Mizpah Circus

[Common-Tater]

My son and I attended the Mizpah Circus this evening. I have to say it was nice to see some different acts this year. The prior two years were nearly identical in many ways. The schedule started with the Tigers which was a nice change. This used to come first after the intermission. It was nice to see it much earlier so that those who usually skirt their kids away at intermission could enjoy them.

Having spent years performing in theatre, my only real gripe would be the lack of energy in some acts. The worst in that regard was probably the boxing clowns. The acting was absolutly horrible, the timing poor, badly coreographed, and as mention...the energy just wasn't there. Very amature. The only act that probably either needs a significant energy boost and cast changes or cut from the show entirely. Clown acts must be crisp and timed perfectly to be effective. The performance of this act was so bad it made me feel like these guys had no formal training at all.
Usually clowns attend special training schools... I doubt any of the guys in this particual act did. If you want a great example of a clown act, watch the 2 acts performed by the whistling clown. His acts with the younger boys are phenominal. And he's got new material every year.

Another low energy act involved the tight rope walkers...I won't say more on this one other than...yawn.

The Ring Leader/Announcer... again. Fire, fire, fire under the butt. The energy in this man just wasn't there. Maybe after 3 shows in one day he was just tired. He was also very difficult to understand. I wanted to stand and yell "Articulate!! Annunciate!!" I know there are better announcers out there....they need one.

In years past I've enjoyed the elephant act, but this year something seemed different. I was picking up on a sadness in these elephants. They did not look like they were enjoying themselves. The uncharacteristic subdued response from the audience made me feel that maybe I wasn't the only one there, pickin up on that this year. Sad elephant eyes... My 4 year old son turnd to me and asked, "Why are they sad, Daddy?" I know I wasn't the only one.

This came out a lot more negative than I intended. We really did enjoy the show. Maybe these things didn't stand out to others, but as a performer, myself, I couldn't help notice. My son loved the motorbikes - more jumps would have made that act even better. A suggestion... A large ramp and a small ramp faceing eachother. Two bikes at the same time... Time it so both bikes jump at the same time...one on a lower arc, the other higher. Then, do it again, but put a horizonal spin in the jumps....I digress.

If you get a chance to see the show and can still manage to get tickets. Go for it. Every kid should experience the circus.

[skittles26]

Watch this. You will understand why the Elephants are sad. Circus's should be banned!

[HoosierHelen]

Skittle and Tater I've been sipping my morning coffee and reflecting on both of your postings on this topic for sometime. Tater's son has a keen eye at the age of 4 to observe the sad eyes of the elephants.

Skittle your video of the treatment of these circus elephants informed me and also upset me to the point I had to pause it for a while before I could finish watching. Thanking someone for sharing a video that disturbs me is unusual, however, in this case....I DO thank you. I have been unaware of the levels of cruel abuse these poor animals are suffering. Realizing they are being put through this level of abuse to simply entertain us and make the owners of the circus a profit makes me sick in my heart.

When the circus comes to town the entertainment they offer to families is/has been an experience that both children and parents cherish with fond memories. I really believe we need to let the circus owners/promoters know that we love the experience of over the top family entertainment coming to town. Circus entertainment does not require that they continue with elephants, tigers, etc that suffer so horribly. I believe it is time to change our expectations of the content of our circus. Skittle, that video has motivated me to become an advocate for circus animals.

Tater, Your thoughts about those clowns not having been formally trained was interesting to me. I have a male beautician who has also been a friend for approx 20 yrs. Back when he was in his late 40's he informed me he was training for becoming a professional clown. Now....he owns a very well established and successful beauty salon...I was confused. WHY was my question. He said because his happiest moments in life has been when he was able to make others laugh. He finished his training and now volunteers at nursing homes, hospitals, charity events in his spare time. He enjoys himself and the laughs he creates. I'm so very proud of my friend.