 |
Fellowship of the Rings
 |
Once the lights dim, the 132nd RINGLING BROS. AND BRANUM AND BAILEY CIRCUS is likely to present a typically dazzling spectacle this week, complete with big-top (all right, big-arena) stars like Sara the Tiger Whisperer; the Mystical Mei Ling, who balances on one hand atop her 750cc Yamaha Virago; and ringmaster Kevin Venardos (pictured), a soap-opera actor and the 33rd performer to hold the coveted center-ring spot. Crazy Wilson, aka Wilson Dominguez, does daredevil feats on the Wheel of Wonder, a steel gyroscope that looks a little like the wheel in a hamster cage, spinning 50 mph and suspended 40 feet in the air. And this year's star clown is David Larible, an Italian-born, seventh-generation circus performer and winner of the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival's Golden Clown Award.
Meanwhile, the 132nd's human cannonball is Jumpin' Jon Weiss, who in addition to having been shot out of a cannon more than 5,000 times since 1987, is doubly nicknamed Jon "the Jaw" because he allegedly owns the world's strongest chin. But you won't see the Jaw balancing ladders and chainsaws (and more delicate things like feathers and women's shoes) unless you arrive an hour early to the Big Show. That's because Weiss hosts what is really the most fun time in the whole Ringling pageant, the Three Ring Adventure. For one magical hour, fans can go inside the rings themselves to try on the glittery costumes, learn to juggle, and join in the general clownfoolery. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. shows added on Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. shows only on Sunday. Ticket prices range from $9-$27. For more information, contact the box office at 587-3800, Ticketmaster at 522-5555 or visit the circus Web site at www.ringling.com. -- Michael Tisserand
Other Stories This Week in Music:
Hot Seven
Set Break
Meters Monitor
Music Listings
Recently in Hot Pick:
Sonic Youth 07 15 03
Kick in the Grass 07 08 03
Fab Fourth 07 01 03
Hot Pick Archives
|
|
