BWW Reviews: Family Fun at Circus Flora's VAGABOND ADVENTURES

June in St. Louis can mean only one thing to those of us who think young - the Circus is in town! And Circus Flora, the festival of fun we can proudly call our own here in St. Louis, continues a tradition they began some 25 years ago with their latest venture titled Vagabond Adventures. Forget about all those other three-ring spectacles that blast into town and play a vast arena or stadium for a single weekend before moving on to another town and another venue, Circus Flora is an intimate single-ring delight that delivers the goods in air conditioned comfort in our very own backyard. You'll be doing yourself a considerable disservice if you allow the opportunity to catch this highly talented and dedicated group of performers pass you by. So, take advantage of this homegrown phenomenon while you can.

Cecil Mackinnon narrates this tale (as Yo-Yo), which is inspired by a true story of a teenage boy who stowed away on a floating palace known as Charivari sometime around the end of the Civil War. The plot itself is loosely conveyed, but well-utilized by the troupe to present a collection of superb acts of daring-do that astound, amaze and amuse in equal measure. There's romance and intrigue aplenty, but the real focus is squarely fixed on these hugely talented performers and their antics.

The Riding Donnerts (Robert and David) provide a couple of highlights, one with his work with a comedy horse that refuses to be saddled (a beautiful Appaloosa), and in tandem as they juggle Indian clubs, disks and flaming torches while standing on top of a galloping Percheron. The Olate Dogs also provide plenty of comic relief with their canine frolics.

The St. Louis Arches tumble acrobatically in inventive fashion, with members Sidney Bateman and Terrance Robinson striking out on their own to produce a two-man hand balancing act that requires considerable strength and skill. Una Mimnagh proves her own particular worth with a display of aerial daring do astride a rope tethered from high above the sawdust, and sparkles in the saucy role of Lottie Luppu, the femme fatale of this production.

Of course, there are also veteran acts like the famous Flying Wallendas, who thrill the assembled throng with their high wire act, stunning the crowd by eschewing any kind of safety net. And, the Flying Pages are also on hand to showcase their high-flying trapeze artistry.

Then there's the crowd favorite, Nino the clown (Giovanni Zoppe) who entertains the crowd while the various crew members set up for each of the acts.

All of this comes together due to the combined efforts of artistic director/producer Ivor David Balding, composer Miriam Cutler, musical director Janine Del'Arte, lighting designer Christine Ferriter, costume designer Nina Reed, and scenic designer Sarah Pearline. And mention should always be made of the hard-working crew that makes sure that every cable, wire and pad is perfectly placed in order to insure the safety of all the performers.

Circus Flora's Vagabond Adventures, which celebrates their 25th Anniversary Jubilee, continues through June 26, 2011 in the little big top behind Powell Symphony Hall. Gather your family and friends and head on down immediately - you won't be disappointed!

 

Photo credit: Dan Donovan

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