Changes In 2013

  March 23rd marked the opening day of C & M's 2013 season.  Opening on a weekend means early shows, of course and puts most everyone in an automatic 'full speed ahead' mode.  It was nice to have the evening off to be able to exhale after enduring the rain and wind in day one.  Although, the vast experience of most the crew and performers made the first day's set up, show time and tear down seem much like a mid-season circus day.  

  There are a few changes in this year's performance.  I am most excited about Georgia joining my family's unicycle act this season.  Her cousin, Noah, who is exactly one month older than Georgia, has been showing her the ropes on the unicycle for quite some time. Noah is long on patience and short & sweet on words.  Before too long, such memorable words of advice as, "Georgia, don't let your fear make you fall," helped see her through until she was peddling on her own.  A few more practices with the rest of the Arlise Troupe and she should be taking her spot in the 6 person routine before I know it. 

  Another change, about which I am also very excited, is the announcing duties I share with Simone.  As always, it is way too much fun to work with my 'announcing partner in crime.'  In the past, we have split ring master duties down the middle; Simone has taken care of the first portion of the show then I would finish part two.  Not long ago, Simone came up with the idea of opening and closing the performances together and switching places behind the announcer's stand at just the right spots in the show so the rundown remains smooth.  We think we have come up with just the right script and timing to pull it off and so far, the audiences agree.  The only problem I foresee, is more opportunities to exchange looks and lines that probably no one else would notice, that will test the other's abilities to keep a straight face. ;)

  We are happy to welcome the Ayala family for the new tour.  Jose Jr. and Elizabeth are contributing a multitude of outstanding traditional circus talents.    It is a pleasure to announce Elizabeth's lovely hair hang act which appears early in the show.  When I was a kid, Martguerita Michelle from back in the proverbial day was my favorite performer of all time.  I can still hear the theme to Hawaii 5-0 accompanying Ms. Michelle's graceful and daring moves.  It's a personal pleasure to bring on our own "lady with the tresses of steel," as my dad would say. :)  Foot juggling is also new this year.  Elizabeth sells her quick-paced twirling, turning and flipping of a barrel, a cylinder, flags and fire sticks with energy, ease and charm.  This act jump starts the second portion of the show perfectly.  Jose Jr. caps off our performance with his finely honed rola bola.  He does an excellent job of keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as he expertly balances on stacks and stacks of rola bola boards, a bowling ball and a multitude of cylinders. Seven, to be exact!  By the time he takes his final bow, you can hear the audience catch their collective breath, applaud and cheer all at the same time.  Did I mention his rola bola table is taller than I am??  

  C & M is featuring a pair of multi talented clowns this season.  Judy and Punchy make quick friends with the circus-goers as they mingle with and amuse the young and young at heart prior to show time.  They put smiles on the faces in the crowd as they duel with mops in an effort to clean up the ring, put their own silly spin on a magician's sword & trunk illusion and keep busy and funny with colorful hula hoops.  Bright cheery wardrobe and props, careful attention to detail and good timing keep the routines smooth and the laughs coming from the crowd. 

  This year I've lined up 6 dogs for my act.  Loosing  Pete several weeks back made it necessary to jump start Benji's circus career.  He shares the title of 'new comer' with his brother Freddie.  In an effort to make the addition of two new dogs a little easier for me, I temporarily pulled my veteran performer, Delta out of retirement.  She is one of those reliable performers who is ready on a second's notice to help me out if I need her to add a little something extra.  In a few weeks Otto's look alike, Lucky Ned Pepper will take Delta's place on the far right hand seat.  Then, she can go back to bossing our cat around the house. ;)

  Mel Ray Silverlake returns for his third consecutive season.  His western style whip cracking

adds an unexpected element to this year's line up. Simone gives him a hand as Mel Ray snaps, cracks and pops whips of all sizes.  His act well received and popular with kids of just about all ages.

  This will be the second year for Paulina's big and little act to perform.  Wyatt and Jasmine sweetly prance, waltz and march around during the second half of this season's show.  The sheer size of Wyatt catches the audience by surprise.  Little Jasmine's springy steps are met with a few good-natured giggles and lots of clapping as she takes direction from Paulina and keeps in time with Wyatt. 

  Simone's single trapeze is the aerial feature in the show's second portion.  She has added few new moves to her already solid routine.  Taking cues from traditional aerial acts, Simone works at a gentle smooth pace as each trick blends gracefully into the next.  Solid heel, toe and neck on the bar hangs keeps every audience member holding their breath.  A swinging satellite spin offers an exciting end to her expertly executed routine.

  The show's beautiful and rare tabby tigers, Solomon and Delilah and lovable black maned lion, Francis are put through their paces at the show's onset.  Trey interacts with the big cats with ease and has mixed in some humor with Francis that the audiences falls for every time.  The mere presence of these giant cats not only adds excitement but also offers an extreme sense of traditional circus which audiences appreciate. 
  April is doing triple duty this year. She is splitting her time between the unicycle act, her face painting stand and keeping all our appetites satisfied as she runs the cookhouse.  With meals pumpkin pancakes for brunch and hot borscht for dinner, cookhouse once again should find itself with a more than a few of us coming back for seconds.

   Since the performers all have much experience in the ring and around tent shows, it tends to make a new season settle in fairly quickly.  With just a few shows under our belts, things are already starting to have a feel of ease.  All of this combined with the exciting and historical locations this route promises should make for an extra special and memorable 2013 circus season.