LAsWfqlSuNcQRLYlS8WU9BnEZr3gkIFcf1VJTaYrEL-39WEsBnUzcGLxjpAK1ZcPY3_uTiHQCzLCV8Opco-PLvVu_dksf8I2XFmv_TU0ZYpi8eS6-i1wDF5jRTbvTMyuUVGcXxkmaed5qRYJS4OclhKJk554eOQObGcz3g9XobSUxdHDE3Km_A/w400-h300/zoppe%20blog%20on%20platform%20best.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Show owner Giovanni Zoppe, above, who plays Nino the clown, embraces you upon entering his festive village. From atop a small stage, he regales early comers with his family’s history through time up and down old sawdust trails. <br /><br />And on the midway, you may feel his warm heart, too, when you are ready to lay down four or five for a bottle of water, and are changed only a buck. You might also be doubly impressed by his far above average restroom accommodations on wheels. Best I’ve ever seen.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn-lwUMre4ENuhPjMfvsgr3ZKta5ZtirR7013eLtVqZ5FOSqsvaY1HFjDKwJQ12SfxDQOBKNn23mYU9RBAgEOlJzo1fXWJDW4CItJ1ZpOJYuOdxAumsQdLTpM9eGA9iXBy4ddEDSiGIADAIBiH0hPMvZ6UIaHrb-nWJEnkGDnryayH5B0A-P_vQ/s1412/zoppe%20blog%20iron%20jaw%20cut%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="953" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn-lwUMre4ENuhPjMfvsgr3ZKta5ZtirR7013eLtVqZ5FOSqsvaY1HFjDKwJQ12SfxDQOBKNn23mYU9RBAgEOlJzo1fXWJDW4CItJ1ZpOJYuOdxAumsQdLTpM9eGA9iXBy4ddEDSiGIADAIBiH0hPMvZ6UIaHrb-nWJEnkGDnryayH5B0A-P_vQ/s320/zoppe%20blog%20iron%20jaw%20cut%202.JPG" width="216" /></a></div>Inside the tent, I’m glad I went for a front row chair, for it put me close to the ring curb, itself so high and sturdy, so worn, I could almost feel an old-world gaggle of daring-dos waiting back of the tent to bring it alive. Yes, Zoppe, take me back. They call this opus Carnival de Venezia. It opens in the old commedia del‘arte manner, the cast filing the ring in a carefree Felliniesque spirit that is infectious. The cheerful music is inviting. Indeed, most of it stays bright and relevant during the entire show. Among the highlights:<br /> ,<br />* Clowning takes off with a hat that has a will of its own, sometimes sitting on Nino’s head, other times on the tip of his hat stick, or down on the ground playing hide and seek. A little kid (or plant from the front row) is lifted into a hug and carried off to help Nino find his hat. It’s perfectly charming. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFGaurac5eoikIPBWQanhkpvcINzfDiwUfbWwmCoAX-17O49KkFjAcN_stCd6q1-Jqur6tR0DpQtJWd5Q8x7HrtarzR6-wiwImLFSP6ceCodcguUSnPJhT1DR5cEj44Qf1v88gMC3AAq05UvHK2RuzKtzWuH53pNVGB892cXwhYxnfWI300ZREA/s2400/Zoppe%20blog%20father%20and%20son%20maybe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1602" data-original-width="2400" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFGaurac5eoikIPBWQanhkpvcINzfDiwUfbWwmCoAX-17O49KkFjAcN_stCd6q1-Jqur6tR0DpQtJWd5Q8x7HrtarzR6-wiwImLFSP6ceCodcguUSnPJhT1DR5cEj44Qf1v88gMC3AAq05UvHK2RuzKtzWuH53pNVGB892cXwhYxnfWI300ZREA/w400-h268/Zoppe%20blog%20father%20and%20son%20maybe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>* Kiddie star for the kiddies: A little boy, likely a Zoppe, turning into a rag doll to play Pinocchio, ending up in a round ball of arms and legs tightly wound, rolling over and over. Priceless. <br /><br />* This being a real circus which also shuns robotic animals, here you’ll get a team of very real, very talented dogs, under the deft direction of their trainer. Their big moment is truly big: a walking four-high mount behind a fifth member in the lead — a pony rearing up on its hind legs. There you go again, animal kingdom — stealing the show!</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3b2-biViY_ofkGO6AXS7vDDxwxgazqKK4VMTXWmw_WzxzjBqAR8p25uSFo5VdZtrFQ4gw8Wvm5e12zkq_jBd_y17Uz6-2MoblLyP2imIMlcTSTvIU85v9nYD842qumqvWgT-vSzXna0ZqAs_Wg2AcUMcz7hYiXG-_79bqioheAwYUcUlyp_UPVg/s3432/zoppe%20blog%20maked%20man%20on%20stilts.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="3432" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3b2-biViY_ofkGO6AXS7vDDxwxgazqKK4VMTXWmw_WzxzjBqAR8p25uSFo5VdZtrFQ4gw8Wvm5e12zkq_jBd_y17Uz6-2MoblLyP2imIMlcTSTvIU85v9nYD842qumqvWgT-vSzXna0ZqAs_Wg2AcUMcz7hYiXG-_79bqioheAwYUcUlyp_UPVg/w400-h160/zoppe%20blog%20maked%20man%20on%20stilts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> Quirky abstract images tickle the imagination. <br /></p><p></p><p><br />* Nino tickles the crowd after getting hoisted by the seat of his pants up to a high bar, from which he executes hand stands. A work up to: How can I get back down? His only exit is to jump. Down below, a small pad is being inflated into a big billowing pillow while Nino is shivering aloft in fear, the audience egging him on. Finally , he takes the plunge, instantly flattening the pillow (first gag) out of which (second gag) explodes a sea of paper confetti, showering the audience. I was knocked over by the fun of it all, my trousers white-flecked. Might this be what Juliet Feld calls an “immersive” moment (my iPhone failed to record). <br /> <br />* A fiercely accomplished ball bouncing juggler. And not a single flub.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRRmTFmkNOmJmSRDFObmrSYiP94eFyE-Db-NnSGZCb1LWxeRm0nJcgwmavHBWwGANRZIcFlavSt_ds1qyjT9eWUXOdt1lmTZhcq_7LHrnLdIby9pOyZJd2lLxlH4X-u1Ob_mCUjq1QY0uXVVW_bA9xwbs5r9laKLMBih_P17BQq5IjxVe-sQA7A/s419/zoppe%20blog%20conortion%20on%20stomach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="419" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRRmTFmkNOmJmSRDFObmrSYiP94eFyE-Db-NnSGZCb1LWxeRm0nJcgwmavHBWwGANRZIcFlavSt_ds1qyjT9eWUXOdt1lmTZhcq_7LHrnLdIby9pOyZJd2lLxlH4X-u1Ob_mCUjq1QY0uXVVW_bA9xwbs5r9laKLMBih_P17BQq5IjxVe-sQA7A/w400-h239/zoppe%20blog%20conortion%20on%20stomach.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><i>A tip of the hat from their kindly and silent ringmaster, who holds gentle court spreading cheer on the sidelines. He's a keeper.</i><br /></p><p>* After a brief intermission during which photo ops with a pony are sold, the slow-motion poetry of today’s ballet circus makes a cameo in the figure of a young contortionist, above, bending and posturing with elegant grace. Purist fans of this genre should find him fulfilling. <br /><br />* Another amusing trick. Three acrobats banging away on drums while erecting an obstacle gate of bars — how low can one of them go under the lowest bar without his body touching it? The smallest among them shimmies horizontally through, and I shimmed out a giggle. Cracking good.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB8VFK_cBGV-nSnEy0Lj5rjroyjY0ArjIKlJZ5Dpog5nVamWWYunl_VrAKVDfp-TiQC8N_G5dwgObVtBC68DIkqR04Vd9il2QQZn0iPKRzJHSJRZWnT1rIrbMoSLN6zHvLzO6zPwkqJL5yYqjkDTZaE34qaTm7NluxClVStwHYefVk84-S-OHaw/s3521/ZOPPE%20BLOG%20BIKE%20RIDER.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1860" data-original-width="3521" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB8VFK_cBGV-nSnEy0Lj5rjroyjY0ArjIKlJZ5Dpog5nVamWWYunl_VrAKVDfp-TiQC8N_G5dwgObVtBC68DIkqR04Vd9il2QQZn0iPKRzJHSJRZWnT1rIrbMoSLN6zHvLzO6zPwkqJL5yYqjkDTZaE34qaTm7NluxClVStwHYefVk84-S-OHaw/w400-h211/ZOPPE%20BLOG%20BIKE%20RIDER.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> Refreshing prop in search of a payoff<br /></div><div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">A few of Zoppe’s variable offerings fail to click: Among them, labored Chinese pole climbing never really takes off – show is woefully weak on acrobatics. A bicycle rider, above, has no challenges to meet. Most disappointing of all, solo horse riding all too basic and brief. And yet, and yet – out of this last entry before finale, in symbolism alone, my soul was deeply touched by the surreal image of the lone horse and rider with flaring American flag, circling the ring and keeping it as true now as it was back when Astley began circling it for the circus he gave us. So very fitting for today. <br /><br />Paul Binder often spoke of wanting to foster a joyful connection between artist an audience. And now I feel what he means. You’ll find it under this tent. I was left wanting to see this remarkable troupe again, if only they weren’t so far away. How long has it been since I have felt <i>that</i> urge? <br /><br />We are living through an age of competing delivery systems for circus acts, legit big tops offering all the three staples, to slices of circus during symphony hall concerts, on cruise ships and stages. In performance art. Summer parks. Strip clubs. TV. Zoppe has 80 performances slated for Redwood City, in the library parking lot where it has shown for 16 seasons in a row. Last year they ended up adding another week. How I would love to see this show before a full house. These performers poured their hearts out to us, as if the tent was packed. <br /><br />Au Revoir, Zoppe Family Circus. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X2SYxuFKmYCVN__361onxjRR2hVBs1iJKNrFjlHlnfgf23FpETHc3eDK8cdMFvObTGFVsePBuvQ69_9oqg2Q6hAqXFSrQb5aeFSiL0O0CBEFEOeTPxlFag296ZsLEHzLhFzkB_ybmmUrF9UNELFXAAbECTWN8wRqynqcH-EE__XGgDV_6k8EjA/s3438/zoppe%20blog%20finale%20cropped%20second.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1948" data-original-width="3438" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X2SYxuFKmYCVN__361onxjRR2hVBs1iJKNrFjlHlnfgf23FpETHc3eDK8cdMFvObTGFVsePBuvQ69_9oqg2Q6hAqXFSrQb5aeFSiL0O0CBEFEOeTPxlFag296ZsLEHzLhFzkB_ybmmUrF9UNELFXAAbECTWN8wRqynqcH-EE__XGgDV_6k8EjA/w400-h226/zoppe%20blog%20finale%20cropped%20second.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p> </div>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-10950086227273630192023-10-08T05:00:00.023-07:002023-10-20T09:20:09.507-07:00TO CIRCUS OR NOT TO CIRCUS? ... BARABOO AFFIRMS ... RINGLING RETREATS ... <p style="text-align: left;"><b>"That's not the circus I grew up in and not how I want to carry on" </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b> </b>-- John Ringling North II, to <i>The</i> <i>Oklahoman</i> in 2017, referring to circuses without animals on his decision to leave Kelly Miller. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>***updated 10.9 </b> <br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p><b>Two major big tops recently passed each other going in opposite directions</b>. One was holding its own, honoring the roots of circus. The other, having given up on itself, was following instead a road to Montreal in a final act of self-annihilation. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEtdLeWNTSNQnH7wizDLv9zCdVCkO5YyQQgp2pC5c8VQ3KX6w82uDj53OP5klIKdnNyKtv9281M20T8EzrGk518-lSiyfdmexlM9aWSt2h0uj7-iX4efGu2csfA29NQT13z6xRKpyv6h8bYZYow1PiseUiNUHUw0yna84pQr3l1au8emSwvNcaA/s345/scott%20o'donnell%20SECOND%20CROP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="345" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEtdLeWNTSNQnH7wizDLv9zCdVCkO5YyQQgp2pC5c8VQ3KX6w82uDj53OP5klIKdnNyKtv9281M20T8EzrGk518-lSiyfdmexlM9aWSt2h0uj7-iX4efGu2csfA29NQT13z6xRKpyv6h8bYZYow1PiseUiNUHUw0yna84pQr3l1au8emSwvNcaA/w400-h376/scott%20o'donnell%20SECOND%20CROP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>First, to Baraboo</b>. I recently read of Circus World retiring its two elephants for good, no surprise. A little sad, yes. But sad turned to glad when I read this from its pied piper-in-chief, Scott O’Donnell, above, that: “Circus World will continue to have equine acts, as it did this past season. Future animal act options include cows, pigs, dogs, cats, zebras, camels and other animal stars awaiting their turn in the center ring.”</p><p><b>YES! You warmed my heart, Scott</b>. In my book, what you are doing defines a reasonable road to preserving one of the key elements of true circus, and why some shows, like UinverSoul and Royal Henneford, still daringly feature them — PETA haters and media morons be damned.<br /><br /><b>Another gift from Baraboo,</b> by way of Greg DeSAnto at his International Circus Hall of Fame and Research Center, itself now back in full giggle mode, is the return of the late Pat Cashin’s Clown Alley blog. Best of all, they’ve handed the steering of it to board member Steve Copeland. Great News. I have missed Steve’s blogging when he clowned on John Ringling North II’s Kelly Miller Circus. His was a big part of what is now seeming to feel like our newest good old times — the last days of Ringling and Cole and Binder’s Big Apple, of Carson and Barnes and Kelly Miller. And of so many blogs then on parade.<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2L-jsnk_czUqzyBodn_QsgC3MP4u6u8Id7zzNLjw_bNcamXRZ_L2URAhVwodpMl0SRA4W8mPXhXzMsJJhRZE8ux0jJH5vRQxgtM8XytWYk1gZxZi0EMyPjZslSn1QqCfNDD1RPz1toJBunB0zvk13VxU03E06extjDjP6NDGmONc5ZMDjIearg/s810/steve%20and%20ryan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="810" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2L-jsnk_czUqzyBodn_QsgC3MP4u6u8Id7zzNLjw_bNcamXRZ_L2URAhVwodpMl0SRA4W8mPXhXzMsJJhRZE8ux0jJH5vRQxgtM8XytWYk1gZxZi0EMyPjZslSn1QqCfNDD1RPz1toJBunB0zvk13VxU03E06extjDjP6NDGmONc5ZMDjIearg/w400-h266/steve%20and%20ryan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /><b>Steve’s blogging was full of emotion and revealing,</b> and his boss had no problem allowing the day to day details of trouping, as he reported them. I am hoping that Steve will re-charge, re-boot, and revive the best of himself to regale us once more. Surely, he should have much to say about the state of clowning today. <br /><br /><b>Okay, onto the state of circus in America today. </b>To the new “Greatest Show on Earth,” which no longer calls itself a circus — give them credit for honesty in advertising. No clowns. No Animals. No Ringmaster. Breathtaking. Covington Connected, I linked onto a 27 minute sampler of action, put out by Ringling. Here are my first raw impressions, based on those 27 minutes and 27 minutes only. Taking in the full spread may be a totally different affair. Nor do I have any idea how this stream may have been edited. And, of course, I may have missed what others give higher marks to.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1ugMPXeWN0S50yQVfjr3y77DE3qBcM23F547z5lcn0TLIIu2zJ8NsJaZKcEXadlwvDOL1qqzPhmj-aJyDBRj8leUfjCk6CytSteJL-UAkOrA9kaGKmY83IiXn37dBRLgDG2Egoa6-cz5JT3Nbb_QLhC7vH-SM6LRod6qHqndn31yIwnYVLa4ZA/s660/Ringling%20on%20many%20platforms.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="660" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1ugMPXeWN0S50yQVfjr3y77DE3qBcM23F547z5lcn0TLIIu2zJ8NsJaZKcEXadlwvDOL1qqzPhmj-aJyDBRj8leUfjCk6CytSteJL-UAkOrA9kaGKmY83IiXn37dBRLgDG2Egoa6-cz5JT3Nbb_QLhC7vH-SM6LRod6qHqndn31yIwnYVLa4ZA/w400-h270/Ringling%20on%20many%20platforms.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /><b>It’s visually stunning,</b> with set pieces changing colors, brilliant costume design and lighting effects. Overhead LED screens strike me as lamely superfluous I did not feel the “immersive” experience promised by Juliet Feld. Sometimes there is more than one act in motion, conjuring up the old 3-ring mystique. The action is well paced (or well edited in this video), solid and sufficiently pleasing, without for the most part and to my great surprise, being remarkable. I could usually count on Ringling for a few world class acts. I can see at least two here --- One in a photo on the show’s website of an ensemble Mongolian three-high jump roping act that looks sensational. Another to follow shortly. <br /></p><p> <b>*** And since posting this, </b>a few others not wishing to be identified have sent me videos I did not see. There is too little of a high wire act to comment on. Another is the Flying Caceres cross-trapeze act: Notwithstanding the excellent work of the individual flyers, on balance the concept itself comes off as something of a long drawn out fizzle, and I can see why it was not included on the 27-minute sampler. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiN7E4IpCbsmP5-DvI5qinvtEjAV66KmydFo8GVDR3Ie7DriW0erRP5F97kYJ733OSGIyYcuOt2En7V15ZRX5P6sI7M2XfcLTt6uJlU0OPV0lrFql-BYPlBZ76RTgozh6GreqmonpqyTq1pxyM6Ho7p97w8teDVZoYiuauEWE9a267EmM2L3Snw/s660/RINGLING%20CAST%20AND%20STROBES.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="660" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiN7E4IpCbsmP5-DvI5qinvtEjAV66KmydFo8GVDR3Ie7DriW0erRP5F97kYJ733OSGIyYcuOt2En7V15ZRX5P6sI7M2XfcLTt6uJlU0OPV0lrFql-BYPlBZ76RTgozh6GreqmonpqyTq1pxyM6Ho7p97w8teDVZoYiuauEWE9a267EmM2L3Snw/w400-h236/RINGLING%20CAST%20AND%20STROBES.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx5E0L79QYhhutJZjqvRzTFvd1IQ6T4LlqFMlBRL9X9Qx28mXkEOwN5nXHLtW-hquyHdzoCeRsH_Oi1I2gL72gu37nwx5tuOVkycBbVUglrU6DIqgMVaVIqwmvFSWKfIdk-eE45NkXL38bCjqaPlSIYv0p471WHQdNEUP0KHlVZEi_9X2GB1mQg/s660/RINGLING%20springboard%20in%20motin.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="576" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlx5E0L79QYhhutJZjqvRzTFvd1IQ6T4LlqFMlBRL9X9Qx28mXkEOwN5nXHLtW-hquyHdzoCeRsH_Oi1I2gL72gu37nwx5tuOVkycBbVUglrU6DIqgMVaVIqwmvFSWKfIdk-eE45NkXL38bCjqaPlSIYv0p471WHQdNEUP0KHlVZEi_9X2GB1mQg/w349-h400/RINGLING%20springboard%20in%20motin.webp" width="349" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>This mostly ground-bound edition sells gusto over substance</b>. Casting and springboard send offs destined to land on large pads yield the strongest response. Contortion in various forms are all on the slow side and quite respectable. Juggling with fire is basic, there’s flashy foot stomping gaucho dancing. Youthful extreme bike riders up and down ramps struck me as not very daring for the sport — complexity is in short supply here, especially given Feld’s touting having scouted the world over and over again for the very best. (Maybe the very best did not want to sign.) <b>Second big moment: </b>Hands down, the big star was our own Wesley Williams on his sky high unicycle. The kid is finally getting a big national audience he has long deserved. I overheard a smitten young girl chanting “Wesley! Wesley! Wesley!"over and over. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF67ifUEfuHrNvBxl8FXoQ_OKiYemsXcbk1UzaZzRSVNZ0cYsUVyfkWQnPiI5Im4CMyA6W97KCZy8kjegBBa_jjncUmyTjW5IrG1jULrtkVW-vvbHY3Waxxr1kxbm7nOrywfluCVu-8c1oAn5OeXo8BWPRm4SHpWvNr1Gqh5wE04AvYHeEtNIRA/s660/ringling%20NEW%20wesley%20on%20Zig%20zag.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="660" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF67ifUEfuHrNvBxl8FXoQ_OKiYemsXcbk1UzaZzRSVNZ0cYsUVyfkWQnPiI5Im4CMyA6W97KCZy8kjegBBa_jjncUmyTjW5IrG1jULrtkVW-vvbHY3Waxxr1kxbm7nOrywfluCVu-8c1oAn5OeXo8BWPRm4SHpWvNr1Gqh5wE04AvYHeEtNIRA/w400-h260/ringling%20NEW%20wesley%20on%20Zig%20zag.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>A moody musical score, some of it sung, </b> is vaguely unmemorable. And no wonder, turns out it was taped! Good grief, no band, too? This ringmaster-less, carefully controlled production, smooth as a Swiss watch, could use a little more humanity. Overall, there is a slightly cold and impersonal feel to the long-awaited rollout, all of which, in the abstract, can have the effect of dwarfing the performers.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYruPzIPnqBf5AwGQT-lr4i53QAGGLevlVBdqwBkDCsmf5e0A0TJDLOf94aOyHe2tUtaTFuTdEIMt2h7cucy54nQGdz411rHn5TXfdzDGc8Ij6vS2Wx8BhR_7l5goJvjFsoyfzauuhmLZIf4LuiV00VUBiXD792aK23itUxTmkyeqxKhRF9iPQw/s660/ringling%20group%20juggline.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="660" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYruPzIPnqBf5AwGQT-lr4i53QAGGLevlVBdqwBkDCsmf5e0A0TJDLOf94aOyHe2tUtaTFuTdEIMt2h7cucy54nQGdz411rHn5TXfdzDGc8Ij6vS2Wx8BhR_7l5goJvjFsoyfzauuhmLZIf4LuiV00VUBiXD792aK23itUxTmkyeqxKhRF9iPQw/w400-h255/ringling%20group%20juggline.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>In a supreme act of irony,</b> the most down-to-earth, older fashioned circus moment comes in the famished figure of a scroungy little dog, down to the bones, as if having side-walled it into the show, lonely to be a part of it again and desperate to show what smart little doggies can really do. But our mutt is not a real mutt. Our mutt is a robot. As poignant as it is hypocritical, the "dog" it is said to be stirring a controversy, and it may only remind audiences of what is not there and make them ask, why? Yes, Mr. Feld, why?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2JpPBQJsPrmFUgQPfaLAlb6HS6w9OVFiZVTBt9kY4Y94yrjfC7yN2dwVKKck1hnnvVcXYFfUV12ZTJYImCm4cqB-_G0HdRBt5SqamMbkFR0SimzG024qQonnpwo7oCGyTG3Py2Zd0_HVXxR9MDv_5mQjTXiI5bZmgWKI_zQvpHvESidjaoj3-Q/s660/ringling%20NEW%20dog%20on%20set.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="660" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2JpPBQJsPrmFUgQPfaLAlb6HS6w9OVFiZVTBt9kY4Y94yrjfC7yN2dwVKKck1hnnvVcXYFfUV12ZTJYImCm4cqB-_G0HdRBt5SqamMbkFR0SimzG024qQonnpwo7oCGyTG3Py2Zd0_HVXxR9MDv_5mQjTXiI5bZmgWKI_zQvpHvESidjaoj3-Q/w400-h268/ringling%20NEW%20dog%20on%20set.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Cutting through all the mumbo jumbo</b> talk about intense creative deliberations (if only they could have channeled in Aristotle), I think what Kenneth Feld was all about was producing the perfect fit for his existing Disney mice-on-ice audience base, and here he may strike gold — now without the antagonists mucking up the midway. He might have taken other less profitable routes to preserve the circus. He might have led the way.</p><p style="text-align: left;"> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xWQ-IUeUfwEQmwQ86oE6rYGq1fzC0MfQRJM8ZY2-HmUGNxAIKlzB9Ct3Tz2XhM_84WpUrMbB54wnwwndzfGulwjVppK3ijpVXqLjyfgQWLyJpwl6lAmIKEGbO-6p-xWWD9_8IP1CXSP9ApiGKl_6le6idGr3JXl_g5HMgNZMdYhOEPMy2gv1Iw/s1584/kelly%20miller%202015%20gal%20on%20elephant%20trunk.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1584" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xWQ-IUeUfwEQmwQ86oE6rYGq1fzC0MfQRJM8ZY2-HmUGNxAIKlzB9Ct3Tz2XhM_84WpUrMbB54wnwwndzfGulwjVppK3ijpVXqLjyfgQWLyJpwl6lAmIKEGbO-6p-xWWD9_8IP1CXSP9ApiGKl_6le6idGr3JXl_g5HMgNZMdYhOEPMy2gv1Iw/w400-h230/kelly%20miller%202015%20gal%20on%20elephant%20trunk.webp" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b>John II's Kelly Miller in 2015</b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Returning to the words of John Ringling North II </b>quoted above, I think of being taken delightufly aback by that robotic dog stirring up such a fuss, and remember the last Ringling “circus” I saw, back in 2017. Four of its acts perpetually live on in my memory: The magnificent lion and tiger act of Alexander Lacey, possibly the greatest display of its kind that I have ever seen; the flying Tunizianis completing two perfect triples<i> simultaneously</i>; thundering horse riders from Mongolia; and a barnyard pig — another Lacey offering – sliding down a slide and bringing down the house. <br /><br /><b>Now, that was a circus. </b> <i>That</i> was the Greatest Show on Earth. Goodbye, Big Bertha, goodbye. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizxSlCvCVGOaDDSvGGOQvCPi3ff3XQtXGD1Dv5g50Crlt-gczpI6_xpg7CHqiKVU9-Q-wOu-WznglXYhyphenhyphenomR7gFgadwq83yta-lCmsdK1HeoA2LiLUr1tudUtyu17n2REMosTRcCsvVOBhd4iX9bkZNZaIqc2Bqmqip7PsaUhIM-XPzMzv9tUAQ/s400/lacy%20hugs%20tiger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizxSlCvCVGOaDDSvGGOQvCPi3ff3XQtXGD1Dv5g50Crlt-gczpI6_xpg7CHqiKVU9-Q-wOu-WznglXYhyphenhyphenomR7gFgadwq83yta-lCmsdK1HeoA2LiLUr1tudUtyu17n2REMosTRcCsvVOBhd4iX9bkZNZaIqc2Bqmqip7PsaUhIM-XPzMzv9tUAQ/w400-h400/lacy%20hugs%20tiger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT22tb3gaKVQjbSVQAruLiTcborbA-HDykCBJ_gmZnbJUWY3yIiC855sP3n0w3lxNDBkbOaJ8WUKsddZfKNk1O7VGEYWzsvoqAb_dOkl9gTsfqEMINIS_U9LCfvdQgemUUWC07zcDtuXbMlpLjAfr3oDVf-i_EZ1ofshWGxuR5AuJygfvoHJ1NA/s760/mama's%20in%20the%20park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="760" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT22tb3gaKVQjbSVQAruLiTcborbA-HDykCBJ_gmZnbJUWY3yIiC855sP3n0w3lxNDBkbOaJ8WUKsddZfKNk1O7VGEYWzsvoqAb_dOkl9gTsfqEMINIS_U9LCfvdQgemUUWC07zcDtuXbMlpLjAfr3oDVf-i_EZ1ofshWGxuR5AuJygfvoHJ1NA/w400-h170/mama's%20in%20the%20park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>
</p><div class="style-scope ytd-comment-action-buttons-renderer" id="creator-heart"></div>
<div class="style-scope ytd-comment-action-buttons-renderer" id="reply-button-end">
</div><div class="style-scope ytd-comment-renderer" id="main"><div class="style-scope ytd-comment-action-buttons-renderer" id="reply-dialog"></div>
</div>
<div class="style-scope ytd-comment-renderer" id="action-menu"><div class="top-level-buttons style-scope ytd-menu-renderer" id="top-level-buttons-computed"></div><div class="style-scope ytd-menu-renderer" id="flexible-item-buttons"></div></div><div class="style-scope ytd-comment-renderer" id="body"><div class="style-scope ytd-comment-renderer" id="action-menu"><div class="stroke style-scope yt-interaction"></div><div class="fill style-scope yt-interaction"></div></div>
</div>
<div class="style-scope ytd-comment-renderer" id="paid-comment-background"></div><br />
<div class="style-scope ytd-comment-action-buttons-renderer" id="creator-heart"></div>
Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-74894838530710539112023-10-08T01:00:00.000-07:002023-10-08T13:42:10.909-07:00SUNDAY MORNING OUT OF CURIOSITY: Who Are You?<p>Just wondering, Visits to this blog have skyrocketed, sometimes into the thousands, over the last few months, making me wonder more than ever who you are. Circus? Musical theater? Still, virtually nobody leaves a comment. Has no one out there a pulse strong enough to post a peep?<br /></p><p>Or ... are my sky high stats a fluke of AI? <br /></p><p>Just wondering. </p><p>Have a nice anonymous day!</p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-83243995460138381052023-09-29T00:30:00.034-07:002023-10-20T09:21:04.942-07:00Boob Tube to You Tube ... Lost in a Billion Bytes, the Circus from Astley to Zippos ... <p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><i><b></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYcN62O1bO363mOsR8oQ_sT3MIu8YENHS6H9B7cVpFB1nt19oGslre80_FUqhb74sV-wFH7x_DJ1g3MqZkwQx_vggtWTkNcYS844A1Oh1ninqH_YQfA2hEItKG-Q16Fg1GmtHSE8V3-amNqz-77ogIQHKDqKLGVGWFmjj2LTvWEvv7PDiTrYfxw/s3217/xfinity%20screen%204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="3217" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYcN62O1bO363mOsR8oQ_sT3MIu8YENHS6H9B7cVpFB1nt19oGslre80_FUqhb74sV-wFH7x_DJ1g3MqZkwQx_vggtWTkNcYS844A1Oh1ninqH_YQfA2hEItKG-Q16Fg1GmtHSE8V3-amNqz-77ogIQHKDqKLGVGWFmjj2LTvWEvv7PDiTrYfxw/w400-h189/xfinity%20screen%204.JPG" width="400" /></a></b></i></div><i><b></b></i><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Blame this post on Comcast </b>offering me a better price if I would only upgrade. New cable box and modem (do they still make those?) and I fell into a dizzy smorgasbord of infinite video footage fit for big screen TV. And am still falling. So Easy (and tempting) to get lost, looking for this but caught by that over there that shamelessly plays to my non-circus interests (what else do they know about me?). <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBghxDuHj9IysUbOYj-LIukGDnDCrTlOJoOlR3pZZDYzNbNclZITqeof9AqdVnpJ98f_s0WymoWQyYRj1bxVc-0h-RpjSZ3YEKIWnbyPsl6J5zxsGFVJkQkANGMwUi_NYsvWr00m-wb4eq7QQFvUeKyg9PtIUZ8Tik_YJYsNFWhKck3X_DdDEEQ/s3872/big%20top%20wiz%20kids%20all%20three.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2383" data-original-width="3872" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBghxDuHj9IysUbOYj-LIukGDnDCrTlOJoOlR3pZZDYzNbNclZITqeof9AqdVnpJ98f_s0WymoWQyYRj1bxVc-0h-RpjSZ3YEKIWnbyPsl6J5zxsGFVJkQkANGMwUi_NYsvWr00m-wb4eq7QQFvUeKyg9PtIUZ8Tik_YJYsNFWhKck3X_DdDEEQ/w400-h246/big%20top%20wiz%20kids%20all%20three.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>But out of nowhere, </b>too, can pop surprising delights, like<b> Big Top Circus</b> from 1954, a weekly “kiddie” circus, cheerfully ring-mastered by<b> Jack Sterling</b>. It looks more like a circus for all ages, free of the pretentious ballet- and narrative-driven drivel that’s draining the life out of our big tops. Take<b> Mel Hall's </b>three Cycling <b>Wiz Kids</b>, from around 5 to 10 in ages, who score big and breezy on unicycles. The littleest one, a boy, falls and gets back up and tries and tries again, four times, and achieves the trick before our astonished eyes. And, <i>are you kidding me, world?</i> – a man dancing with a bear, smooth as two aging adults over a waxy floor? <br /><br /><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4-zWle9wOx1ZlwfoRKN7hyTpWvmIlQ8csTkeaAbYABerLA0m7aMd-LMdDZKmqDUYCTtzzqxG5ruO6utd0d5u1JaR9Fxo1FkD6inLOJdhsVXbILFxSexZ2jdLTEcpeI44Af42VjtQ4PnLnpEENaXN87gHwMTUq7zU3Up1jDbOOBydxNOradOk9g/s449/Barnum%20and%20Baiely%20poster%20without%20marks.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4-zWle9wOx1ZlwfoRKN7hyTpWvmIlQ8csTkeaAbYABerLA0m7aMd-LMdDZKmqDUYCTtzzqxG5ruO6utd0d5u1JaR9Fxo1FkD6inLOJdhsVXbILFxSexZ2jdLTEcpeI44Af42VjtQ4PnLnpEENaXN87gHwMTUq7zU3Up1jDbOOBydxNOradOk9g/w233-h320/Barnum%20and%20Baiely%20poster%20without%20marks.webp" width="233" /></a></b></div><p><b>Sunday School Barnum?</b> In You Tube land you learn the damndest things, such as this whopper: Not only did Barnum & Bailey invent the three ring circus, which they kind of did, but they cleaned out all grifting on their midway, thus earning themselves she honorable put down among competitors of “Sunday school boys.” Are you laughing? Ringling brothers: SUE. Historical fictions leak through even on loftier PBS-certified documentaries, such as The Circus, in which it is claimed that TV killed it in the 1950s. So, have I been been hallucinating for the last fifty years?<br /><br /><b>A sharper image through fewer pixels: </b>Looking back at the bear and man dancing together, and the little ones riding their one wheelers, you can feel what it was like to be fully and perfectly pleased by a circus act plain and simple, before the invasion of Cirque du Precious.<br /><br /><b>Countdown to Ringling Redo, beginning TODAY.</b> And how might production embellishments be used — or abused — by the Felds when they launch their sanitized version of the new<b> Greatest Show on Earth?</b>. This is finally happening within hours, down in Boissier City, LA. Juliet Feld in a promo, chirps up how the audience will be more intimately involved by being seated closer to the action and connected digitally to closeups of performers. Yawn. Didn’t they already try this in their last edition, the one that went out of this world and ended up in the graveyard? The year 2017. Have they learned nothing? Like really, who wants to see a Broadway show from premium seating in the wings? I am reminded of Al Ringling’s definition of ringmaster decorum, which might as well count for circus itself -- “elusive yet vital.” In my book, a million less pixels will do.</p><p><b>So, back to earth and across the big pon</b>d, let us go zip zip zipping up and over to Zippos Circus. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOT7EO_2RjIKX47FWnGFUXZGP7oOg7lQZAEFvwW7qVAAR0J0CcO6rN1-HMBGevKhqk9PyBfMlJqbjOIyv13iGmSGhsH-M0IuZqfPEYixnXNdhKzw0UoRka9_HFmFd57_CqnIcC4eBm0KcKFjnVdqLtQXeTO9VVNyPvNvyRhBI52x5-zeuLF8E8Q/s835/zippos%20circus%20BARAETT%20in%20front%20of%20performer's%20entrance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="835" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOT7EO_2RjIKX47FWnGFUXZGP7oOg7lQZAEFvwW7qVAAR0J0CcO6rN1-HMBGevKhqk9PyBfMlJqbjOIyv13iGmSGhsH-M0IuZqfPEYixnXNdhKzw0UoRka9_HFmFd57_CqnIcC4eBm0KcKFjnVdqLtQXeTO9VVNyPvNvyRhBI52x5-zeuLF8E8Q/w400-h328/zippos%20circus%20BARAETT%20in%20front%20of%20performer's%20entrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Revered ringmaster and incomparable bird trainer, Norman Barrett<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprWL4irDA5BMBP6pTYhrLhcnO_XdbjLgMRDkTHjyalBWQPLYN1ilRiI2oOx0ahMdr803EuQaZ_044z_4BtZOihm-XuB5D8hIm0w4HTPDWuyg1Sn-AWNLztczE-y4DjFqZHq3ScY14yZV-p8-GDMYTT7LVhv12eEj_pySmG201s2QxW3k7wVH4eA/s1199/zippos%20ballon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="958" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprWL4irDA5BMBP6pTYhrLhcnO_XdbjLgMRDkTHjyalBWQPLYN1ilRiI2oOx0ahMdr803EuQaZ_044z_4BtZOihm-XuB5D8hIm0w4HTPDWuyg1Sn-AWNLztczE-y4DjFqZHq3ScY14yZV-p8-GDMYTT7LVhv12eEj_pySmG201s2QxW3k7wVH4eA/w320-h400/zippos%20ballon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Hilariously original</b> from diminutive dynamo Paulo Dos Santos of Brazia : How a balloon can be contorted into so many amusing sizes and connections to the human body.this one nearly brought down the tent. ZIPPOTASTIC.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowL15z0HHGTnKBndh9vhXr7Gb4Q7xOToYRiuRAKlp67zJg1kuAtjdqZLayhU0CbagwEUDbaJe-eiqnY3ksivT71W0gAZheqzMKJMkh2f0wouxzN_7WxC0T6ltgrZJkJXTG-Eqgm2A0ZIdo99DYSA3Rerq5FzJ53TnLw8LEolkvP70clpIkFSozA/s1440/zippos%20four%20stack%20acroats.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowL15z0HHGTnKBndh9vhXr7Gb4Q7xOToYRiuRAKlp67zJg1kuAtjdqZLayhU0CbagwEUDbaJe-eiqnY3ksivT71W0gAZheqzMKJMkh2f0wouxzN_7WxC0T6ltgrZJkJXTG-Eqgm2A0ZIdo99DYSA3Rerq5FzJ53TnLw8LEolkvP70clpIkFSozA/w400-h266/zippos%20four%20stack%20acroats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>There’s a clean effervescent flow and glow</b> to this straight ahead big top. For my taste, the three most memorable moments are: (1) a most engagingly clever juggler who keeps tennis rackets and luggage in motion (2) that HUGE balloon you see being ingeniously worked by Paulo Dos Santos, and (3) The Temujin Troupe from the Mongolian Steppes. At their best, these eight agile acrobats execute voltige and casting in a continuous stream, lending the feel of a novelized flying return act, which I could have watched over and over again, But NO, Wait, Hold on — STOP, correction! Blame it on You Tubery! Why did I say so little about them on my notes and yet now give them the center ring status here? Why? Here’s the reason why. </p><p><b>How you Tube scrambles reality into billions of bits</b>, some getting mixed up with others, leaving us with fractured impressions of what really happened . Turns out, the Zippos performance I watched on You Tube contained a version of their act very different from another one I subsequently watched, from off the show's website. Apparently, on their way to Zippos the multi-gifted Tumujins were re-programed down to a more static series of human pyramids, each followed by a drawn out reach for more applause. Gone were the streaming acrobatics. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELi_h0ANnUw59NLOJYHvS8e4JBdoxHYDthp11nEkBhmSYkjbhMOz8lIk22hLAEBYhedijKO4SncJ7IWFJL_P25KlqgMlYI-ks-CUWgpj2vu2Wm_RZ0yKYOT8EFn8hyMdfnn-stNqSB7uCtuUtALXhFDVMv1UlrrtAx4bEmxNYNrgFDThjmq76cA/s1300/NORMAN%20BARRETT%20AND%20BIRDS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1300" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELi_h0ANnUw59NLOJYHvS8e4JBdoxHYDthp11nEkBhmSYkjbhMOz8lIk22hLAEBYhedijKO4SncJ7IWFJL_P25KlqgMlYI-ks-CUWgpj2vu2Wm_RZ0yKYOT8EFn8hyMdfnn-stNqSB7uCtuUtALXhFDVMv1UlrrtAx4bEmxNYNrgFDThjmq76cA/w400-h301/NORMAN%20BARRETT%20AND%20BIRDS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2pxkmZX2BZGY5KiGQPFOyXynVXpS0DGJRfY8CPzuOus3zSDP96CsbdhrCo83VYiZBxxyg6LJFerxqy47-IXHpus_KzssilPAm3nj15-MF6Luhmc2L4kON8-fGrt-leAWTES5AL1w2WMl9CPuM9eOn_bm8DiqKLq27dj9OR2bUFoVvhYikBVM3A/s1024/john%20ringling%20north%20getty.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="723" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2pxkmZX2BZGY5KiGQPFOyXynVXpS0DGJRfY8CPzuOus3zSDP96CsbdhrCo83VYiZBxxyg6LJFerxqy47-IXHpus_KzssilPAm3nj15-MF6Luhmc2L4kON8-fGrt-leAWTES5AL1w2WMl9CPuM9eOn_bm8DiqKLq27dj9OR2bUFoVvhYikBVM3A/s320/john%20ringling%20north%20getty.webp" width="226" /></a></b></div><p><b>Something I haven’t seen before: </b>These five words usually come to mind when discovering that rare novelty at the circus that I live for, and I think of the man who first spoke them to me when I asked him what he looked for in scouting acts: John Ringling North. Another discovery I made was scrambled my way by You Tube, ever ready to sustain my primary focus at the moment — a clip of ringmaster Norman Barrett, who has previously blown the whistle for Zippos, performing the most astonishing bird act. Now, I am in awe of the man’s talents. In his youth, I am told by Douglas McPherson, he rode horses roman style. “He stood on two galloping horses while a third ran in the opposite direction between his legs!”<br /><br /><b>"When you’re smiling, when you’re smiling </b>... the whole world smiles with you,” sings Sir Norman while gingerly coaching a dozen or so trained birds who fly back and forth between two little turning carousels. How did he ever get them to .. How?. These are the moments when circus proves its true genius. <br /><br /><b>You Tube excels </b>when rolling out footage unmolested by expert voices telling us what we should think. You don’t go to a circus to think as much as to feel — to gasp and awe and laugh and thrill and scream with joy. Or to smile over the simple yet wondrous charm of a bear dancing with a man. <br /> </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL-IPbWc6E2kBh78lceCam92z7Brjg3O9djXYB4866C5JSxZmOZEzTim359v7A6hWNFdRuncmsKzFyg1PZIbWxFIK5Wd09qmLsvEZp2Uv817jK8cqsCrF3j1XsToJEfnmufqgVMStJig6ASICimOLIcGxGx-fGEGdB2W4YXPhC69YYD06Z2HNQA/s2352/big%20top%20mn%20and%20bear%20dance.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2352" data-original-width="2261" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL-IPbWc6E2kBh78lceCam92z7Brjg3O9djXYB4866C5JSxZmOZEzTim359v7A6hWNFdRuncmsKzFyg1PZIbWxFIK5Wd09qmLsvEZp2Uv817jK8cqsCrF3j1XsToJEfnmufqgVMStJig6ASICimOLIcGxGx-fGEGdB2W4YXPhC69YYD06Z2HNQA/w385-h400/big%20top%20mn%20and%20bear%20dance.JPG" width="385" /></a></div><p> </p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-73137908358914454312023-08-22T05:30:00.007-07:002023-10-20T09:21:35.829-07:00Sledgehammer Showmanship on Parade: The Ringmaster Screams, The Music Drones On, and Circus Vargas Sinks to a New Mediocre<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3LBWximnghgxlnaJzsW4s4f5SAaGVRxzmDlgle1b1OnDwU-FwlCcIU1cDN4CBs5EdenwJ92GUWa-oLSApmkZV_n7aw3oxAiKiWGx-SXl1JkFqhb93OqbGb9FBnKSY8RL8x89B2p9pZGY0iCPeHMwYdsXrEoKUi9FaJMEjzojw66nfw1hMPbFOQ/s1536/V%20vargas%20website%20poster.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1536" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3LBWximnghgxlnaJzsW4s4f5SAaGVRxzmDlgle1b1OnDwU-FwlCcIU1cDN4CBs5EdenwJ92GUWa-oLSApmkZV_n7aw3oxAiKiWGx-SXl1JkFqhb93OqbGb9FBnKSY8RL8x89B2p9pZGY0iCPeHMwYdsXrEoKUi9FaJMEjzojw66nfw1hMPbFOQ/w400-h196/V%20vargas%20website%20poster.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Review<br /><b>Circus Vargas -- Bonjour Paris</b><br />Seen at Corte Madera, CA, August 12, 1 pm<br />Tickets: $19 - $75<i> </i></p><p><i>Note: Website photos of the acts do not give names or bios.<br /></i><br />What a difference a few critical seasons can make. The Circus Vargas you first spot this year, with a state of the art tent, can hold its own in design with the best of them. From a distance it’s a wow. Up close, you might be charmed by the sight of comfy couch chairs on the midway. The prelude air sparkles. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1gVHukVO7cHWAqCASMjavESgXKoJhHtwpefGE7-SzCCcb_qGS4OKXbDgH9Mg5n8Fm9upACtLiF50Fd7-VMBKtfnTxsr7G-AcOgROkWp48bW7fJc0ivgURupFJIz_4hXKMhR5qZVdo7UJSP61h0z3Q9U7Vmqv4cDz-vENfh59pK-BI8Hscs7hYg/s4032/V%20midway%20couch.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1gVHukVO7cHWAqCASMjavESgXKoJhHtwpefGE7-SzCCcb_qGS4OKXbDgH9Mg5n8Fm9upACtLiF50Fd7-VMBKtfnTxsr7G-AcOgROkWp48bW7fJc0ivgURupFJIz_4hXKMhR5qZVdo7UJSP61h0z3Q9U7Vmqv4cDz-vENfh59pK-BI8Hscs7hYg/w300-h400/V%20midway%20couch.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj7R9JfiOx7IeLpHQ4am6e7aHKltb8wnBV_YHZEeyRzMBOif30VoV3QbP_qMegoO2c8m2eSFzUjfKFPqYQh7Fh_zaMSfJ71LXkl8JhK3U7L8xEBiw2ljpKnD5sYhBtEL-JUBhMpP8ryEdGCcEhALJroeWHxEEcHKry8vXgFaPwUPIzXmczh5EZQ/s4032/v%20diner%20%20and%20entrance.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitj7R9JfiOx7IeLpHQ4am6e7aHKltb8wnBV_YHZEeyRzMBOif30VoV3QbP_qMegoO2c8m2eSFzUjfKFPqYQh7Fh_zaMSfJ71LXkl8JhK3U7L8xEBiw2ljpKnD5sYhBtEL-JUBhMpP8ryEdGCcEhALJroeWHxEEcHKry8vXgFaPwUPIzXmczh5EZQ/w400-h300/v%20diner%20%20and%20entrance.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />But all things in life do not always unfold to favor first impressions, right? This will be a doubly challenging review to write. So those who prefer their reviews sunny side up are encouraged to go sunny side down and out of here, while you have the chance. I do not bow to sacred cows. <br /><br />I have never, in trying to form a notice, been so compelled to weigh talent against “production values” (announcing, music, set, costumes and props, direction and pacing, etc) First, to talent. On balance overall, I’d place it in a respectable B- range. Good enough for an average audience, certainly for crowds newer to the circus, and especially the young too young to have much to compare it with. .<br /><br />For my eyes, the most gripping moment came on the rolla-bolla, our maniac for the afternoon stacking seven blocks on a roller and then proceeding to place himself at the top. The crowd went wild. We agree, crowd. The performer’s hyper jittery nerves, real or not, intensified audience fears. <p></p><p>I also liked the breezy, ingratiating fellow who works with an upright ladder, and balances large objects. Maybe on the basic side, but refreshing in its delivery. It’s an act I would welcome seeing again.<br /><br />Circus Vargas, which has long excluded animals, now seems to be moving out of the aerial sphere as well. There is virtually little of memorable consequence in the air (only two strap acts, one in each half, well rendered), and practically no clowns. Yes, there are two guys who make funny faces and funny sounds. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB9yZEeSmigm5Cdme2z-Ixtfhar6sgRfEROzpx7U9o4q7UUE_-Kh2rpHJiSedXLCMYXUFHvfNX_zN0LQCzq7dtamSBpfdXFj4TSSv44GvkpZL4riU7UvOtV2lMEo2J_wvyOUBhW6Gccs36GYpsvBaGQEfk1gmbQU7wdBDTo1EvzZzYMrLyMSKEw/s4032/V%20teeterboard%20to%20plan%20in%20medhanic.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB9yZEeSmigm5Cdme2z-Ixtfhar6sgRfEROzpx7U9o4q7UUE_-Kh2rpHJiSedXLCMYXUFHvfNX_zN0LQCzq7dtamSBpfdXFj4TSSv44GvkpZL4riU7UvOtV2lMEo2J_wvyOUBhW6Gccs36GYpsvBaGQEfk1gmbQU7wdBDTo1EvzZzYMrLyMSKEw/w400-h300/V%20teeterboard%20to%20plan%20in%20medhanic.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Safety first in the modern tent<br /></p><p>On the ground, there’s an ambitious teeterboard troupe, a bit of a work in progress.Biggest item is a woman in harness who is catapulted to form only a three-high. Usually, it’s a four stack that gets wired. But now, the lifelines, it seems, are becoming more and more an accepted element in the “new circus.” In fact, our protected diva advances the acceptance of them by being lowered to the ground twice with the aid of her safety wire, thus giving it the respect of a co-participant. She did execute a nifty feat, landing between two under-standers in a splits position. <br /><br />What else? A young juggler offered a wide variety of manipulations, if only so many of them had not turned messy. <br /><br />There is plenty of dancing, purpose being, I took it, to flesh out a flimsy theme about the show going to Paris. An accordion player serenades us, and the cast whoops it up line kicking in a winning can-can.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZZhU4ohh7RlziGeT-wGqFYiTGa2XqO21yp2jlfcH-BXIzepTNZdTwYmYw_-WI1br3usJUoS3-9pycz_nQlrmKeB07lx6f8D2KNbk3xcmsEuqo-i_blxjqXIgFeGS8GTW4JfT9z9jWST93XOIQ9AcfTyGHSU1_Kdz4b_iXQCtEU7KNSQLVpW3Vg/s4032/V%20across%20ting%20to%20empty%20seats.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZZhU4ohh7RlziGeT-wGqFYiTGa2XqO21yp2jlfcH-BXIzepTNZdTwYmYw_-WI1br3usJUoS3-9pycz_nQlrmKeB07lx6f8D2KNbk3xcmsEuqo-i_blxjqXIgFeGS8GTW4JfT9z9jWST93XOIQ9AcfTyGHSU1_Kdz4b_iXQCtEU7KNSQLVpW3Vg/w400-h300/V%20across%20ting%20to%20empty%20seats.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Second half packs a little more power, what with the standard double wheel and then the cage of three spinning motorcycles. A more exciting turn had the bikers out of the cage and rip-rolling up and over a ramp to the other side.</div><p>Okay, ready or not, here I go. Production values: They should enhance and elevate the action. Here they nearly smother it. This show looked and sounded very different from those I have seen several seasons before, and so I wondered if there had been a regime change at the top. Turns out, no, <span class="ILfuVd NA6bn" lang="en"><span class="hgKElc">Katya Arata Quiroga and Nelson Quiroga,</span></span>still own it. How strange that they, in their heyday top-flight trapeze artists, should now give us a largely empty shell above.<br /></p><p>But like it or not, there is a regime change of sorts, an overbearing regime named Jonathan Lee Iverson. You will know him as a Ringling ringmaster. Here he also serves as performance director. At the start of his career on the Ringling show, Iverson cut an appealing figure, and I saw great promise and gave him high marks. But then he was restrained. Repeat: <i>Restrained.</i> Over the years, he has only grown more annoying, especially inside a small tent compared the huge arenas he played. During set up for the motorcycle cage, I wondered whether a long buzzing noise I heard was part of the operation — or Iverson himself going for a new record in vowel extension. <br /><br />This advanced version of Iverson conveys a belligerent undertone of egocentric control. Indeed, he has a way of sucking the oxygen out of the tent with his proloooooooooooooooooooonged introductions, which he can't seem to get enough of. To be fair, the man’s verbal blasts are not without precedent, however questionable. I can think of at least another blowhard — the abundantly large one who bellowed away for Carson & Barnes, as if believing that the louder and longer he screamed, the greater would be his impact. Iverson did excel surprisingly and magnificently in going operatic in a baritone outburst — a second career in the making? Or mere lip syncing?<br /><br />Enough. As for the vaguely dreary recorded music, how best to describe it? In a word, MO-NOT-O- NOUS Together, ringmaster and score form an oppressive barrier between artist and audience.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcnub3u-SJroA_0L8sRiMv91q_3fKpi8bEjsCo20CZNQLXOBDJe5Qi34FC92wYgssuox_cabAUw8jdpxb9t_F2HTX0O8giberHN1kH1tqcIRNnP6ruZobbIbffGXtJpxQDi3EEs2DZUvPrWEbMFqN04hZn0M0reNOQ2_uizYLEaEMAK17OUK4Qg/s4032/V%20cast%20arms%20up.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcnub3u-SJroA_0L8sRiMv91q_3fKpi8bEjsCo20CZNQLXOBDJe5Qi34FC92wYgssuox_cabAUw8jdpxb9t_F2HTX0O8giberHN1kH1tqcIRNnP6ruZobbIbffGXtJpxQDi3EEs2DZUvPrWEbMFqN04hZn0M0reNOQ2_uizYLEaEMAK17OUK4Qg/w400-h300/V%20cast%20arms%20up.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>But ... the crowds the day I attended – I’d guess they filled about half the seats — were wildly alive, and lapped up most of everything. Circus Vargas has had 15 shows to do in the small upscale town of Corte Madera, in rich Marin County. They must be doing something right -- although, and I could be wrong, there seemed to be noticeably fewer people in the seats after intermission. <br /> <br />I know I won’t be returning until there is yet another regime change. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS93bdkU0obq37lWzWBG-XE2GRdbqOeleKtql4LAyJO8XLB9_m2cdv0vVd8bUzSW6Tx66f6hk9zPx1Xl_GhPcmAVgAJAAcl2T7Gfyj0wiFApHatd432FNXe7Kv51Tvm3C8DNkrwHnKv2b93RGijYQeNw3YQLT_KJG4LCT1NYD8Orugx63GdXeYw/s4032/V%20people%20walking%20away.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS93bdkU0obq37lWzWBG-XE2GRdbqOeleKtql4LAyJO8XLB9_m2cdv0vVd8bUzSW6Tx66f6hk9zPx1Xl_GhPcmAVgAJAAcl2T7Gfyj0wiFApHatd432FNXe7Kv51Tvm3C8DNkrwHnKv2b93RGijYQeNw3YQLT_KJG4LCT1NYD8Orugx63GdXeYw/w400-h300/V%20people%20walking%20away.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2iU-kqVaWSvah_kwPlHXhwRmqBdq3ITAZR1n6Q4aEWRQKCq0R7k5aez3G7my-RHmB_mqEqW5sWyH-XKW0KdpGgbbWdwmbX64JjWDUkmrRZjgjyl-gOYL2PFUIm9z7JF6fa_-QPdyBeIq4VIQ5b2noSnVG6vGRPpLKtQvMEQlweEOyFCljmwRlg/s700/V%20CV%20ringmaster%20another%20one%20enering%20tent.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2iU-kqVaWSvah_kwPlHXhwRmqBdq3ITAZR1n6Q4aEWRQKCq0R7k5aez3G7my-RHmB_mqEqW5sWyH-XKW0KdpGgbbWdwmbX64JjWDUkmrRZjgjyl-gOYL2PFUIm9z7JF6fa_-QPdyBeIq4VIQ5b2noSnVG6vGRPpLKtQvMEQlweEOyFCljmwRlg/w400-h229/V%20CV%20ringmaster%20another%20one%20enering%20tent.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b> Early exit?<br /></b></p><p><b> END RINGERS</b> <b>Trooping in Turmoil? </b>Website does not name the photos. A total of 3 ringmasters appear in two images, one seen above Did I miss him? I only saw Iverson in the show. There's a foot juggling act I would love to have seen -- woman works large lotus leaf objects. She did not appear. What goes over there? ....<b> Music that Sounds Like Music</b>: There is music out there that can have strong multi-generational appeal, and the '80s stand out. I bring this up because, while on the way, my Lyft driver, a young guy from Brazil who is training to be an airline pilot like his father and uncle, had some ‘80s sounds coming from out of his system. We had fun talking up the era. <b>Beware the Vargas Discount Coupon</b>.I came across a large Vargas ad in the<i> East Bay Times, </i>which read: Save 15% on your tickets! Use code 15AD23" I tried using it at the ticket window, only to be curtly rebuffed: “We don’t do those here.” Oh, really? How unlike the previous regime ... They are next headed to Petaluma up the road. I wanted to post more photos, but the website disallows saving copies. </p>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36845215.post-52845753354934445952023-08-06T05:30:00.009-07:002023-08-06T05:30:00.136-07:00Sunday Morning from Out of the Past: And You Wonder, What Are They Thinking? ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXtKLwQFGrdD7aKoKpBd1qeFVG33_5khHSCXYUWjCcPZRnSOpyhXHWjjI6EpOZRLtyT9b3zE8MCIcQsDEbwpSiXKGrlGHijcs1BMyQgc-9ziNSfCIsRnpl2jbiabCrSN5iknK/s1600/ice+house+tracks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXtKLwQFGrdD7aKoKpBd1qeFVG33_5khHSCXYUWjCcPZRnSOpyhXHWjjI6EpOZRLtyT9b3zE8MCIcQsDEbwpSiXKGrlGHijcs1BMyQgc-9ziNSfCIsRnpl2jbiabCrSN5iknK/s1600/ice+house+tracks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Rumblings down at the runs</b>, waiting on a circus train from nowhere... Once upon a season they were all in the barn by now -- red wagons in need of fresh red paint, ring curbs for new stars, jacks and stringers for repair ... Now the elephants wait for cues that may never come ... To be or not to be? To perform or not to perform?<br />
<br />
<b>Down at the runs</b>, you wonder what Barbara Byrd is thinking. Strange how it should all come down to this -- from a man to a woman, from William Coup adding rings in 1872 to Barbara Byrd being the last to keep three of them in motion under the same canvas. Is she too thinking a single circle, or does she hear the ghost of her dad Dory telling her to stay the American course? ... Down in Florida, what is on Johnny Pugh’s mind? Time to retire? Or time to go for broke in a daring blaze, to reinvest and bring back the band?<br />
<br />
<b>A thousand miles down </b>a spur track to a humble dream, a new circus is being formed in somebody’s ambitious mind, and maybe that circus has a crusty old midway to offer the jaded patron in search of the past ... Strange gaudy banner lines in flagrant violation of PC standards ... <br />
<br />
<b>... What might Paul Binder </b>be thinking when he notes how long it’s been since he presented either a pachyderm or a flyer? Big Apple opens in the fall when circuses once closed, and closes come summer ... Once upon a season, the white tops slept during winter, awoke in time for early spring and were out in the sunshine chasing after the money that harvests put into farmer’s pockets....<br />
<br />
<b>Down by the old ice house </b>where the train once arrived, you can almost hear the sound of a faint whistle up the rails and remember when they clanged into town under the cover of a damp morning mist. When the world was barely born and then suddenly appeared before your eyes under pennants galloping in the wind. And you wonder what Renee Storey is plotting when she considers how PETA gives her employer, Cole Bros. Circus, more publicity and might not be such a bad thing after all? What Kenneth Feld is thinking when he continues pitching the Big Cage act to customers who who evidently still want their circus on the wild side ...<br />
<br />
<b>And out in San Francisco</b>, where patrons prefer Perrier over lemonade, ballet over big top, even the nuovo rich are growing restless for a taste of reality. They are taking in a very different version of Cirque du Soleil at the moment, a version called Kooza, and some of them are realizing what they have been missing for more than a season. <br />
<br />
<b>“This production feels </b>like a heart-pumping cocaine binge for thrill addicts,” proclaims Nathaniel Eaton in the ultra-liberal S.F. Weekly, coming honest on how “ho hum” he found the three Cirque shows that came before.<br />
<br />
<b>Animals? Weren’t they </b>supposed to all be gone by now, asks the Savvy Insider, elsewhere at work on routing and promotions, taking time out to answer his own question. No, says he, animals acts did not go away as planned. In Europe, they “have instead been reinvented” ... And you think how wonderfully ironic, that those uppity Brit Lords, sure of their agenda, paid for a study to prove that elephants are really mistreated at the circus —- a study they proved the very opposite! And down at the runs waiting for a train to pull in, you wonder what the public is thinking <i>now</i>...<br />
<br />
<b>Over road maps </b>and sponsor contracts, watching videos of acrobats and jugglers and plotting another season, you wonder what John Ringling North II is thinking ...Bigger and better —- or the same?<br />
<br />
<b>Even more fun to ponder</b> is what S.F. Cow Palace big shots, without a circus for two years, may be thinking? ... And you can almost hear a distant train whistle somewhere out there on real rails or in the back of your mind, racing forward with a world of spangled wonders to capture a waffling public restlessly ready to be thrilled by something either very new or very old ... And optimistically, you enjoy remember being told over and over again that history repeats itself ...<br />
<br />
<b>Down at the runs</b>, Byrd and Pugh, Feld and Binder and Ringling North and Judkins, and yes, Laliberte the Great reinventing himself, are watching and waiting, too. Maybe wondering what we are thinking<br />
<br />
<i>First posted December 7, 2007.</i>Showbiz Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08921904778000552196noreply@blogger.com1