DAYTON — Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series presents a world premiere event, a thrilling turn-of-the-century circus spectacular.
“Circus 1903–The Golden Age of Circus” has all the thrill and daredevil entertainment one would expect from the circus, with an exciting new twist. It will run through Sunday, June 18, in the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in downtown Dayton. Tickets are available at 888-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.
Sensational puppetry puts elephants back in the ring as never seen before by introducing the largest-ever performing African elephant and her baby, along with a huge cast of the most unique, amazing and dangerous circus acts from all four corners of the world, from strong men to contortionists, acrobats to musicians, knife throwers, high wire and much more.
The award-winning team of puppeteers and model makers who created the National Theatre’s “War Horse” have designed, built and brought to life two stunningly beautiful elephants for “Circus 1903–The Golden Age of Circus.” Featuring groundbreaking advances in design and expression, the puppets appear throughout the show as the mother teaches her calf the tricks of the trade.
“Circus 1903–The Golden Age of Circus” is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and MagicSpace Entertainment. Painter and Lawson have created “Le Grand Cirque,” “Le Noir,” “Cirque Adrenaline” and “The Illusionists” in more than 250 cities from London to Sydney to Broadway, as well as presenting “A Chorus Line,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “Fiddler on the Roof” throughout Australia. MagicSpace Entertainment has been producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows, concerts and museum exhibits worldwide for more than 35 years, including “The Illusionists-Witness the Impossible,” “Donny & Marie–A Broadway Christmas,” “American Idiot,” “Rain-A Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway,” “Lord of the Dance” created by Michael Flatley, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “A Chorus Line” and national concert tours by Janet Jackson, Cher and Fleetwood Mac, to name just a few.
“Circus 1903–The Golden Age of Circus” was designed by scenic artist Todd Ivins and set in an extraordinary and decadent circus tent. Act I is set in front of the circus with trucks, props and rigging. Act II features the tent, flagpoles and rigging’s being raised into the roof of the theater.
The costumes for “Circus 1903–The Golden Age of Circus” were designed by Angela Aaron and inspired by authentic photographic collections, studying historical museum pieces and discussions with experts and historians.
No circus would be complete without its music. The soundtrack of “Circus 1903-The Golden Age of Circus” encapsulates the time period and accentuates the thrill and danger of the acts. It was composed by Evan Jolly, composer of many of Painter and Lawson’s international hits.
