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June 1.1981
BILL SCHREIBER AND HIS CIRCUS PONIES
RICHARD ST. JOHN"CLOUD SWING KING"
Appearing With
1981 TOUR
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ith them daily. R
emem
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missed. W
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? be disappointed this year. Watch the routes w
eekly as they near your state and city.
CH
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, 150 - 10th St., A
tlanta, Georgia 30309
- Phone: 404-881-1488
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The Circus Report Page5
Show DatesWenatchee Youth Circus
June 6-7 Quincy, Wash.13 Omak14 Mansfield
. . - - M A G I C - • • •
Krystali's KavalcadeJune 2-3 Littleton, Colo
4-5 Englewood6-9 Denver10-11 Aurora12 Sterling13 North Plane, Nebr14 Lexington
June 15 Kearney
PI. Mi l ler-Magic Time USAJune 1 Dallastown, Pa.
2 Shiremanstown3 Manheim4 West Chester5 Pal inert on6 Olyphant7 Abington9 Nesquahoning
10 North Hampton11 Slatington12 Cartondale13 West Hazelton15 Norwalk, Conn.
StarfireJune 1-2 Lafayette, La.
3-4 Baton Rouge5-14 New Orleans
- - O T H E R DATES - • - •
Burr's Fun-0-RamaJune 1-7 Pawtucket, R.I.
8-13 Norwood, Mass.
James H. DrewJune 3-13 Bluefield, W. Va.
Los LatinosJune 4-7 Providence,R.I.
12-14 Hempstead, L.I.
Lisa Minnelli/Joel GrayJune 13-17 San Francisco,
Calif
Joe Schmitt, Jr. - ClownMay 30 Irvin, Texas
31 DallasJune 14 Lancaster
Scott's Old Time Med. ShowJune 1 Worthington.Minn
2 Sioux City. Iowa3 Shenandoah4 Maryvitle. Mo.5 Brook field6 Clinton7 Joplin8 Mt. View9 Poplar Bluff
lOSikeston11 Cape Girardeau
12-13 Nashville, Tenn.14 Paducah, Ky15 Paris, III.
Whizzer the ClownJune 6 Milford, Ohio
13 Versailles
It's a good thing I studiedacrobatics when I went tothat dance studio as a young-ster. It has sure come in han-dy for this act.
But then I just fill in whenthey need an extra personin the act for the big dates.
By the way, have you re-newed your CR subscription?Now's a good time to do thatso you won't miss any of theupcoming issues.
PEOPLJBONNIE & CLYDE and Billy Earl's Henriet-ta "the singing chicken" are now touring onthe "Jubilee On Ice" show.
ANTON La VEY, former calliope player onthe old Clyde Beatty Circus, is now the headof a Satanic Church in California.
DUSTY SADLER and SANDY KOZIK, whoclowned together on Beany-Cole in 1979,were each featured with a full color page pic-ture in the book "The Book of Clowns."
ADAM BARDY, author of his own circusbook which has been extensively advertised
in Circus Report, recently underwent openheart surgery after suffering a heart attack.He'd enjoy cards and letters which can besent to him at: Thompson, Conn. Rte. 1.
AUSTIN MILES was the M.C. for the fourthannual Pittsburgh Gospel Opry at Syria Mos-que Theatre on May 23rd.
ADEN and VELMA LOWRY, of Sedan, Kans.participated in a local area program with ap-proximately 50 other people to present a pro-gram that helped raise funds for the purchaseof a $7,000 machine that is used to free vic-tims of car wrecks, who are trapped in the car.
Page 6 June 1,1981
INTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS LIPKO CHIMPSMain Office
Box 74Barnesville, Pa. 18214
Phone Toll Free:1 - 800 - 824 - 7888, Ext. A-263
Calif. 1 - 8 0 0 - 8 5 2 - 7 7 7 7
ReportTHE GREAT Y CIRCUS
(CR's editor has lost the name of the man whocontributed this report on the Great Y Circusand we are sorry about the goof).
The Great Y Circus at Redlands, Calif., hasjust completed its annual show and the wordGreat in its title doesn't really do justice forthe performance.
The Great Y Circus is sponsored by the Red-lands YMCA and involves more than 200young people from the age of 7 to several withgray streaks in their hair.
The show opened with a bang as 53 unicy-,clists filled the floor, riding in patterns andperforming pinwheels. Then 35 of the advanc-ed riders took over to show off their abilities,followed by several on specialty unicycles, in-cluding one 20 foot high.
A number of the performers, some of whomwere in as many as eight of the show's 24 acts,are of professional quality and would make agood addition to any circus.
Many of the acts were well thought out. in-cluding special entrances and exits. For ex-ample, in the closing web, the eight young la-dies entered wearing derbys and carryingcanes. Using the theme from "A Chorus Line"they performed on the web, and after theirdismount, high-kicked off the floor, still tomusic.The small arena, and that is the only criticsim
of the show, forced the high wire and flying
acts to perform outdoors. But the handling ofthe outdoor acts was well done. The high wireclosed the first half when everyone was askedto step outside to watch that performance.Gave everyone a chance to visit the concessionstands also. The flying act closed the secondhalf.
The high wire act* as performed for the firsttime in the 43 year history of the show andthe four young men did an excellent job. Theyconcluded the act with a three-man high. Thefellows say they hope to get rid of their bal-ance poles on some of their tricks next year.
Spotters, lots of pads and mechanics on themore dangerous tricks, are used throughoutthe show. Equipment is of top quality andwell maintained. Costuming was excellent,with no two acts wearing the same costume.
The program included the opening spec; un-icycles; single trapeze, four girls; acrobatics,about 50 beginners; juggling, clowns; swingingY's (ladders); high bar; double cradle, five acts;rings, four girls; clown vault; high wire; inter-mission.Second half: low casting; hand balancing;
multiple cradle, three acts with nine boys inone; trampoline, three going at the sametime; double trapeze, three, and one hangingperch; German Gym wheel; balance perch;multiple trapeze, 24 girsl in the air at once;teeterboard, four at once; webs, eight; andflying trapeze.Music was provided by an excellent band.Among those attending the May 10th per-
formance were Fred Reed, national CFApresident, and Robert McCall, CFA districtdirector, both of Phoenix, Ariz.
IHI I* BEARS
and
Golden Retriever Dogs
NOW APPEARING
AT
FUJI SAFARI PARK, JAPAN
MAGIC TIME USA 1981 Edition
Prof. Stu and Sara Miller's Magic Time USAopened its 5th consecutive season for MearlJohnson's North American Productions atWinter Haven, Fla., Mar. 1st. Biz so far hasbeen steady with extra performances neces-sary several times.
Many changes are evident this year - theshow consists of 13 people, which includes5 dancing girls and a 3 piece band under RickPercy, who has been with the show for sever-al years.
The show's Gibsonton, Fla., winterquanerswere opened on Jan. 1st to prepare the showfor its coming season. New wardrobe was de-signed and executed by Sara Miller, who alsochoreographed the new productions.
Dick Johnson built some of the new illus-ions in Gibsonton, and Billy Rodgers suppliedwardrobe material and decorations. Atlantic
Stage Lighting of Charlotte, NC, supplied theshow with running rope lights, flashing lightsand strobe tights and a specially designeddimmer control board.
Prof. Miller has a male lion which he uses inaddition to the leopard he has featured for7 years.
Sara Miller is joined by her sister Milly in thejuggling and unicycle turns. Other new addit-ions this season include a new large self-con-tained sleeper unit for the troupe, a 10 KWlight plant for the new lighting and conces-sion machines, and the prop semi and animaltruck were both repainted and relettered.
Visitors at the show thus far have been:Dick and Mavis Johnson, Ward Hall, Jim Nordmark, Joe Eddy, Roy and Susan Huston, GeeGee Engesser, Roxy Engesser, Dick Berry .Jimand Judy Green, Roger Boyd, Jr., and Sr.,Marina Boyd, Phil Morris, Patti Couls, DorisSchaupaccer, Floyd and Barbara Bradburyand several others.
2
TOP
0U
A
L
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TY
ACTS
TRUDY'S LIBERTY DALMATIANS
t S K
0
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E
0
R
BOTH
THE QUASSARS-SPACE ROCKET SENSATION
Bill Strong4030 Snyder Domer RoadSpringfield, Ohio-45502
Phone:513-969-8468
322 - 6427
Page 10
FROM ART 'DOC* MILLER
Every so often we are tortured by some "au-thentic" circus scribe who knows all about thecirrus business.
A current story about the life of Tom Mix isa case in point. It tells about him going withthe Sells Circus, then later it tells how he or-iginated a truck show as previously there wereno circuses except railroad ones and people insmall cities had never seen a circus until hebrought this type of entertainment to them.At least the story, a serial running in a moviemagazine, does show a few lot scenes, not us-ually seen.I would assume all the slams against the Sells
Floto show, which the story insists was theSells Show, was evidentally masterminded byRingling brass who back then hated the Mug-ivan empire.
My file of circus data goes back many years.Just happened to runs across a bit about thestranded Campbell, Bailey & Hutchinson Cir-cus (sure it was a real rag but they had realpress agents who got a swell feature story in
June 1,1981
Comedy Clown TaxiFOR SALE
Imported from Portugal
Excellent V.W. Engine
- Unique Blow Off -
AVAILABLE AS OF OCT. 1981
Inquiries to:
KEVIN BROOKINGc/o Circus Tivoli
125 John St., Toronto, CanadaM5V - 2E2
WANTEDF L Y I N G R I G G I N G
- COMPLETE -
NEW OR USED
Call:
JOE LOPEZ
7 1 3 - 8 3 3 - 1 2 9 1
the Saturday Evening Post).This note I have, mentions selling the show
piece meal and some one bought a one horsecage wagon complete with the horse, harnessand a live bear there-in for a measley $25.1have always felt the Beggs office wagon onthat circus ended up trouping on Bruce Grea-ter Shows as I well remember it (the Beggswagon) on the Bruce outfit. Then, when thatgrifted went busted, the wagon just could ??be the one that graced a huge wagon museumin the Carolinas, but no one seems to knowwhat became of that vast collection. Thatheavy harness with the Royal Emblems ofGreat Britain, that for years was on displayat the Bloomsburg, Pa. museum was 'snuck'out of England with the Buffalo Bill show.
Attention!BOB TRIPPE have hot deal that just cameup - Call SJK Immediately ! Call Collect!
415-552-9444 or
415 -284 -1539 Evenings
THE FAMOUSM C O O L 1 N I S
BROTHERSWORLD'SGREATEST
CHIMP ANZEEACT
April 1st to September 30, 1981 -
THE GREATEST PHANTASIALAND PARK
D-5040 Bruhl, West Germany
A V A I L A B L E OPEN SEASON 1982 -
r ge '2 June 1, 1981
open after Labor Day BOOKING
NOW
AN ASTOUNDING ACT FOR CIRCUSES, CARNIVALS, FAIRS,FESTIVALS, NIGHTCLUBS, PARTIES, MEDICAL MEETINGS ANDALL OCCASIONS.
SWORD SWALLOWER, FIRE EATER, TATTOOED MAN, MUSICIANAND M. C...
948 MISSION STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. - 94103
See him swallow heavy metal broad-swords! See him hurl a 40-foot longexplosive FIRE BALL from his mouth! See him walk, dance and lie onbroken glass!
CAPT. DON's circus side show extravaganza is available for your club,fair, festival, fund raiser, school/college, or private party. Capt. Don isknown in show business circles as "Mr. Sideshow" and he's fully earn-ed that title. Not only does he swallow a 21" broad-blade sword withfinesse, but his dramatic fire-eating act, his "Skin of Iron" demonstra-tions and his "Human Volcano" climax guarantee a show that your au-dience will always remember. He also swallows an automobile axle, plus7 swords at one time.
Capt. Don presents his act with taste and class: he appears in a fabulousarray of sequined costumes and delivers an educational and somewhathumorous dialogue throughout the performance.
in thePROMOTER JAILED
Telephone promoter Clifford Johnson wasarrested in Denver and flown to New Bedford(Mass) on May 16th to face charges of grandlarceny and embezzlement of funds involvedwith a 1978 appearance of the InternationalAll Star Cu. js in New Bedford.
The city of New Bedford was reluctant tofoot the bill for extradition costs, so the cir-cus paid to fly a police detective to Denverand the return flight with Johnson.
"It took us three years to track him down,"stated circus owner, Jim Nordmark, "and Iconsider it money well spent."
Johnson is being held in the New Bedford
House of Corrections awaiting indictmentand trial in lieu of $50,000 bond.
Nordmark reports, "there is one more pro-moter out there that I've been looking forsince 1977 and I guarantee I will find himalso."
PEOPLEMARTY REIZEN, veteran Circus Vargas mar-keting and promotional director, was hospitalized in Late April at the Good Samaritan Hos-pital in Los Angeles with cardiac problems.
JIM CONLEY was badly bitten by a monkeysome 18 months ago and has been hospitaliz-ed three times since. Tendons, ligaments, ar-teries and nerves were severed and he has lostthe use of that hand as a result.
CONGRATULATIONS TO J. SERGEI SAWCHYN
ON THE MAGNIFICENT ACCOMPLISHMENT
OF CREATING CANADA'S WORLD-CLASS
emeus
TIVOUTHE ALI HASSAM TROUPE of Tumblers
DIETER and HELGA KRAML'S Famous Dancing Bean
ISABELLA ENOCH, Danish Queen of the Trapeze
DECIO'S COMEDY TAXI
REMO and JENNY, European head-halancing trapeze act
DECIO, K I M ) and MARIANITO, Portuguese Musical Clowns
LOS CASTROS, World's Most Thrilling High Wire Act
ALL BOOKED BY
DON STACEYSTACEY - GARRARD ASSOCIATES
6 Elizabeth Way, Hanworth, Feltham, Middx., TW13 7PH, England
Proud to be associated with Circus Tivoli as European Talent Coordinator
For the Best Acts from Europe Contact:Don Stacey, Phone: Ol. 892-5444 or George Garrard, Phone: Ol. 890-5736
Page 14
MARTIN & DOWNS CIRCUS
BY LEN HUMPHRIES
Martin & Downs Circus opened their 1981Canadian tour at Port Hope, Ontario, May15th, with performances at 6 and 8:15 p.m.The first show was a straw house and the lateshow was a near capacity.
The big top is a blue 70 ft. round with two30 ft. middles. Side walls are yellow and redstriped, all poles are aluminum. The lightingwas excellent, using a new type of Italiangenerator. The top seats 1200 people, theyuse one ring and a stage. Prop boys wear redcoveralls.
The midway has a Snake pit show, PettingZoo, Side Show, Novelty stands, Floss andIce Cones, Pop Com, Grease joint and an 8pony sweep.
The show moves on seven pieces of equip-ment, plus Bill Morris' elephant trailer. Allrolling stock was recently painted at winter
Jack & Brenda PayneZ161 Shielah WaySacramento, CA 95822
June 1,1981
THANK YOUI want to thank everyone at the Cir-
cus Luncheon Club for their thought-fulness.Joe loved that club and its members.Thank you again,
Mrs. Joe Colby
quarters and is orange with blue trim, withyellow stars. The show has a sleeper trailerand cookhouse for the crew of eight men.
The band was directed by Dave Miller, andMiguel Merez plays drums, Joe Mathews, ontrumpet (Miller plays organ}. They pkay realcircus music and open with a snappy march.
The program includes: Spec with all of theperformers; Billy Martin & Co., rola bola andAmazing Arlise, unicycle; Robin Marie, foottraps; Cathy Wilson, llama and mule; Al Stencell, poodle revue; Miguelito, chair balance;Color Book Pitch; Abra, the Magical clown;The Silly Sailors, knockabout; Bobby JaneDuo, juggling; Amazing Arlise, juggling; Vic-ky Lange, web; Cathy Wilson, ladder; Bill Morris, elephants (2); Intermission.
Ron and Lee, cradle act; Bill Martin, gorillaparody; Al Stencell, liberty horses; Abra, themagical clown; The Lange Family, teeterboardand Miguel Merez, cloud swing, followed bythe Finale.
The staff consists of: Billy Martin, ringmas-ter and announcer; Ron Morris, concessions;Allen Jones, cookhouse and grease joint; DaveMiller, electrician; Dave Harrison, prop boss;Christine Sheffield and Shirley Stencell, frontoffice.
My sincere thanks to Al and Shirley Stencellfor their kind hospitality.
April ? - A girl named Sandy died after suf-fering a fall during a practice session on theflying trapeze with a Donnie Johnson produ-ced circus. She apparently slipped from thebar and fell between the board and net andlanded on her head on the floor.
May 13 - Merced, Calif. - Three girls in theMartinez perch act were injured as the resultof a fall during a performance of the BentleyBros. Circus. One girl suffered a broken an-kle, another an injured back and the thirdgirl received only minor bruises.
G.T. McMillanRingmaster/Announcer
BA. Speech& Drama
MA. Speech
PHD. CandidateSpeech
TeachingCredential
VAST ARRAYOne-of-a-KindCOSTUMES
SpanishLanguage
Ability
Western
Resume/Photos upon RequestG.T. McMillanP.O. Box 387
Somerset, CA 95684(916)6264277
Ifi June 1. 1981
in theAn employee of Circus Odyssey, performing
at Providence, R. I., was stabbed several timesthe night of May 10th.
Philip Schacht, 23, of Nashville, Tenn., wasfound lying in the auditorium parking lot withwounds in his left side, the groin and chest.His condition at the hospital was reported asstable.
Police reported that Schacht's girl friend,Lora Patterson, a circus performer from Nash-ville, told them there had been a party for thecircus personnel that night and that Schachthad stayed late, playing his guitar.
He visited her briefly in her trailer about1:30 a.m., she told police, but then went backoutside. About an hour later, Miss Pattersontold police, she heard a commotion outside.When she looked out the window she sawSchacht lying on the ground, wounded.
Police said they had no suspects in the case,nor any motive for the stabbing.
FROM 'CIRCUS JOE* VALENC1ANO
The first phase of Little England, centralFlorida's newest tourist attraction is expec-ted to open this summer.
The 249 acre, $8 million theme park, fea-turing British-accented entertainment, is un-der construction on US 192, aoout a milesouth of the -4 Disney World interchange.When the two phases of this complex arecompleted, by 1984, they expect to haveinvested $170 million on the 1,350 acre site.The park will have an authentic English vil-lage, along with some 23 rides and attrac-tions.
I want to mention that May 27th is one yearago that the "Circus Hall of Fame" in Sara-sota had its final performance before closing.I'll always remember the place. My thanks toWalter W. Searfoss for the information viaThe Circus Report.
The Tampa City Hall Annex had a displayof European Circus posters, from mid-Aprilto May 5th.
WANTEDElephant Act • Flying Act - Circus Acts of All Kinds
forSept. 12 Little Rock, Ark. Sept. 21 - 27 Reading, Pa.
AVAILABLE F O R JULY
A N D A U G U S T
Animal FantasiaMiss Carla - Principal Rider
Master Nino - Comical Juggler on HorsebackUncaged Horseback Riding Lion
Professor Alberto's Comedy Riding Academy
Please reply to: ALBERTO ZOPPE
2931 Gardner Street Simi Valley, Calif. 93065
The Circus Report Page 17
The Mystics of Sacramento (IBM Ring 192)held a One Day Convention in the DanteClub on May 17th. Activities started at 10 a.m. with a brief Flea Market and some ten ma-gic dealers ran the full day, crowded into asmall room.
Lectures were presented by Tony Dunn,Brenda and Ron Wilson. Also working wereFred Bronner, Charlie Cardeen and Jim Hayes.The dealer's demonstration was brief and themain event of the day was an auction by Bu-ma (Marvin Burger) of San Francisco who haddozens of trunks of magic being actively bidon in a manner that was funny, exciting andentertaining.
Close up performers were Herb Newell, BobBrewer and Charlie Cardeen, It should also bementioned that Larry Jennings spent all dayin the bar room doing card tricks for friendsand visitors. Frequent prize and door prizedrawings were held throughout the day, in-cluding a raffle.The activities closed with a stage show with
Tom Turk as MC and such performers as EdMiddleton. Art Gross, Jimmy Hayes, Ric Wil-son, Sam Bocklich, Fred Bronner, Tony Dunn(with the absence of musical accompanimentbeing noticable). The second half perked upsomewhat with Ron Wilson, Mario Paman andBob Brown and Brenda.Attendance was about 200 and the affair was
well run, but to be critical there was too muchactivity. The idea was to test the ability to pre-sent a full stage convention to which I'd add -NOI Hotel bills, meals, transportation are alloverwhelming problems for conventions andsmall ones such as this Mini one can be a pro-per answer. With less events on the program,a cut down on some of the events offered thiscould be a most successful event.
The Dante Club are satisfactory for a mini-meeting but out of the question for a largermeeting. Food here (and at any convention)is a problem too. Stay small and enjoy!Bill Brooks and Dave Fiscus deserve much
praise for this pleasant event. In fact, the wholeclub can take bows while we applaud their ef-forts. This was truly not a one man meeting,and the cooperation and hard work of all
from
Don Marcks
HELP! Both Circus Report and I are facinga financial crisis. The new postal requirementshave pushed us to the wall.
In order to obtain material and equipment toproduce Circus Report it was necessary to ob-tain several loans. This was made possible thruleins against our home.Thus far we have been behind in payments
and we admit the bank, who holds these leins,has been more than good to us. However, asthe current interest and money situation hasbeen tightening the bank says they can nolonger continue this type of operation andthey want things brought up to date.After a long series of discussions during this
past week the bank says they feel Circus Re-port is not a winning operation and that it isa poor risk. They have recommended that Icease its publication.
The additional expense of postage and suchhas only compounded the situation and evenmakes the bank's recommendation seem likea fact.Since I really don't want to stop publishing
Circus Report, it seems I have only about twochoices left open to me.
As a result this is what I propose to do sothat Circus Report can continue.
1 • Circus Report will be mailed at a "TimeValue" bulk rate schedule. This will save animmense amount of money. The Post Officesays delivery is just a few days slower thanFirst Class service.2 - Publication of Circus Report will be cut
back from a weekly to a twice a month ser-vice. The paper will, henceforth, go into themail on the 1st and 15th of each month.We hope you will understand and that you
will agree this is about the only thing we cando.
We've appreciated your interest and supportin the past and will be needing it even morein the future.
made this one something that will be favor-ably remembered.
Page 18 June 1,1981
Big John's circus a small slice of AmericanaThe Big John Strong Circus, one of a vanish-
ing breed of shows under the big top, is a smaltbut genuine slice of Americana.
With its small menagerie and cast of perfor-mers, it is a microcism of a bygone era whenthings didn't have to be big to be good.
Now in its fourth decade of touring throughout the country, the show is playing for thenational CFA Convention in Arizona.
With a circus as small as the Big John StrongCircus, everyone gets into the act. After pull-ing into town the talented performers lay asidetheir egos and join in the four hour task of set-ting up the show and preparing things for theperformance that is to follow. The 160 x 80ft. canvas top provides them with a home fora day.
One of the clowns, Phi) Kavanaugh, does ajuggling routine, helps to promote the showand carries out a variety of other tasks aroundthe circus. Also working out ahead of the cir-cus is Bow Owens, a stilt-walking clown.
Chris Kennington, an aerialist with the cir-cus, also sells concessions and at times canbe found driving stakes to help keep the tentin the air.
Chris and Ron Pace perform on the aerialcradle as "Sugar & Spice" and appear later inthe show with Neena, the elephant. Neena,incidenidlly, pulls extra duty in that she helpspull the biy . jp; ' 'nt into the air, m vespoles around and other chores.
John Strong is the leader of the circus and ashowman 24 hours a day. Everyone agrees heis a living legend in the industry. He's probab-ly the last of the tall-grass showmen - he cansell an act on the microphone like nobodyelse.John's circuits not spectacular, but it's good
and he keeps good people around it. It's a fun
show that folks enjoy, and you know that bythe comments that are made as spectatorshead for their cars and home.
Just before a performance starts Big Johnambles among the crowd, shaking hands andexchanging bits of news about someone. Ashe takes the mike everything becomes alive.John will remind you that you have the best
seat in the house (everyone does), and youare close enough so you can see everythingand you don't have to strain to watch theperformers and animals.
Cotton candy, whistling birds on sticks, thecoloring books, refreshments and music, itsall there for you to enjoy, and enjoy they do,for the show is welcomed back year after yearby the same sponsors, and as a result everyonealong the way feels they are a friend of thisfine circus and its family of people.
The Show Program - Introductions; Clowns,Phil 'Flippo' Kavanaugh and Rick 'Buckles'Perales; Bill Schreiber's circus ponies; Sugar& Spice (Chris Kennington and Ron Pace)aerial cradle; The Waltens, balancing; ClownsPhil and Rick; Bill Schreiber, dogs; Bob Sea-ton, dogs; Phil and Rick, juggling; SandyStrong, comedy swinging ladder; Jay Evans,original cowboy juggler; Intermission; BobSeaton, llama; The Roltinos (Walten) rolabola; Chris Kennington, web; Clowns Phil andRick; Seaton & Co., illusion/escape; Lady Al-exander (Sandy Strong) fire and glass walk;Ron Pace and Chris Kennington, with theelephant, Neena; Finale.
'he Circus Report Page 19
CFA Convention - June 21-24CFA CONVENTION THIS MONTH
Circus wilt be the only topic of discussionwhen the Circus Fans Association of Ameri-ca holds its 50th national convention inScottsdale, Ariz., June 21-24.The Circus Fans Association, currently head
ed by Fred R. Reed of Glendale, Ariz., is anational organization devoted to the enjoy-ment and preservation of the circus.
It was founded in 1927 by a group of peoplewho were always seen gathering when a circuscame to town.
Today, the organization assists circuses inany way possible. The assistance ranges fromhelping to locate equipment or materials thatare needed by a circus, to actually helping inthe performance.
About 250 people are expected to attend theconvention, which is to be headouartered in
the Radisson Scottsdale Resort and RacquetClub, 7601 East Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale,Ariz.A tented circus, sposnosred by the Kiwanis
Club of North Scottsdale, will highlight theconvention. The John A. Strong Circus, bas-
ed in Yucaipa, Calif., will set up its 150 ft.long big top on the grass lot on the north sideof the hotel. The circus will present five per-formances, all open to the public, during itsthree days in Scottsdale.
Other activities for convention delegates willinclude several seminars on the circus. Onewill be conducted by Peggy Williams, a wo-man clown with Ringling Bros, and Barnum& Bailey Circus.
' •(Continued on Page 34)
Page 20 June 1, 1981
me KellerFanlli
FOR OPEN TIME C O N T A C T
2929 Ashby AvenueBerkeley, Calif. • 94705
Phone: 415 - 843 - 8027
+ Rola Bola + Horizontal Bar
THREE FAMILY ACTS - USE ANY ONE OR TWO
.; LIONS^TIGERS : ci*<v t
ATTENTION: All members of the industry and Circus Fansof America. 1 wish to take this opportunity to clear up somemis-conceptions concerning my wild animal act on the GydeHeatty-Cole Bros. Grcus.
A - The wild animal act on the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circusbelongs to me, not the show, and at no time has it belong-ed to anyone but me.
B - I have no position of authority on the Beatty show, nor doI have any financial interest in the show. I am just anotheract.
C - Having had an agreement with Mr. Beatty prior to his ill-ness, I replaced him at his own request and the request ofMrs. Beatty. At no time did I ever work any of Mr. Beat-ty's animals in my act, although they did come into mypossession at his passing. It was his opinion that I was themost likely replacement for himself - not mine.
D • Contrary to any rumors, my health is perfect.
If you have taken the time to read this page, I thank youfor your attention and kind indulgence.
. David Hoover
Page 22
PERU CIRCUS CITY ROADSHOW
BY JOANNE JOYS
If amateurs are individuals with a markedfondness and love for an avocation; and pro-fessionals are individuals that display a highlevel of training and proficiency manifestedin fine artistry based on sound knowledge andconscientiousness - then the Peru Circus i$ themost professional amateur circus in existence.Certainly they are imbued with the spirit andefficiency of the great Corporation shows thatwintered there.
I feel extremely lucky to have been able tosecure them so early in the season to appearat the University's 50th anniversary celebra-tion of its main campus. It meant beginningrehearsals weeks earlier than normal.
From set-up to tear-down everything click-ed beautifully. Riggers arrived at 11:30 a.m.Friday to begin the set up. The young per-formers demonstrated an abundance of ener-gy, ability and dedication - from their arrivalon campus at 5:30 p.m., they worked and re-
EVENTUALLY,
WHY NOT NOW?
I am a former versatile circus per-former, teeterboard acrobat and atumbler and an aerialist during the1920's and the 1930's and I tookseveral hundred kodak pictures ofthings that are and happen on atraveling circus that an outsiderseldom has the chance to see.
I have published a 6x9 in. bookwith 100 glossy pages and 100 glossy photos enlarged from the kodakpictures, therefore, these are rarephotos of circus life.
PICTURES TELL IT BETTER.
Send check or money order for$4.95 (not cash) to: JohnnieSchmidt, Rte. 3, Box 170-A, Lin-dale, Texas 75771.
You will be glad you did. I thankyou. Johnnie.
June 1, 1981
Organist At LibertyFurnish Own Equipment and Transportation
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DAVID EPPERLY710 Tazewell Ave. Bluefield, Va. 24605
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hearshed late into the evening right througha grueling Saturday of 8V? hour performances,beginning at 10 a.m. and ending with a specialhour show at 5 p.m. Tear-down followed, wentperfectly, and the show was on its way homeat 7:30 p.m.
The circus consisted of high perch pole, tee-terboard, Spanish webs, trampoline, side byside, three single trapezes, high wire, the flyingact, and of course the clowns. The performersranged in age from 8 to 18 and reflected theirgood training in their style, precision and com-posure. The span in ages gives audiences a won-derful opportunity to see how these youngstersskills develop.
Well over 20,000 people viewed the shows inthe University's Field house and the audienceswere especially warm and receptive. I period-ically walked among the crowds and talked topeople - over and over I got the same reaction- 'The other events on campus were nice, butthe Circus was something special. Seeing theyoung, eager faces, and knowing the hardwork that went into making the show, leftpeople with "a really good feeling."
Many places call themselves 'circus cities',but Peru, once home of the exciting Corpra-tion shows, and the greatest acts in circus his-tory, is certainly the capital of living circusspirit.
I hesitate to mention names, for this was
(Continued on Page 26)
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Page 24
CLYDE BEATTY-COLE BROS.Junel, 1981
GEORGE C. BINGAMAN
Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus reached Fre-derick, Md., May 4. for a two day stand en-route north for their eastern trek of the 98thseason. I caught the World's Largest Circusof Thrills at the 5 and 8 p.m. performancesplaying to full houses and enthusiastic au-diences.
This year's edition features group evolutionsand audience participation as welt as spectac-ular blinking colored light strings and person-nel props, an innovation to the famous Beat-ty-Cole tradition which was largely responsi-ble for the survival of the Big Top after GSOE closed in 1956.
MIKEPADILLAOutstanding Joey for 40 years
The opening spec was revived as "Circus onParade" featuring in colorful array, a beefed-up procession of clowns, performers and pac-hyderms bedecked with banners, props andstilts. The finale, after two hours of great dis-plays and a 15 minute intermission for re-freshments and elephant rides sported the re-turn of the entire company of clowns, show-girls and performers in a gala center ring wind-up.
Clown fantasy was an amalgam of childrenfrom the audience, clowns, showgirls and performers cavorting in a merry-go-round of funand frolic glamorizing the fun for all withthose blinking light strings and climaxing intoa Giant Aerial Ballet Web featuring 12 lovelyshowgirls and escorts, starring aloft in theside rings the Munoz Sisters, MademoiselleCindy and Marie Christine. Elba Walker wasaerial choreographer and Monica Lopez is theshowgirl captain.
Dave Hoover's eight good-looking male lionsand four tigers were better than ever as theymoved briskly through their tricks. Dave con-tinues the Clyde Beatty fighting act style whichoffers the American public a much-needed ex-emplary option to the "everything's OK, takeit easy pseudo-nonchalant claims" of the Eur-opean style. All cat handlers should agree thatevery performance has its tense unpredictabledangers! Dave is America's foremost represen-tative of the Clyde Beatty mystique in hand-ling wild animal mixed groups.
Beauty, thrills and class • all three sparkle onthe rolling globes as Las Verdue features thatlovely triumvirate, Myrna, filarda and Iris.
Oscarian Brothers Casting is a standout as
JOHNWELDEand his Russian Bears
Jose, Armando, Oscar and Enrique seize theundivided attention of the house in their cas-ting comedy and expertise. The best castingact I have seen in many years!
Producing Clown and Ringmaster JimmyJames has assembled a great group of nineJoeys captained by Sandy Kaye which in-cludes three Mikes - Padilla, Ferreira andSnider - John "EggrpH" Kame, Marconi, Ray-mie Clark, Gary Carillo and Chuck Crespo.Special credit must be given to Mike Padilla,one of America's greatest clowns still perfor-ming after 40 years of tanbark buffooneryand Eggroll who add the touch of class to thisnew and highly-deserving clown alley. Elmo"Buckles" Gibbs serves ably as advance clownThe Beatty-Cole clowns do two walk-aroundsand two productions. Clown Fire Dept., and
The Circus Report Page 25
Clown Camptown Races where "horsing a-around" stretches your neck to the end! Someinnovative twists transform these staples withterrific surprises.Johnny Welde presents five Russian Bears
in a fast moving act attracting audience ap-preciation and rhythmic applause for wildanimal display brewing in bruin pleasure.
THE FLYING ALVAREZEuclides, Martin, Maria, Raul
Where are the horses? Such a question. Eq-uestrian excellence is provided by the Herriotts, presenting three rings of dressage withJohn, Mary Ruth and Wiener riding magnifi-cent mounts in a beautifully coordinated dis-play. John, a winner of America circusdom'shighest award, stars in the center ring with hismount doing an alternating rear leg singlekick which was new and unique in my circusreviewing. Mary Ruth and Wiener appearearlier in two rings of marvelous canine en-tertainment with a magnificant assortmentof poodles with two standout white ponies,real beauts.
The Great Vashek, Czechoslovakia's stellerchampion of the inclined wire thrills thethrong on the walk to the tent top to be fol-lowed later by the aerial motorcycle with hisbeautiful wife, Kathy on the trapeze beneath.
Alvarez Family Flying Trapeze, Raoul, Mar-tin, Euclides and Maria demand the respectof America as one of the finest touring troupesfeaturing Martin's triple and twisting somer-saulting descent to net and return to the tra-peze finale.
There were three rings of great teeterboardwith the Ayala Troupe starring in the centerand the Marlines and Estrada Troupe along-side. I give a special hand to those marvelousEstradas, Julio, Antonio and Blanca who ap-
THE ESTRADASAntonio, Blanco, Julio
pear earlier in ground perch together in an-other ring with Los Argentine.
Capt. Fred Logan and Family present elevenponderous pachyderms in a mighty three ringdisplay of bull-art at its best. Fred was in cen-ter ring accompanied by his son, Walter andAlan Kuenz in the side rings. Fred is a B-Cstalwart for many seasons.
Russell Darr's eight windjammers - threetrumpets, two trombones, baritone, euphon-ium and drums - provide great brass for theterrific tempo of Beany-Cole's breath-takingprogram of displays.
Beatty-Cole is top tanbark tent treat in '81
(The photos with this report were taken bythe writer, and were snapped at Frederick,Md., on May 4. 1981).
PEOPLEANGELA WILNOW worked in Chicago, May4-14 and then jumped to a date in Pittsburghfor May 18-25.
THE BURKETTS will be presenting their aer-ial acts at Fantasy Island again this summer,appearing there June 25 - Sept. 7th.
Want to BuyBIRD ACT
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Page 26 June 1,1981
CIRCUS PARADE SCHEDULED
A real old fashioned circus parade will beheld in New Bedford, Mass., on June 19thwhen the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus ar-rives in town for a three day stay.Henry Z. Horn, executive director of the NewBedford Redevlopment Authority and HarborDevelopment Commission, said the circus willset up its tents on the North Terminal bulk-head grounds. This will be the first time, headded, that the circus will play New Bedfordwithout a sponsor.
The parade, the first in New Bedford in se-veral years, wilt take place at noon on FridayJune 15th, with a route through the down-town waterfront historic area.
ReportINT'L ALL STAR REVISITED
BY JIM RIDENOUR
As I reported just recently, Hines Rucker hadhis lighting stolen in Florida. When I visited onthe show in Oak Ridge, Tenn. (May 6) Hineswas proud as a peacock showing me his newlypurchased lighting.
He has a new generator that powers 14 Quart?lamps, along with two new Strong Trooperspotlights. New cables, stands, etc. These folkshave invested a bundle and the show was sim-ply beautiful when lit. First class all the way.
Hines showed me video tapes of last year'sshow as I had never seen Joe Eddie work. Joeand his wife are professionals to say the least.Hines has a fantastic collection of all the illu-sion shows and TV specials.
WELLESTABLISHED
ACTSCOMPLETED
CONTAINED.'
REFERENCESAVAILABLE
SINGLE DATES OR TOURS CONTACT:
PERU CIRCUS (Continued)truly a team effort, and to miss even one ofthe almost 60 that participated would be areal oversight. But a visit to Peru is a must toany circus-minded individual, and the CircusCity Festival is the third week in July. Thereis some really up and coming circus talentthere. DON'T MISS IT!
(The Peru Circus City Roadshow was presented at the University of Toledo Celebration50 • A Family Affair, on May 9, 1981).
Dateline: GREENCASTLE: Home-after 7weeks on the road and column mail is stack-ed on my desk like small pyramids. To sortthrough it will take days, but another deadlineis due, so I had better skim the cream off andbegin with the first epistle which is a letterfrom one of our favorite veteran performers.Col. Trevor Bale."I just want to let you know, Billy, that I am
in the best of health (glad to hear that, Trevor)and will be working my horses (Stardust andSoloman) in a new comedy routine - if I don'tgo to Europe to train horses for some shows.I am also pleased to tell you that Bonnie is do-ing well with her cloud swing, is also workingin the elephant act and in brother Elvin's act(which I presume to be either the Space Wheelor the motorcycle, although Trevor didn't say}Gloria and Nita are here at home - cooking upa storm, and my wife's sister and her familyare in from England for a stay of six weeks.A few weeks ago Jimmy Chippertleld cameto see me and we had a good, long chat aboutthe old days."
A note from Ringmaster Jon Friday revealsthat everything is running smoothly with theCastle show and that they are carrying a real-ly heavy show for some of the one day standsthey're playing but have never been late once• despite some overnight hops. "We're lookingforward to the longer stands in Canada (I'llbet) and the first long stand in May in Winni-peg looks mighty good right now." Gossipitems from the Castle show: Tammy Ballen-tine has made a complete recovery from herbad fall at Fort Wayne and is back in the per-formance. . .Mile. Jacqueline continues hertwisting barefoot heel catches and swingingknees to heels at every show.. .Illona Canes-trelli shows great promise with her head bal-ancing trap number and Sylvia Zerbini is con-tinuing in the grand tradition of her motherby burdgeoning into a top flight trapezist.
From Erik Adams, ST.: "Son Erik is withCastle until the middle of May and will thenplay Denver for Gracie, followed by the BillKay dates in Idaho; then 3 weeks in Kenny-
wood Park, two at Canobie Lake Park and afair in Vermont. I, myself, have not been onthe road since Feb. 1980 as t underwent sur-gery - but I am fine now, am training a newdog act (5) and will go out with it in 1982.Helen Haag has been hospitalized for a num-ber of weeks and is not doing so good. How-ever, she came home yesterday (Apr. 14).Mywife Vibeke, broke her wrist and her kneeseven weeks ago and still suffers with somepain."EARL C R E A G E R , chairman for the An-
tioch Shrine Temple, Dayton, Ohio, droppeddead of a heart attack May 18th. Mr. Creagerhad been chairman for the Dayton Shrine Circus for at least 30 years, perhaps more. A newCircus Chairman must now be elected beforethe 1982 circus plans may be finalized.
CLOSEUPS: T'is rumored that the Texasdates are eschewing an Aerial Ballet this timeout.. Jo Ann Jennier, having closed out theMain dates for Wayne, says she is no longerhaving trouble with her arm and is rolling upand down the web with ease.
1982 dates for the Youngstown Group Ex-travaganza are Mar. 16-21. The show this yearfeatured the Living Statues, Ben Williams, thePlunketts, Chris James, Lar-Rays, Chipperfieldlions, Misses Loni and Barbara, Boom Boom,Austin Miles, with Bill Slater, prop boss andBobby Huber, head rigger. The 1981 showgarnered terrific publicity and the strongestbiz in five years. Lost 3000 kids on accountof a school strike but they came at night and- better still, brought their parents.
The Gutis, after doing Mexico City, then astring of dates for Eddie Zacchini, finally hada chance to go home. Elvira said she was gladto have a chance to unload the trailer. They'dbeen carrying excess baggage from last season.Peter Gutis played soccer with the Ataydeteam while in Mexico which, for him, was adream come true.. .Heidi and Jim Groganare working hard on the new act with MarkPilgar... Heidi created the costuming. Thenew act will be at Wisconsin Dells for the
The Circus Report Page 29
summer and also will play the Calgary Stam-pede in July.
The Royal Hanneford leopard Sabu was se-lected by Larry Taylor, prez of an advertising
i ni, to be used for an ad for a computercorporation. Shots of the cat will be appear-ing in trade journals this fall.
A cast party was tossed in Detroit attendedby all performers and approximately 100 ofthe Shriners. The party was held in the arenaand during the entertainment, provided byHanneford personnel, a new film on the fam-ily was shown, titled "A Ring, A Horse, andA Clown." Cheryl Jones arranged and direct-ed the activities and, I am told, did her usualexcellent job. This year in Detroit a new redentrance curtain was used, donated to theMoslem Temple by Tommy. George Da Dep-po designed it. One final note about Detroit:the 1981 edition broke all previous attend-ance records as well as profits.
Sharon Ward writes that she is now in Swit-zerland with Circus Knie working as a show-girl. Sharon is with the Farrell Brothers highwire act. They will be there until November.
Sid Kellner is doing well in California withhis Old Time Vaudeville show. On May 16thhe produced a date starring Patty Andrewswho came in at the last minute after BobbyBreen was hospitalized.
Den mother Betty Escalante finally gotaround to mailing me a long, newsy, message.I will use only a part of it here. She has beenbusy catching Circus Vargas because one ofher "sous" Roland Kaiser is now with thatshow's concession unit. And one of my dearfriends Petey Kinosh is also on CV in theconcession dept. As usual, one of Betty's in-timate letters takes time to sift and sort andI will let this go for an opening column.
My rumor mill is grinding overtime and I hearwhispers that Dayton may change producersnext year??? Biz, incidentally, for the CincyShrine date was so-so. At first it was thoughtthat RBBB, in two weeks ahead, might havedented the crowds until it was learned thatshow's business was also off.
This, think I, will be an iffy year for atten-dance. I just did a string of dates where someof the biz was up, some down, I am sure cer-tain areas are more depressed economicallythan others.Prior to the Louisville Fair, Ron Kelroy will
do the Hopkinsville (Ky) fair.. .Biz, so I amtold by several of my west coast field personswas not so hotsy-totsy for teonard Green's"Circus of the Americas" engagement in L.A.although all reports are that the show wasvery good. Talent included: Kay Rosaire, theAlbarracines, Carol Buckley and Baby Tara,the Flying Ramos, Rocket Car with Clint 01-sen, Ferges, trampoline, Evy Karoly, StimaxChimps, Pio Nock Troupe, the Zultanas, Tomand Pom Pom (with the Gatti elephants),Floyd Reed's Death Riders, Katinka's Pood-les, Jonny Rivers Diver Mules, Heidi Wendanyand her animals, the Albulet Brothers and itstarred Emmett Kelly. Jr., also appearing werethe Chinese Acrobats of Taiwan, Benny Koskethe Human Bomb, and Parley Baer was theringmaster.SNAPSHOTS: Ace juggler Michael Chirrick
is in a Las Vegas revue.. .Big things are loom-ing for Siegfried & Roy (more about that la-ter). . .Bobby Hocum is reportedly back fromEngland (no confirmation).. .The Albarra-cines (second act the Wee Jets) have returned(or are returning) to Blackpool Tower Circusin Merry Aulde for the summer.
Rex Williams bought a new elephant van ..
Page 30
In Burbank Cliff Vargas put up a new red andblue performance curtain.. .Someone said thatMischu is not with Ringling Blue this year?..Not counting animals (and there are many ofthose) a ringsider counted over 67 people inthe Circus Vargas spec .. .Everyone is ravingover Millie Ward's costuming for CV this sea-son, saying she has outdone herself, and everyone tells me it is absolutely the biggest, thebest, the flashiest show Cliff ever produced..
A sad note - Cliff's mother passed away inMarch (my condolences. Cliff).. Joseph Ponthe CV ringmaster, got cast billing on the re-cent Mickey Rooney TV movie, some scenesof which I am told by my California spies,were filmed on the giant tenter. Rooney willcome to TV next season with a regular sefles
The Chevy magazine 'Crossroads' has a storey and picture spread on Circus World... Agroup of people in Peru (Ind) are trying tofind a home there for a new Circus Mall ofFame. Had the article all clipped out from anIndiana newspaper, picked up while travel!"through, with all the details, and wouldn'tyou know it, I lost it. At any rate they aretrying to acquire the memorabilia from theman in Florida (who bought and stored it)and hope to relocate the museum in what isstill called America's Circus City. I hope theyare successful.
SEE YOU down the road, luvs.
ReportSHOW "BARNUM" IS SUPER!
BY IRWIN ROYES
"Barnum" opened in New Orleans on May12th, and runs to the end of the month. Theshow ran just a little over two hours but anumber of people, I am sure, wish that itwere even longer.
June 1, 1981
CIRCUS BOOKSThe Real Ringmaster - Miles $ 8.95Noell's Ark Gorilla Show - Noel. 16.00Behind the Big Top • Hammarstrom
.. 17.50Speaking of Elephants - Royal. . 12.50Circus • A World History 12.50
(Croft-Cooke)Circus Logistics 4.95Unlikely Legacy 4.00My Life With the Big Cats 12.00
(Alfred Court)Wild Animal Man - D. Dhotre .. 12.00The Other Side of the Circus... 20.00
(Norwood)Pictorial History of the American
Carnival 15.95Center Ring - Taylor 10.00The Tattoo Book 5.00Circus Heros and Heroines 5.00Wild Tigers & Tame Fleas 6.00My Father Owned A Circus... 8.00
Please add 10% for postage and handling
A 12 page list of circus items for $1.00
CIRCUS KHSHO!Box 304 Auburn, NY -13021
Everyone in the cast is kept busy through-out the show. The music is fresh and livelyand the show has a stage set that is ready foranything.
Stacy Keach plays a great Barnum with OeeHoty as Charity Barnum and with a great castthey bring it all together.
If you get a chance to see "Barnum" be sureto catch it, then if you have a little extra cashyou can see it again. It will be just as great thesecond time as when you were first introduc-ed to Mr. P. T. BARNUM.
Page 32
TNT & ROYAL OLYMPIC CIRCUS
BY DON SANDMAN
The TNT & Royal Olympic Circus openedtheir 1981 tour in South Bend. Ind, May 13thru 17. at the Scottsdale Mall.
The show gave 14 performances during therun of the show and had a nice 30 minute of-fering, working well for the first week of theseason. All equipment is freshly painted andthe costuming was magnificent. The set upconsisted of one ring, a bandstand and a dres-sing tent.
The show is owned and produced by theTegge's of Garden Grove, Ca., Earl Tegge ispresident, Louise Tegge, treasurer and TimTegge, general manager. Music consists of adrum-organ combo with Louise Tegge at theorgan and Tim Tegge on drums.
The program as presented here was: Over-ture "Bravera"; Introduction of "Mr. Circus"Ear! Tegge, ringmaster; The Cycling Terrys,unicycles (O'Brien family); Color Book saleand Balloon pitch by 'Twinkles'; The Houcksjuggling; Twinkles the clown's magic; TerryO'Brien and Camile, slack wire; Finale.Mr. Tim Miller, of Chicago, will join the
show in Chicago to do clowning along withTim Tegge for the remainder of the season.They are planning the dentist gag with Twinkles playing Nurse Goodbody.The O'Briens had their share of problems
coming up from Florida to join the show.They had to replace the motor in the truck,plus repairs on the trailer. The Houcks alsohad some mechanical problems on the waynorth but were not held up as long. But theywere all there for the opening whistle.
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June 1, 1981
Visitors seen during the week were Bob Oeahl,Bob Fancil, Otto Scheiman. Art Cooksey, KayScheiman, Gary Scheiman, Don and Grace Sandman, plus a few performers who were layingover in Elkhart at the Poplars.
Bob Fancel took the whole troupe out fordinner on Friday evening after the last performance.
The Tegges and the writer's wife were guestsof the management of "The Place Upstairs"Dinner Theatre in the Scottsdale Mall for theSaturday evening performance.
LISTENINGSOME WEST COAST NOTES
No sooner had the long intense media cam-paign for Circus Vargas, which saturated theSouthern California area from January to midMay, ended than the advance media and pro-motion campaign got underway for the Ring-ling Barnum Red Unit which is due in South-ern California in July.
Circus Vargas leaves central California via adate in Reno then heads east, thus omittingthe Pacific Northwest area which was playedextensively last season.
Ringling's Red Unit arrives in California toplay San Diego July 14-19, and then movesto Inglewood, Calif., for a July 21-Aug. 4thengagement.
Caught in the middle of this heavy campaignwas the "Circus of the Amerias" which play-ed at the Los Angeles Sports Arena for 13days at Easter time. They presented a strongprogram of acts, but drew sparse crowds dur-ing the run.
Meanwhile, Circus Vargas was playing thearea, using a considerable amount of TV andmedia space to advertise their show.
One western showman stated he felt that itwould soon be impossible for other shows toplay dates in Southern California because ofthe extensive engagements scheduled thereby the Ringling Circus and Circus Vargas. Itis the heaviest and has to be the most costlycampaign I have ever seen there, he added.
PEOPLEOTTO BEROSINI will be presenting his wildanimal act on the Wally Webb show in South-ern California this month, after which he willtour with Europorama, a date in Reno, followed by some eastern dates with Alberto Zoppe.
The Circus Report Page 33
Show ReportBY BILL GALLOWAY
TANGIER TEMPLE SHRINE CIRCUS
M&M Int'l produced the Tangier TempleShrine Circus in Omaha, Nebr., April 21-26.All shows were well attended and the wea-ther was good. Visitors included Dr. RolandCiibbs, John C. Goodall, Mark Anthony andIko Robinson, all CFA members.Show Line-up: Presentation of the Shrine
Officers; Spec 'Circus Days'; Harry Thomastigers; Billy Barton, cloud swing; Boxing Kangaroo 'Killer Willard' (Fossett); Juggling andbalancing display with The Obandos, The Laddies, Don Philips & Co.; Teeterboard, Wendyand Walt; Clowns and the Dog Factory; Dis-play with Christina's Chimps, Susan's RoyalAfghan Champions; Clown Farmer Gag; Dis-play with Mr. Bell, hand balancing and TheKents,; Aerial display featuring Miss Lou AnnJacobs, Intermission.
The Flying Lantony flying act; Clowns andThe Pie Shop; Irene, Tonga & Co., gorilla par-ody; Rope spinning and whips by The Clay-tons and Pancho Magana; Johnny Zoppe'sRhesus Monkey Revue; Jean and RomanSchmitt, elephants; Johnny Luxem, Wheelof Death.
Staff: Mrs. Grace Mclnstoch, producer; JimDouglass, announcer; Boom Boom Browning,musical director; Don Phillips, prop boss;Specwardrobe by Circus Creations, of Daytona,Fla
Clown Alley: Vern Woerner, producing. Bobby Davis, Rick Legg, Buck Nolan and RoyArringdale,
M&M INT'L CIRCUS PARTY
The popular performers parody party wasrevived during the Omaha date of the M&MCircus Int'l. Using a colorful ring carpet as abackdrop, the performers parodied the otheracts on the show, in the center ring. The per-formance was dedicated to Chuck Marine,who always enjoyed the shows in past years.
Show Line-up: Jim Douglass, introductionof Announcer Dal Awley (Boom BoomBrowning); Tigers presented by Arry Omas(Carlos Obando, Jr.), Rowena (Carlos Oban-do, Sr), tigers, Pamela Obando and AthenaPhillips; Teeterboard, Salt & Blendy (Kent
i.iyton); Radio interview with a famous cir-"us star who has just embarked on an exci t -ng new career. Circus Star Bucilla BassmouthRuth Patterson), interviewer, Mary Mouth
alot (Carol Phillips).Intermission and book pitch by Dal Awley.Boxing Kangaroo 'Ravishing Rupert' Chris-
tine (Bobby Davis), Tony Bill Johnson (BruceGalloway), Kangaroo (Wendy Patterson, Vic-toria, (Diana Phillips) and Irene, Mrs. Johnson(Don Phillips); whips and ropes, Rancho Ma-gana (Irene Fossett} and Mu Ann (VictoriaFossett); Introduction of Mrs. Grace Mcln-tosh, producer (Billy Barton).
Staff : All performers; announcer. BoomBoom Browning; prop boss. Bill Galloway;wardrobe produced by "Phillips Catsoffs"of Gibsonton, Fla.
SESOSTRIS TEMPLE SHRINE CIRCUS
The 1981 Sesostris Temple Shrine Circus wasproduced by M&M Int'l on April 28-May 3rd.The show played on the traditional 'tanbark'at the Nebraska State Fair Coliseum in Lin-coln. All performances were well attended.A circus parade was held downtown on Tues-day, Apr. 28th. CFA visitors included MarkAnthony and Dick Watson, of Omaha.
Show line-up: Spec 'Circus Days'; tigers presented by Harry Thomas; Billy Barton, cloudswing; Boxing Kangaroo 'Killer Willard' (Fos-setts); Display with The Obandos, The Lad-dies and Don Phillips & Co.; Teeterboard withWendy & Walt; Clowns, Hot Dog Factory; TheChristina Chimps; Clowns with Farmer Gag;Display with Mr. Bell, hand balancing andThe Claytons; Susan's Royal Afghan Champ-ions; Aerial display featuring Miss Lou AnnJacobs; Intermission.
The Flying Lantonys flying act; Clowns andThe Pie Shop; Gorilla Parody with Irene, Ton-ga & Co.; whips and rope display with TheClaytons and Pancho Magana; Johnny ZoppeRhesus Monkey Revue; Jean and RomanSchmitt, elephants; Johnny Luxem, Wheel ofDeath.Staff:Mrs. Grace Mclntosh, producer; Jim
Douglass, announcer; Boom Boom Browningmusical director; Don Phillips, prop boss; Specwardrobe by Circus Creations of Daytona.Fla.
Clown Alley: Vern Woerner, producing. RickLegg. Bobby Davis, Buck Nolan and Roy Ar-ringdale.
PEOPLEKIM NOVAK, film star, visited Circus Vargaswith a group of friends when the show playedin Paso Rabies, Calif., last month.
Page 34
ReportHOXIE BROS. CIRCUS
BY JIMMY RIDENOUR
I had the pleasure of visiting my old friendJimmy Silverlake for three days last month.Hoxie repeated Hixon and Cleveland (Tenn)from last spring. Business was good.As usual John Lewis and Billy Griffin were
the perfect hosts. Mr. Tucker was on the lotbut departed for the Great American show.Roger Boyd and Jesse Moyer were especiallyfriendly to me.Since the show has been reviewed previous-
ly I will cover some personal observations. Anextra effort is being made to spruce every-thing up. f
Charlie Moyers band is to be commended.The Maynards, along with Charlie and AlGouge are nothing less than fantastic. Tra-ditional circus music is played and that addsa lot to this edition.
Roger Boyd, Jr. has his stuff together pro-ducing a nice side show. He gets better onthe openings each time I visit.John Lewis knows his stuff. He took the bulls
down town in Hixon (Chattanooga) and gotSunday press and TV coverage. It is littletouches like this that make the difference.John is a wizard with public relations andwith committees.
I had Sunday dinner with the Silverlakes,John Lewis and Bobby Greene. I mentionedthe fact they needed a couple of pro clownsand John said they had advertised for some.I told him that was a cop-out and for a littlemore money I was positive some worthy joeyscould be contracted. We'll see.
My old friend from the Wallace & Clark daysin '52, Jimmy Silverlake, was busy. Conces-sion and novelty sales were brisk. Jimmymade apples four times in two days. He seemsto have good help.
I cannot go without saying a word aboutGary Holveck, who is this years singing ring-master and illusionist. This man, along withhis family, do an outstanding job. It was apleasure to watch them work. He's got classand leaves the impression that he enjoys hiswork.
Mike Rice works three turns with nice wardrobe, etc. He adds a lot to this years perfor-mance.Again, it was fun visiting the Hoxie lot.
June 1.1981
CFA CONVENTION (Continued)
Several authors will be on hand to discusstheir books, including Gene Plowden, of Sarasota, Fla., who has written several volumeson the circus.
Author Oavid Hammarstrom, whose book"Behind the Big Top" has proved to be pop-ular with both circus fans and circus person-alities will be one of the many speakers atthe convention.
Big John Strong will be featured as the ban-quet's guest speaker and he will come in dir-ectly from his indoor show which is current-ly touring in the mid-west.Another special guest will be Mrs. Lourdes
de la Rosa, of Mexico City. The de la Rosafamily presents annual awards to circus per-formers in Mexico, similar to the Oscar orTony awards given entertainers in the UnitedStates.
Exhibits of all types will be available forviewing by convention delegates. The exhi-bits will include a 1/8 inch animated modelcircus built by Al Turner, of Lakewood, Co.There will also be a % inch model show builtby Carl Helbing, of Phoenix.
During the convention several circus greatswill be inducted into the Circus Hall of Fameand their selection will be made by a specialcommittee who will meet at Scottsdale.
PEOPLETOM LUDWIG, CFAof Charteroi, Pa., atten-ded the Apple Blossom Festival Parade atWinchester, Va., where he noticed FRANKBALL, a fellow CFA, riding in the truck thatwas pulling the Beany-Cole float.
The Circus Report Page 35
MUSICMUSICAL SELECTIONS . . . .
Musical selections being used for performances of the TNT & Royal Olympic Circusinclude:
Overture - BravuraCycling Terry* •
Hello DollyMac the KnifeCabaretLove Me TonightBim Bam BumHindustan
The Houcs•Beer Barrel PolkaBarbara PolkaAnother OpeningThat's EntertainmentHappy Dayes Are Here AgainAngryEl Cuminchero
Clown Bit -Vision of Salome
O'Brien Wire act -JealousieJungle DrumsTangerine
PEOPLEANTONIETA and RAFAEL VAZQUEZ arethe proud parents of a baby boy (Adam Ra-fael) who was bom on May 14th, at Tampa,Fta. The youngster weighed in at 6 Ibs, andmeasured 19" long.
ROY ROGERS and DALE EVANS were fea-tured on TV's "World of People" show onMay 18th.
GAYLORD and BELINDA MAYNARD join-ed the Int'l All Star Circus after closing onNew York's Broadway.
SUNSET CARSON, former movie cowboy starwho appeared with his wild west show on theold Clyde Beatty Circus (1951) is reportedlyimproved since his recent serious intestinal sur-gery for cancer at the Martin Luther Hospitalin Anaheim, Calif.
MoreSpec-
United Nations MarchCircus on Parade
