Dazzling the one-ring circus in a sparkling red dress, Natalie Cainan hosted the majority of the show, with aerial artiste “Miss Simone Kathleen” serving as ring mistress in traditional top hat and high boots, when she wasn’t appearing with the Arliss Troupe in their unicycle act or soaring above the crowd on the flying trapeze. 

 

To open the show, Cainan introduced the big cats, led by Sir Francis, the 500-pound black-maned African lion, as well as the brother and sister tigers Solomon and Delilah. The well-rehearsed “stubborn lion act” between Sir Francis and his trainer had the crowd laughing, and the beauty of the tigers was also much appreciated.

 

Following the cat act, Leo the Clown roared on-stage in a tiny clown car, entertaining the crowd with his many comedic talents. From balancing a very long stick on his nose to good-naturedly embarrassing volunteers from the house, Leo never failed to make the audience laugh.Afterward, the five unicyclists of the Arliss Troupe wheeled into the ring, clearing obstacles, jumping ropes, spinning Hula Hoops, and juggling flaming torches.  And just when the audience was fascinated by that display, the patriarch of the troupe appeared on an extra-tall unicycle to complete the same feats.

 

Entertainment was taken to the next level when Jonathan Morales stepped onto the high wire. Besides running, dancing and jumping rope, he also rode a unicycle with ease across the thin wire to the delight of the crowd.

 

Following the high-wire excitement was the “Big Little Act”, which charmed audience members of all ages. Wyatt, the harmless, but gigantic Friesian Shire mixed-breed horse ran around the ring with great enthusiasm under the direction of “Miss Paulina”, though his act is never complete without his tiny friend, Jasmine, the miniature horse. The duo performed several stunts, and Wyatt joined his handler in an elaborate stage bow at the end of the act.

 

Next, the flexible acts came into focus. Miss Simone first, swept the stage in a vibrant cape and dark purple leotard. The trapeze artist showed off her balancing skills as she swung, flipped, and twirled with grace. Then, the youngest performer, 11-year-old Georgia, bent and twisted like a pretzel as she displayed her skills as a contortionist.

 

As the performance reached its climax, three amazing acts led to the “Big Finish”.  First, hostess Natalie Cainan brought out her five trained American Eskimo dogs (ands one schnauzer). They not only jumped through hoops, but also walked on their hind legs, pushed a baby buggy and even climbed ladders.

 

A display of amazing balance followed as the talented “Miss April” balanced several boards on rolling cylinders, and even on a bowling ball, remaining upright and dancing on the treacherous surface.  On the “high boards” she ran into a bit of trouble (scripted or not), but came back and added a fifth level to the act, which she mastered.

 

The final performance left the audience on the edge of their seats after the heart-stopping “Wheel of Destiny”, on which two performers (including wire-walker Morales) run for their lives inside two speeding wheels attached to a fulcrum that rose to the very top of the circus tent. The audience was gripped with dread, believing the performers may fall to their deaths at any moment.  Morales proved everyone wrong when he blindfolded himself without fear, and completed the act without mishap.

 

 

Following the performance, 37-year-old Leo the Clown spoke about his life in the circus. A native of California, he was inspired to perform ever since he was young, he said, clowning at birthday parties when he was 16.

 Later, he was able to attend the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College, graduating with the Class of 1996, and has traveled all over the world ever since.

 

“If you are in the circus, you have ‘sawdust’ in your veins. It will always be a part of you, no matter what. We are like a family, and we take good care of each other,” Leo explained.