number 6 february 9, 1981 - circus historical society · the 111th edition of ringling bros, and...
TRANSCRIPT
Number 6 February 9, 1981
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JOSIP MARCAN'S MIXED ANIMAL ACT
AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS
HOLLYWOOD ELEPHANTSContact
PAL'L V. KAYESuite 519 • 1680 North Vine Street • Hollywood. California • 90028
Area Code 213 • 462-6001
Page 2 February 9, 1981
Joseph C. ReisingerATTORNEY AT LAW
Entertainment Law - Civil Trials - Immigration
For Free Consultation or AppointmentCall: 415 -472 -1050
MINGLING BARNUM • RED UNIT
BY LLENRAY.J. YARNELL
The 111th edition of Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Red Unit, is out on theroad.They ptayed the Bayfront Center in St. Pe-tersburg, from Jan. 6-13, where they werefilming for the annual Highlight TV special.The airing date and the special guest hostare unknown to me. Irvin and Kenneth Fetdwere seen at several of the shows.On Thursday night, Jan. 8, members of theShowfolks of Sarasota, CFA Tent No. 122,attended the circus.The new program costs $2.50 and the dis-plays are different from previous years. Theyalso have a new poster of Gunther Gebel-Wil-liams included with the program.The show's ringmaster is Kit Haskett, who isusing a wireless mike. It was nice to see LouJacobs once again and he appears four timesin the show program.The circus program is as follows: OpeningSpec, Our Toast to You, with Gunther rid-ing with a tiger on an elephant; Cumber'stiger act (19 including 1 white tiger); SenorJuan and Senor Felipe on the twin trapeze;La Tosca. cloud swing; The Leaps; WaltyNaghtin's bears in two rings, with MickeyAntalek's chimps in the center; Clowns, TheAerial Ballet, The Good Ship Ringling, fea-turing Marguerite Michele; Liberty Horses,La Tosca (6), Sigrid Gebet (10) and TinaGebel (6); Clowns; Flying trapeze with theFlying Farfans and Flying Vazquez; Clowns;
CIRCUS REPORT is published and editedeach week by Don Marcks, 525 Oak Street,El Cerrlto, Calif. 94530. (415) 525-3332.SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $15.00 for a year.Overseas rate via surface mail Is $25.00 fora year. Air Mall rates run extra and areavailable upon request.ADVERTISING RATES: (per issue on a firstcome basts). Minimum Ad $5.00; Quarter Page$10.00. Half Page $20.00; Full Pane $35.00
ACTS • Are you listed with us ?
DWIGHT DAMONEntertainment Unlimited
Lane Manor, Box 685; Merrimack, NH 03054
603-424-3341
Jan. 19 - Venice, Fla. - An elephant handlerRaul Palomares (22) with the Ringling-Barnum Circus, was shot and killed in the aisleof a circus railroad car during an argumentwith a part-time concessionaire, Paul Fisher(24). Circus people reported the two menhad been arguing about a marijuana cigar-ette, which Palomares refused to hand overto Fisher.
Dolly Jacobs, Roman rings, she does a newfinish, making a somersault from the ringsto a web rope as was reported earlier in CR;The Big Spec, The Circus Street Parade, itstarts with a wagon pulled by 2 camels withKit Haskett riding and singing and ends withGunther Gebel-Williams leading Dickie thegiraffe, followed by Buffy Gunther ridingRoman style on the two baby African ele-phants; Intermission; Clowns; Gunther Ge-bel-Williams, leopards, panthers and pumas(23); Miguel Ayala, low wire and Nadji Ro-maniuk, hula hoop routine; Clowns; EricBraun, dogs, Lona's dogs. Miss Anna's Rus-sian Wolfhounds; Clowns; Teeterboard withOtto Troupe, Boitchanovi Troupe and Wo/-niak Troupe; Jungle Jamboree, Gunther Ge-bel-Williams with 4 African elephants, 14Asian elephants and Dickie, the giraffe; Gun-ther Gebel-Williams, elephant and teeterbpardact; The Carritlo Bros., high wire; The UriasTroupe, Globe of Death; Finale, a three ringsend-off.
License PlatesOfficial Clyde Beany-Cole Bros. CircusLicense Hates. Limited edition of 500.Bright colon embossed on sturdy metal.
- $ 6.00 pott paid -
B. F. B. ADVERTISINGP. 0. Box 578 Winter Park, Fla. 32790
Page 4 February 9, 1981
Show DatesHubert Castle Circus
Feb 11-15 Memphis, Tenn
Circus OdysseyFeb 12-15 Monterey. Mex.
Circus VargasFeb 12-16 Hollywood, Cal.
Cole All Star TV CircusFeb 9 Wolcott, NY
10 Ontario12 Williamson13 Shortsville
Hamid-Morton CircusFeb 14-16 Binghamton, NY
M & M CircusFeb 11-15 Rochester, NY
Olympic Int'l Circusto Feb 15 Tampa, Fla.
Ringling-Bamum - BlueFeb 11-22 Atlanta. Ga.
Ringling-Barnum - RedFeb 10-15 Birmingham,
Ala.
• - • OTHER D A T E S - - -
Duke, the Wonder DogFeb 10-15 Nashville, Tenn
Circus VargasJan. 9-11 Casa Grande,
Ariz.12-18 Phoenix
Feb. 4-8 Riverside, Calif.9-11 Montclair
12-16 Hollywood17-19 Hawthorne20-23 Cerritos
SAMANTHA
Hil Sure nice to see you once again, but you caught mewith my glamor down.
I never thought I'd be out here helping with the big topcanvas. They tell me this work comes under that part ofthe contract which reads "generally useful." All becausethey claim to be short-handed right now.Wish we had more time to visit, but guess you will un-derstand and maybe we can get together next time?
Don't forget to keep reading Circus Report for the bestof news each week, and tell your friends too.
Page 6 February 9. 1981
DawleyPO BoxTYBEE
1 3 9 8ISLAND
{'Send Fo
GA.
CompleteInformation \
HA(,i( LMIQ
Simon Aronson, inner card magic buft hasplaced his latest book on dealer's shelves af-ter introducing it on his own. This is "Shuf-fle-Bored" which he believes rivals "Out ofThis World" in possibilities. Welt producedand reasonably priced at just $6.00 (post.59c), it has 27 large pages and introduces anew concept that wilt intrige the card man,mentalist and experimenter. Basically it in-volves the rpeated shuffling of a deck ofcards by the spectator and performer thentells spectator how many cards are face upand face down. No moves, sleights, formu-las, calculations or memory work. Furtherexpansion of the idea goes into the use ofthe principle in short stacks, color disccern-merit and such. A wealth of material thatwill delight the expert and anyone willingto study the idea. The basic idea of havinga spectator take a regular deck in his ownhands and do all the work while the performer knows the results is indeed amazing.
Don Alan appeared several times on "It'sIncredible" on Jan. 19th doing magtc theycalled Incredible! I call it entertainment!
First session was his one chop cup routine,followed later by his bowl and steet ballfinish and for another surprise and the finalone was "A Card Named Clyde." A creditto magic, Incredible Don Alan.
Eric "Nitwit" Williams, another Abra con-tributor over a long time with his "NitwitNatterings" died on Jan. 3rd, adding to thegreat tosses to British Magicdom.
In celebration of the 500th performanceof the Le Grande David Show on Jan. 18tha souvenir program was issued, a handsomeproduction on glossy paper, color and silverpages, cast and production photos in fullsize. It's as interesting as watching a perfor-mance of the show in Beverly, Mass.
David Ginn, popular children's entertainerorders a large supply of our "Birthday Ma-gician's Handbook" ($22.50. post. S 1.031and sends new books from his growing list.Most important, is the reprint in an enlarg-ed edition of his first book "Colorful Ma-gic". Twelve years later and out of printfor some time the new edition has 112 p.over the former 71 and over 30 new photosbesides a new introduction and up-datedcommentaries. In a color art heavy boardbinding, 5'/2 x 8% in., it is reasonably pric-ed at $10.00 (post. 81c). Silk magic, tested
(Continued on Page 26)
Page 8 February 9, 1981
SPEAKING OFBY JIM PARKER
Don and Carol Philips and family bave beenwintering with Don's mother, Bonnie Bonta.Don has been working at the Tampa HeightsHospital, in the Psychiatric Ward, where heinsists he is not an inmate but there to help,as Don has had extensive training with thementally disturbed. Don will be working theGrace Mclntosh dates (M&M Productions)and is looking forward to hitting the road.
Bobby Greene, veteran calliope player, willbe doing Ron Bacon's Spring Tour as willBonnie Bonta and Dick Johnson. Escapingthe snow from Ottawa, III. Bobby's parentsare also wintering in Floridaland. Bobby hasa very ornate calliope trailer and often playsconcerts for us to remind us that it will notbe long until the show trucks will be rollingout of Florida, northward to begin the 1981season.
And speaking of trucks, Mike and Sally LaTorres took delivery of a new semi-trailer andwill custom build the interior themselves withpaneled living quarters and separate compart-ments for their birds and elephant. Sally sureswings a wicked paint roller!
Bill and Cindy Morris had an old-fashionedpig roast and some 30 people showed up forthe feast, with each contributing a pot luckdish. Among those seen jack-potting were:Jim and Saudi Windland. Dick and MavisJohnson, Jimmy and Maryln Silverlake, Bob-by Greene, Mr. and Mrs. Greene, Bob, Yvon-ne and LeAnn Stephans, Dick and LaurelLunsford, Gee Gee, Roy Wells, Roy and Su-san Huston, Mike and Sally LaTorres. Dorisand Russell and yours truly. Also childrenfrom the show families were there and de-
spite the cold, a good time was had by all-Bob Stephans was in charge of roasting the
pig, and even though he bombed on the bak-ed potatoes, the pork was so tender it l iter-ally fell off the bone. He started the coals inthe wee hours of the morning, but it washard to pin him down- as to how early, as hekept changing the time with each beer! Thewives certainly outdid themselves with thecovered dishes as there was food galore andeven half a pig left.
Part of the reason for the gala event wasthat Bill and Cindy had just completed avery successful date in Lakeland, Fla., withtheir "Kiddies Day" on Jan. 8-9. It consis-ted of kiddie rides including a kiddie ferriswheel, giant slide, turntyke, train, ape show,snake show and two types of elephant rides- one using the famed movie star Jewel pull-ing the chariots used in Smokey & The Ban-dits, Part II, and Cora giving rides with thetraditional howdy.
A quick trip to Bun Reynolds' ranch inJupiter, Fla., produced the largest of thechariots used in the movie. Bill's mother,Bernice Morris, ran the candy wagon, how-ever, I heard that Jimmy Silverlake produc-ed such fine popcorn that even Bernice waseating it. The Morris' are part of the famedKelly-Morris Circus family. The event wassponsored by the Optimist Club and theywere so impressed with this clean, familypresentation they inked them again for '82.Besides the rides and pit shows, the Morriselephants performed their circus act as didLeAnn Stephans with her single traps.
Dick Lunsford recently purchased two goatsfrom Jimmy Silverlake and tentatively mightbe appearing on Ron Bacon's spring tour.Dick reports his father, Col. Red Lunsford,
(Continued on Page 24)
The Circus Report Page 9
Bye-bye Brazil,BY NANCY SCOTT
When I went to see the film "Bye Bye Bra-zil", I was feeling tired and melancholy. AsI left I felt like dancing,t didn't. Probably nobody would have paidany attention to me, but just in case, I surewould have had a hard time explaining whyI wanted to twirl around the lamp post forthe sheer pleasure of sharing the world witha bunch of Brazilians who live about 8,000miles away.They are the writer-director, Carlos Diegues;the producer, Lucy Barreto; and the princi-pal performers - Jose Wilker, Betty Faria,Fabio Junior and Zaira Zambelli.I no longer feel a dance coming on when Ithink of "Bye Bye", which is probably justas well, but I am still trying to decide whatmakes it such a special movie - aside fromthe quality of the musical score, direction,performance and photography.I think that it's because Diegues understandsthe tension between strength and weakness,funny and awful. He also understands thetension between old and new, the tensionof change.Creating a story about the old and new isnot easy, even on a small scale. Diegues hastaken on an entire nation, where change
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thunders along like some crazy freight train,wiping out whole cultures, customs and hugechunks of the land itself.Welcome to Brazil.
The story could have been told as a tragedyand that would have been a true story, butDiegues has chosen to do something harderand that is also true: To tell a happy storyabout four people who survive change andwho adapt to it without losing their vital-ity and their hope.We first see them in a dusty old village call-ed Piranhas in Northeastern Brazil. A youngman named Cico (Fabio Junior) is playingthe accordion; his pregnant wife Dasdo (Za-ira Zambelli) is passing the hat. There is thesudden blasting sound of recorded music, ofa loudspeaker, of a rattling rococo old truck.The Caravana Rolidei has come to town,three traveling actors, making enough noisefor a troupe of 50: Lord Gypsy, entrepre-neur and magician (Jose Wilker); Salome, the"Queen of the Rhumba" (Betty Faria), andSwallow, the black deaf-mute muscle-man(Principe Nabor). When they leave Piranhas,Cico and Dasdo have joined the carnival.We last see them, at the end of the movie, inthe shiny new capital of Brasilia, after manyyean and 9,000 miles of adventures, fromthe sea coast to the jungle.To describe these adventures would spoil the
story. Let me tellyou about Brazilinstead. The cam-era travels fromthe rocky povertyof the Northeastto the urban ca-tastrophe of cit-ies such as Maceio.The landscapeshifts, moment tomoment, from an-cient wilderness tothe thunderousclamor of con-struction - roads,towns, industry.There is beautyeverywhere, andenergy - and pol-lution.And there are the
(Continued onPage 26}
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KNODEREROWNER* TRAINER
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Page 10 February 9, 1981
ACCOUNTING AND INCOME TAX PRACTICE DEDICATED TO THENEEDS OP PROFESSIONALS AND SMALLER BUSINESSES
JAMESH. BROWNCertified Public Accountant (also CPA, CMS, CHS)
2501 Artesia Blvd., P. 0. Box 1359Redondo Beach CA 90278
All States (21?) 370-3455 All Forms
Wy wish for you "Happy Returns"
by "Circus Joe" Valenciano
On Jan. 17th, this writer enjoyed the Ring-ling Museum, in Sarasota, for the first time.It is a fantastic place. The main museum ofart had beautiful art works from alt over theworld. But since this is a circus paper, I wantto report on the Museum of the Circus whichis housed in an extra place from the art mus-eum, but all for one price of admission.
The Circus Museum is an excellent exampleof the old time Ringling show for the pub-lic to view and understand. In one buildingis a large miniature circus, posters, and cir-cus greats. Another building contains super-large photos of circus scenes on one side andon the other side is the real side show frontcomplete with the old side show wagons stillattached behind the banner line panels.Down the center are some of the Ringlingparade wagons, which include six that werein the former "Circus Mall of Fame".What really blew my mind was the recrea-tion of a complete backyard of the 30'$! Inthis big building they set everything into placeas it was, baggage wagons, wardrobe tents, theblacksmith shop, an old Bruno Zacchini can-non, cookhouse and a light plant wagon withthe old twin generators still inside.
The Ringling Museum is a very interesting,informative and colorful. Whether you are aart lover or a circus fan, there is somethingthere for everyone.Sorry that the day my Dad and I visited, theJohn and Mable Ringling Residence wereclosed.
It seemed fitting, just ten days earlier we sawthe Ringling-Barnum Red Unit, and now theRingling Museum.
by WILLIAM WOTSCH
In 1925, only two big circuses appeared onCleveland's Lake Front down East 9th St.,Ringling-Barnum Circus raised their tentson May 29-30. Then Hagenbeck-Wallace Cir-cus raised their tents there on July 24-25.That year also another big event took placeat Cleveland's new Public Auditorium. GeneTunney fought again. This time he met JohnRisko on Nov. 18th, 1925, and beat him in12 rounds.The next year Gene Tunney became theWorld's Champ by defeating Jack Oempsey.n Philadelphia's famous "Long Count" in a10 round decision.
NOW BOOKING FIRST CLASS ACT
For 1981 Season
Marie and Katie
presenting
(layer's incredible ChimpsFEATURING
BONGO AND BABY SAM
CIRCUS, SHOPPING MALLS, SPORT SHOWS,
FAIRS, PARKS, STAGE SHOWS, T. V.
For Further Information Write;
MARIE HAGER
57 Maple Street
Dover, N. H. - 03820
Phone: 603 - 742 - 5119
Page 12 February 9, 1981
POODLE IS A TRICKY O N E . . .
When Andre the Magic Poodle makes his ap-pearance in a show he seemingly comes fromnowhere. Then he leaves in the same myster-ious fashion.Perhaps this doesn't strike you as the ulti-mate in magic acts, but what makes it allthe more unusual is the fact that Andre isa purebred white poodle.Like most magicians, Andre has helpers. Inthis case it is a pair of brothers from Illin-ois, named Ken and Roy Madsen. With theirassistance, Andre produces eggs, silks andeven birds, which his helpers pull from hismouth.Additionally, the 67 Ib Andre can balanceon a glof club, levitate and jump rope. Healso jumps through a series of hoops, end-ing up with one that seems much too smallfor him to navigate.Roy Madsen, a tool and diemaker who alsoconstructs magic products, started his ca-nine magic act 15 years ago, along with hisbrother. Ken, a lithographer. Roy is a form-
er dog trainer."Andre never quits and he loves to work,"says Roy. "He is 4 years old and his fatherwas a champion. His mother had 13 pointsof the 15 necessary to become a champion,"You have to get a smart dog, which An-dre is. Always get the best of the litter, theone who is dominant and gets the most toeat. You want a dog with a strong temper-ment and a strong mind."Andre, has a plus for show business that theMadsen brothers didn't expect - a sense ofthe comic.At one point in the act. Andre is put intoa hypnotic trance and cannot be awakened.The brothers finally use leverage to get himto his feet - leverage in the form of usinghis tail for a handle to jack him up.
CLOWNS WANTEDBENTLEY BROS. C IRCUS NEEDS CLOWNS
FOR IT 'S 1 9 8 1 TOUR. MUST BE EXPER-
IENCED AT ADVANCE PUBLICITY OR WILL-
ING TO LEARN. MUST HAVE OWN TRANS-
PORTATION.
CALL: TOMMY BENTLEY
(21 3) 663 - 4860
If you get the answering service tell them you are a clown.
The Circus Report Page 13
IntroducingDAVID and CAROL RAWLS, concessionsmanagers for Carson & Barnes Circus, arethe proud parents of a baby boy "Kelly Ed-ward" born on Jan. 15th in Hugo, Okla. Thenew arrival weighed in at 9 Ibs. 10% oz.
PEOPLEJOE "Micro" WHITE, writer, magician andmentalist, tells about his early circus sideshow days in Walt Hudson's "Magical Whirli-gig" column in the Jan. 1981 Tops magazine
PHIL CHANDLER'S magic act on Carson &Barnes Circus is featured in a special reportby Robert Olson which appears in the Jan.1981 issue of Tops magazine.
GUNTHER GEBEL-WILLIAMS is to be fea-tured in a special TV show coming up soonwhich will be called "My Father The CircusKing."
WANTEDSHOW ORGANIST FOR 1981 SEASONOpening in March and running until Dec.
417-833-3064
- (No Collect Calls) -
THE HENNEBERRY'i filmed a segment forthe TV show "Games People Play" in whichthey demonstrated their trick and fancyslingshot shooting while on unicycles.
THE GRIMALDIS and their Musical Poodlespresented the full evening's entertainment atRobarts Arena in Sarasqta, on Jan. 13th forthe Holiday Rambler Winter Rally. The cir-cus performers received a standing ovationat the end of their act.
GEE GEE COSSACK ELEPHANTS
&
ZELLMARS LIBERTY ACT IN MINIATURE
HAS SOME OPEN TIME IN
A P R I L - M A Y - J U N E
ContactGEE GEE ENGESSER
P.O. Box 1654Gibsonton, Fla. 33534
Phone 813-677 2076
Page 14 February 9, 1981
FLORIDA STATE FAIR CIRCUS
Eddie Zacchini will produce the circus at theFlorida State Fair in Tampa, Feb. 4-15, setfor an under canvas engagement.The show line up will feature: Spec "CircusStars on Parade"; The Plunkett Troupe, ontrampoline; Clowns; Benny Williams withAnna May; the Dolly Sisters; Welde's Dan-cing Bears; Clowns; Christopher James, wireact; Woodcock's elephants; Clowns; the Her-nandez Troupe, teeterboard and the FlyingVasquez.Clown Alley will include: Dime and ConnieWilson, Danny Chapman and Hap Phelps.Bill Boran will be the show's ringmaster andvocalist.
VISITORS FROM EUROPE
ELFI ALTHOFF Jacobi, sole owner of theAustrian National Circus and Audi Leon-ard, her General Manager, recently took anextended vacation from the circus world tovisit Melbourne, Singapore, Hawaii, Los An-geles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Las Vegasand London.While in Los Angeles they were guests atdinner parties at the home of Tommy Bent-ley and Chuck Clancy and at the home ofClifford E. Vargas, as well as a gala newyears eve celebration at the Carriage TradeRestaurant.Miss Althoff arrived in Los Angeles on NewYears Eve, bringing belated Christmas giftsand full of excitement at seeing old friends.In addition to all the dinner parties muchshopping was done and tickets for Evitawere obtained from a local scalper. Laterthe pair flew to San Francisco for moreshopping and then on to the night life ofLas Vegas.Next they were the guests of Clifford Var-gas in Phoenix for the opening night of the1981 edition of Circus Vargas. After return-ing to Los Angeles, Tommy Bentley deliver-ed them to the airport in time to catch theflight to London."It was the second time in my life," saidTommy, "that I've seen Miss A cry."
BOCK NOUNWORLD'S TALLEST CLOWN
- OPEN FOR 1981 -
Own transportation and props
Past experience - 5 seasons on
Great American Circus
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304 - 425 - 3109
The Bear Truth StrikesJack Ford has discovered firsthand the prob-lems of China's post-Mao economy. The sonof former president Ford, was slated to visitChina on behalf of ABC-TV to make a docu-mentary about the famed Chinese giant pan-da bears.But now the trip has hit a snag. An Ameri-can scientist studying the pandas has refus-ed to permit his charges to be filmed pend-ing negotiations with the TV network.ABC's original agreement with the Chineserequires payment of more than $100,000 tothe remote research station in the Himalayasthat is studying pandas, snow leopards andgolden monkeys.ABC's Tokyo bureau is sending a negotiatorand Ford is still hoping that he will be ableto leave for China soon."This whole thing has been filled with allsorts of interesting conflicts of culture/'said Ford. "They (the Chinese) are greatcapitalists. They're very tough negotiatorsand the bottom line preeminence is howmuch money they're going to get. You can'tblame them - they need the money."
Page 16 February 9, 1981
'Notice"HOLE in the HEAD WHITEY" Pleasecontact Pat Gill Hyman, with regards tothe Shrine Circus at Topeka, Kansas, Feb.27, 28 and March 1, 1981.
CALL COLLECT: 234-8073
CLARK McDERMOTT, trainer and presenterof The Cold Nose Five act, was hospitalizedin serious condition late last month. He willenjoy cards and you can write him at: 4515Harrison Ave., Redding, Calif. 96001.
MIKE LAUBER is in charge of concessionswith the National Unit of the Globetrot ters.
TOMIICHI KISAKA (452 Hon-machi, YanaiCity, Yamaguchi-ken 742, Japan) is interest-ed in collecting photos of acrobats. Anyoneinterested in helping him can contact him atthe above address.
BOB STODDARD was introduced and hon-ored as the man who has done more forclowning than anyone else, during a perfor-mance of the Dr. Pepper Circus at Dallas,Texas, this past fall.
FRANK CAIN, clown, welcomed guests atthe Media Reception recently held by the1981 Florida State Fair, at Tampa.
PHILIP ANTHONY and his Paint Horse Re-vue will be working some spring dates forSAM POLACK.
CAROLYN JACOB! kept the tree in frontof her home decorated with 52 yellow rib-bons, American flags and novelty items from
BETTY WENDANY'SFUNS A-POPPIN
PACKAGE SHOWS TO FIT YOU R NEEDS
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213-352-4277 213-352-2454
the Rudy Bros. Circus in honor of the Hos- •tages who returned from Iran on Jan. 24th.
GEORGE BURNS started his show businesscareer as an acrobat, as did GARY GRANT.
DAVID COPPERFIELD. magician, was fea-tured on both the Mike Douglas and JohnDavidson TV shows the afternoon of Jan.28th.
JIM MACE, grandson of JESS WILLARD.former boxing champ, is reportedly writinga book about his grandfather, which couldinclude some circus information.
TAVANNA LUVAS, was the Queen of theMardi Gras at half time during the SuperBowl Game in New Orleans. She arrived viaa slide down the wire, then rode her ownpersonal float in the parade.
TAJANA LUVAS, a sister to Tavanna, rodeher own pink elephant, along with her fatherPETE LUVAS in that same special parade.
RICKY JAY, magician, was a guest on theJohn Davidson TV show on Jan. 27th.
THE GREAT ANDRE, the magic poodle, wasfeatured at the Golden Gate Kennel Club DogShow in the Cow Palace. Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Al-so appearing on the show program was thefamous "Termite Dog."
The Circus Report Page 17
FOR SALEClyde Beany-Cole Bros. Circus
1980 Route Card SetsTented Tour • Plus • Indoor Tour
Send $5.00 with S.A.S.E.- Also -
1972 Nat'l Geo.Mag.'Hoxie Circus Issue'-$5.00-
CHERIE CUNNINGHAM1522 Clinton Blvd.
Bloomington. III. -61701
SHOW SETS OPENING DATE .
Jerry Collins, chairman of the board of theClyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus, has announ-ced the opening of the 1981 season for theWorld's Largest Circus under the Big Top,has been scheduled for March 15th at OeLand, Fla. The 1981 season will run for 40weeks, with most engagements at regionalshopping malls, a venture that has provedsuccessful in the past."This year's production will be a dazzler,"says Collins. "We have some very unique spe-cial effects that have never been seen on atented circus before. We have contractedsome great new acts that will give us thestrongest program we've had in many years."This past winter, Collins purchased the en-tire Pan American Circus of Puerto Ricofrom Jimmy Harrington, a San Juan impres-sario. Included in the new equipment will betwelve highly efficient quartz light towersfor the rings, spotlights, new ring curbs, asolid-state sound system with mixing consoleand a European-style performer's entrance.
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Several production numbers will show offthe lavish use of new costumes and new mu-sic for the Beatty-Cole circus this year. Theshow will be produced and directed by TimStinson and John Pugh.
>*>*
SaJ
iftS^
February 9, 1981
Specializing in captive-breeding and sale of rare cats and prosimians of the worid
P. O. Box 132 Phone:Center Hill, Fla. 33514 904 - 793 - 2109
RAY SCHEETZ (82) former magician andcircus man, died in Riverview, Mich, on Dec.28th. He was taught magic by the famed-magician Karl Germain and then traveledthroughout the U.S. with a magic show dur-ing the 1930's and 1940's. In 1947-1948 hewas an executive with Sparks Circus, laterhe moved to Detroit where he worked forthe Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Co. Hehad been retired since 1974.
MiscellaneousGarden Bros. Circus is scheduled to play atthe Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Feb. 26to March 1st.
Hingling-Barnum's Red Unit will reportedlybe in Seattle. Wash.. Sept. 22-27.
The Ice Capades are playing Madison SquareGarden in New York City, the date runningfrom Jan. 23rd to Feb. 4th.
AVAILABLE FOR 1981 SEASON
ANNOUNCER - PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR
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Page 20 February 9, 1981
WEST COAST COMBINE FORMED
Much more can be accomplished when peoplework with each other instead of against oneanother. Circus owners traditionally have beenrivals, working in secrecy to protect dates, un-der bidding each other to the point that a de-cent show can not be put together because ofa tow budget.Now, perhaps a change is in the air with thenew generation of circus owners. A "WestCoast Combine" has been formed by theowners of Bentley Bros. Circus, Europorama,Circus Safari, Kaye Continental Circus andseveral spot date producers. All producerswill work together in setting their dates for1982, so that acts can work one show, thenthe next and so on."We're not trying to steal each others dates,"says one member of the combine. "The com-bine has become necessary to get acts tocome to California. The acts will get longerruns and producers will get lower prices be-cause we can offer 10 to 12 weeks instead oftwo or three weeks/'
Circus Reports mailed to the following per-sons have been returned by the Post Officewho says they can no longer deliver themas addressed:
Atex and Nancy Torres
Ramar the Great
Bob and Jeanne Moore
The 1982 bookings wilt be coordinated byTommy Centley. Because of the size of var-ious shows, some acts will not always workon all of the shows, usually it will be theprincipals (animals, etc).If this type of cooperation spreads the pos-sibilities are unlimited as to what could beaccomplished. Date trading could be arran-ged, for example. If you have a date that isoutside of the area and someone else is working that area, the date could be traded forone of theirs within the area. It would ob-viously save on the cost of gas and the tra-vel required. The secret to the plan's successis trust!
The Circus Report Page 21
PEOPLEROBERT HASSON's report of the 1938 Ringling-Barnum Circus tour appears in the Nov.-Dec. 1980 issue of the Bandwagon magazine.
MIKE PIKE will be writing the musical scorefor the Garden International Circus for theupcoming 1981 tour.
FAYE ALEXANDER is pictured on a trap-eze in an advertisement for Daniel Hayes andGates Gloves, which appears in the Dec. 1980issue of the Atlanta magazine.
VICKI HENDRICKSand GARY BAKERwere special guests at the regular meeting ofthe Texas Mid-Cities Clown Alley No. 85 inGrand Prairie, Texas, on Jan. 22nd.
FRANCIS BRUNN, juggler, is reportedly setto work in a revue at Monte Carlo this sum-mer.
GUZMAN & MONIQUE, aerial motorcycleact, worked holiday shows in Paris and atother French locations.
JOEY JORDAN, juggler, DICK GUSTAF-SON. magician, EARL MICHAELS, clown
WANTEDCat Arena, Shift Cages, Props. Any
style and condition considered. Com-plete act not needed.
Tight wire rigging. High and Low.Source needed for wire footwear andbalance poles.
Male lion cub, female tiger cubs need-ed. Animal groom-trainer assistant posi-tion open soon.
Box 1356 Bartow, Fla. 33830
and MC. and G R A C I E HANNEFORD's dogact, worked Christmas shows in AtlanticCity and the New York area.
VICKI HENDRICKSand GARY BAKERworked the annual dinner for the Irving Na-tion of Indian Princesses in Irving, Texas,on Jan. 23rd, where 180 people were in at-tendance. The pair presented their castingact and their novelty balancing act called"Speilzeug" (the toys). PAT WILLHOITE(Bimbo the Clown) provided the warm-upactivities and clown relief numbers betweenthe acts.
Page 22 February 9, 1981
want to BuyPAD DOG
Phone: 201 -946 -4612
SOME ICE SHOW NEWS
FROM JARDA KUBIK
Each year the ice skating event in the W. R.Grace & Co. building in New York City is ahighly successful affair. This year Oebbi DeJiacomo and George Magill lAdaggio), KimReale (female soloist), Russel Feig (mime),Nina Shuster (soloist) replaced Darlene Gil-bert, Brian Grand, Jarda Kubik and Liz Zie-tel from the previous year.
Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner, worldchampions in pairs competition in 1979 andafter their unlucky start in the Olympics atLake Placid, switched to professional skatingand were seen Jan. 21-Feb. 1 in MadisonSquare Garden with the 41st edition of "IceCapades."
AVAILABLEExperienced former General Manager
of circus and animal trainer, all aroundman, seeks position with traveling show,park or circus. Resume upon request.
Call: 608 - 356 - 3784 - NO COLLECTS
Or wite: BILL SOLIS224 • 3rd St. Apt. 4, Baraboo, Ws 53913
Skaters in Christmas shows at the Manhat-tan Savings Bank in New York City this yearwere Brian Grand, Darlene Gilbert, Glen Pe-terson and Valerie Levine."Icetravagan/a" the iceless ice revue from the"Kubik tee Show Presentations" after a suc-cessful tour in the mid-west with Suzy Chas-teen (former Holiday on Ice and Ice Capadesperformer), Joey Jordan (skating juggier) andJarda Kubik (international ice skating come-dian) are currently appearing in Upstate NewYork and in some Long Island areas with KimReale (double U.S.A. gold medalist and na-tional competitor), Renee Nicol Pizar ( t ra in-
(Continued on Next Page)
ICE SHOW NEWS (Continued)
ed by world champion Hans Gerschwitter),Michael Rolov (balancing act from Czecho-slovakia), Joey Jordan (juggling), MichaelFilisky (MC, Mime), and Jarda Kubik (skat-ing comedian), booked their by Adair Pro-ductions.It was nice to see Dorothy Hamil, Jo-JoStarbuck, Ken Shelley and others in com-petition again by First Professional Worldice skating team championship from Balti-more, Md., This unusual and completely newevent was televised on Jan. 18th.
in theELEPHANT STOLEN. . .
Police in Copenhagen, Denmark, report thata 660 Ib. baby elephant was stolen from thecity zoo late last month. Officials report theelephant was snatched from under the trunksof two grown elephants, marched down adark and deserted garden, taken through ahole in a fence and then was driven off in avan.Although a nation-wide alert has been ord-ered, thus far the police have no suspectsand no idea where the elephant is.
Page 24 February 9, 1981
JIM PARKER (Continued)is stilt very much alive and living in semi-re-tirement in Greencastle, Ind., going out oc-cassionally with his popcorn wagon, makingfair dates and celebrations. Dick and Redfor many years had the RoysonBros. Circusand prior to that were wild west concertstars, part of that era long gone from ourAmerican circus secen.
Larry Sellon and Susan Watkinson from Canada are house guests of Jim and Sandi Wind-land. Larry was in the office on Martin &Downs Circus, while Susan ran the cookhouseand clowned. Both are excellent photographesand their circus photos are fantastic.
During the recent Ringling Red Unit run inSt. Petersburg, a local TV program, the JohnEastman Show, turned the hour show over toan interview with circus historian Chappie FoxIt was expertly done as featured film clips ofcircus stars of the past were compared withthe greats of today on the Red Show. Chap-pie narrated and the host was a very enthus-iastic circus fan. Unfortunately, many of usin the area missed the show since it was onso early, and I caught just a part of it. Thiswas a very different PR approach and onethat surely will catch the public's eye. Theyhad a film clip of Lillian Lit/el, then switch-ed to a backyard interview with Dolly Ja-cobs, footgae of Hubert Castle, an interviewwith the Carhllo Bros, etc.
Circus people will be proud to know theInternational Independent Showman's Assoc.
BOOKS FOR SALESo This is Trick Riding by Bernie Blum-
hagen, 174 pages - $10.00Last One!! Candy Pitch Grab Bag, Ass't
big box of duplicates from my collec-tion. Fix, Mags, Books, Tickets - $25
Record Albumns - 33 1/3 rpm.Day at the Circus with Harold Ronk -
just $6.00RBBB Circus Band, Early 50's with the
great Merle Evans - $10.00Stars and Stripes Forever from 20th Cen.
Fox movie - $10.00WANTED - Photos, Programs (Xerox),
clips on Jack Wright, trick rider with101, Russell, Sells Floto, etc.
JACK BENNETTBox 975 Pauls Valley, Okla 73075
IT LIBERTYDOUBLE KEYBOARD ORGAN with pe
dais - Combo size - Jazz Organ with percussion, piano and Leslie - Years of Ex-perience - Also Professional Magic Act -Good Equipment.
LEON PINTERRte. 1, Box 265 Newton. NC 28658
Phone: 704 - 462 - 2374
of Gibsonton, Fla., has elected our own BillyRodgers to serve on the Board of Directorsfor 1981. This is basically a carnival orientedorganization and to have Billy selected/elect-ed is really an honor, as Billy is one of thosequiet people who work hard and diligentlyand are are all proud he has received this re-cognition, for he keeps a low profile, but isalways helping others.
Going to Roberts Bros. Circus for the '81season are the Stephens family, consisting ofYvonne, working dogs and pony, and LeAnndoing single traps and juggling.
Erik Adams, Jr. reports his father, Erik,Sr. continues to improve from recent serioussurgery, at his home in Gibsonton. Erik willbe spot-dating the Hubert Castle show, aswell as making Bill Kay's dates in the west.
Most of us were caught up in the festivitiesof the recent Christmas season and enjoyedall that goes with it. However, a few daysprior to Christmas, tragedy struck KennethDodd's home as his mother passed away. Hewas producing clown with Beany-Cole andhad left the road to take care of his motherwho suffered a long lingering illness and re-quired constant care. To those of us whoknow Kenny, we are well aware of the liter-ally years of love and devotion that he gaveto her and it was only because of his personal sacrifice that she lived as long as she did.Our sincere condolences to you Kenny andwe know her suffering has ended and wehope peace and understanding come to youas you go through this period of adjustment.Time is a great healer and our prayers arewith you.
Hopefully, I will be able to gather enoughnews to make this column a regular item ofour Bible, Circus Report. So if you've gotanything cooking and I can help, write meat: P. 0. Box 1886, Gibsonton, Fla. 33534and I'll do my best.
Page 26 February 9, 1981
FOR SALEBABY FEMALE CHIMPANZEE
18 Mo. old - White FaceTame - Wears Clothes
Call: 1 - 9 0 4 - 7 9 6 - 8 2 5 3King Kong Breeding Compound
BYE BYE BRAZIL (Continued)faces of Brazil: The ancient woman who ne-ver stops listening to her huge transistor ra-dio; the black urban hustler who has madea fortune in smuggling; the credulous andpoignant old peasant who thinks Lord Gyp-sy is a saint because he does such a convin-cing magic act.He is no saint, nor are any of them, thoughDasdo looks like one, with her lovely inno-cent face. Salome is wise, and a sometimewhore. Lord Gypsy is tolerant, good-natur-ed and a sometime pimp. Cico is foolish, be-sotted and kiddish, and he learns to be re-sponsible.
1 know they are all actors, but I persist inbelieving that they are real too. Now, whenI see two women smiling at each other withprotective affection, I think of Oasdo andSalome. When I see a TV antenna, I thinkof Lord Gypsy glaring at the skyline andsnarling; I wonder if he and Salome found atown where TV has not arrived, where thereis an audience for traveling actors. When 1see street musicians, I think of Cico and Das-do; I wonder whether they are still playing.If you can't reach me in the near future, I'llhave gone to Brazil to find out.
BOOKING FOR 1981WRIGHT'S Educated Ponies and DancingPoodles - For Circuses, Fairs, Parks.
Box 213 Hugo, Okla. - 74743
Phone: 405 -'326 - 6590
BOOK WORM (Continued)sponge ball routine, doves and other livestock and tips abound, for real interest tothe aspiring performer. His "ProfessionalMagic for Children" is also reasonably pric-ed at $15.00 (post $1.03) having 244 p.,d.j., and is hard bound. As a follow-up tothat great book he issued "Children LaughLouder" for $10.00 (post. 81c) with tenmore of his routines in 136 p. Also a lot ofsmall magic and ideas many will find ofvalue.
Ginn's second new item is "Comedy Link-ing Rings" priced at $3.00 and soft boundwith 22 p. of text. This is actually the 5thprinting of his routine, dating back to 1974.As such it entertains, amuses the kids andtakes up time on a school show. At $3.00it is a good buy for one seeking a testedroutine. Many drawings clarify the text!
The final item is his "Little Black Book"a gag which he now changes so you can putyour own selected girl's name on the pageswhich can be shown blank or full of names.Still $4.00, I prefer the first version but youcan now make the book appear to be actual-ly your own and some might like that. Post-age on these two are minimal and usuallycan be put in with other items at no extracharge.
The Circus Report Page 27
CLOWNS WANTED!CLYDE BEATTY-COLE BROS. CIRCUS
- 1981 Tented Tour -
Positions Available Immediately - Roomand Board Provided - Send Resume andPhoto to:
WILSON STOREY
CLYDE BEATTY-COLE BROS. CIRCUSP. 0. Box 1570
Winter Park, Fla. - 32790
ROSA ROSALAND, somersaulting barebackrider, is the subject of a special article in theNov.-Oec. 1980 issue of Bandwagon maga-zine. The article was written by JOHN DRAPER.
8UCKY STEELE returned to his home in Texas late last month, after spending a fewtroubled days in Mexico City.
HELEN WILSON - Show Organist(Own Equipment) 704 - 786 - 4563Write: Box 1167, Concord, NC 28025
SHOW TO BE RECREATED
The Oklahoma State Tourism and RecreationDept., is reportedly planning to revive the"Pawnee Bill Wild West Show." If the plan iscarried out the show will be set-up and pre-sented on land currently occupied by thePawnee Museum and State Park.Earl Chapman, curator of the museum, sayshe has been directed to explore the possibil-ity of recreating the old wild west show thattoured the country from the 1800's to themid-1930's.The show, along with the present park andmuseum, would commemorate the late Maj.Gordon Lillie - a cowboy, soldier, scout andgovernment Indian interpreter known forhis part in changing the Cherokee Strip intopresent-day Oklahoma.The museum is located on the site of Lilhe'slavish ranch mansion which he built in 1910at a cost of $100.000
The Triple Twisting Double Layout Somer-sault - the most difficult complicated trickever accomplished on the flying trapeze •was successfully completed by flyer TOMROBIN EDLESTON to catcher JOHN ZIM-MERMAN on Jan. 20th at Circus World.Not only was the feat video-taped and wit-nessed by several other flyers, it was achiev-*d under the encouraging eye of formertrapeze great FAY ALEXANDER, CircusWorld acrobatic coach and trainer.
The trick, one twist more than the famousdouble-double, was caught clean wrist-to-wrist and returned to the fly bar on normalrigging dimensions.Tom, 20 years old, is the leader of the FLY-ING ROBINS and a second generation Ring-ling flyer. Beautiful flyers LAURA RAPPAand LINDA STAMMEN add the gracefultouch to the young American act that per-forms daily in the Circus Pavillion Theatre.