| Buckles, "Normally in a case like this I would just pick out the most relevant pictures but Mr. Hall has done such an outstanding job telling the complete story that I included them all. To American circus people this is an old story but to those world wide it shows how the performers can congregate from different locations, shake hands, size up the situation, give a performance the next day and when the engagement is completed, go their various ways." Buckles |
Monday, January 07, 2008
Cirque Des Fetes #1
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
28 comments:
I agree, the lighting on the Montreal date is outstanding, I've seen it. But it is so cold there at that time of the year.
In sunny Sarasota there is an important event/ritual/celebration:
Sunday, Jan 13, the Circus Mass at St. Martha's, 10:30AM.
All those saints, sinner and scoundrels take notice, especially the scoundrels (we know who you are).
That's a Tarzan Zerbini elephant on the program cover. He got the headpiece from Ringling and covered them.
Jimmy: I'm jealous (1) that I wasn't there to see the show, and (2) that your photography--fog or no--put anything I've attempted to shame. Great photo story. Lane Talburt
Buckles,
Unless I miss the point, what did we show our "European counterparts", besides an obvious decline. Hung curtain(Ringling be damned if they do it) to eliminate empty seats, haphazard ringcurbs, of which there are 2 instead of the traditional 3, "A" leash leopard act instead of a cage act, elephant rides, camel rides, floss, corn, etc. obvious mainstays of a beautiful show like Gruss, Krone, etc. and the corker, an elephant in a reworked headpiece for advertizing!!!!!!
Grab the money and run, destroy an institution in only one generation, is the message we have transported overseas.
Wade Burck
Wade, aesthetically speaking you are correct but my comments were directed toward the Halls, the Winns, etc. who are making do with the hand that is dealt them.
Wade,
Isn't it amazing that we are so impressed here in North America at any attempt to add production value to a circus.
I think we are in rapid deline and Europe is soaring toward the sky. This in a general statement and not directed at any one in particular, afterall there are always the exceptions.
Do the current USDA regulations even allow for a least act anymore here in the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Buckles,
No country will ever do it as big as we do(or are attempting to do). It will always be easier to fill 2500 seats, instead of 25000, in a coliseum. Add to that the much shorter jumps in Europe, and cheaper transportation costs, and you have a lot more pennies, to go into production and cast. How can we transport 70 or 80 head of fine blood stock from New Jersey to California for a 4 day date? Remember when Ringling had more elephants on one unit, than any 10 shows combined in Europe. I think we went wrong when we felt that 1000000.00 in lights and sound would fill the seats, with a 100.00cast thrown in for effect. The public goes to a concert/show to see the talent. The strobes are a nice addition, but not the reason we go.
Wade Burck
P.S. As hard as I looked in Europe, I have never seen a moron in a red Fez telling them how to run their show. I haven{t seen it as yet in Mexico either, but I will keep looking. This Agaliar show in Vallarta is a real beauty, by the way. 3 liberty acts, beautiful cage act with 20 tigers, huge menagerie, and equiptment the likes of which I havent seen since the glory days of Vargas and Ringling, and the damnest thing, pride.
Wade Burck
For Mr. Hall & Family,
Is it a hassle to go from the USA into Canada with bears these days? Is the border crossing still in Buffalo for exotics? I vaguely remember that there was a "vet crossing" in Vermont, but I could be wrong.
Geeze Wade,
Settle down, you're gonna lose the one date you make now days. I realize they are experts in giving medical aid to children, and martini time after the show. But is it necessary, to attack the whole fraternal order of Masons? You are not even close to winning the personality contest now.
PS...
Any "morons in red fez" looking to replace Big, Spectacular, Only one like it in the world White Tiger act, with one small, deliberate, fits anywhere, four run-o-the-mill mutt tigers and goof act.
I can be reached via Telephone-Fax-or Email
Anonymous,
Our hat's off to troupers like the Hall's and others. It is a hassle now day's to go from state to state, let alone an international border. Mr. Hall has probably been through every border crossing into Canada, at one time or another.
Wade Burck
Buckles:
Do you realize how profound your comment of "Circus people coming together," truly is...?
:-)
Cindy Potter
I re-read Mr. Hall's comment and indeed the lighting DESERVES more show with no disprect to the seasoned veterans who worked the date this year.
Maybe the change to the smaller building prompted the producers/promoters to downsize the line-up.
Casey,
Classic response. I'm still laughing. You see, I told you it was fun. Let the one's who "don't take it serious", "take it serious." Keep it up, and you will soon be up here with the Burck's, the Hall's, and the Zyicheck's(I know it's spelled wrong, but it pisses him off) amoung others.
Wade Burck
P.S. Tried to call last night, but didn't get back from the cock fight's until 2:00AM.
Wade,
Though I wouldn't want to be associated with an association that would have me.You mention Burcks, Halls, and Zych#$%#ecks (I can't spell it either) Now what do the Burcks and Halls (animal trainers) have to do with the Zyche#$%ecks (international resin figurine collectors)? I am perplexed.
I was pondering how it is possible for small countries like France and Germany to have so many cicuses operating at one time. I imagine that with longer stands and fewer seats to fill it leaves more room for a number of shows.
Was it stubborness that drove American shows to stick with 3 rings (when only one was used at a time) and one day stands?
Remeber when American shows were switching from canvas to vinyl and the outcry from traditionalists?
Reading a few of the European web sites, the longer stands offer all sorts of opportunities for promotion. Some of them have daily tours, and have practice sessions open to the public in the morning. A few even carry full restaurants with white linen. A quality show would also generate word of mouth(useless if the show is gone the next day). A rain day also has the chance of making up the business in following days.
More and more I'm thinking Paul Binder had the right idea in doing things against the prevailing grain. Though I still think the BAC was at its finest with Buckles and Katja, it has remained pure circus (imagine live music AND sawdust)with enough modern additions to stay current.
HM
Anonymous HM,
BAC can't be compared. They have a different "backing" structure, which make comparisons unfair. Like it or not there has always been a larger "live entertainment mentality" in America. Ask the Beatles, the Stone's, Barishnikov, etc. etc. How about the American entertainers who headed to Europe, when their careers went South. The circus just got bigger, and bigger to compete. Due to financial consideration's, unfortunatly the quality got poorer and poorer. European or American. Sorry, there is no way to fairly compare. They are two different worlds, and two different situation's. I do know that some of the most beautiful shows I have seen in Europe, would look sad in Madison Square Garden, or even Roberts Arena in Evansville. By the same token Mr. Paul Kayes areial ballet of about two dozen acts in the air, would make most European patron's gag and give them a headache.
Wade Burck
Casey,
Jesus. They are people who don't take things to serious(although I wonder about Mr. Hall lately). Maybe I was wrong, and you aren't ready for the Big Game yet. A little more time in the minors might do you some good.
Wade Burck
Buckles;
Appreciate the kind thought, however
I would look forward to getting venues like that hand dealt my way in the future.
In regards to crossing out of the country, the only thing that could come close to getting the paper work done would be comparing it to the ecstasy of a getting a root canal without the benefit of novacaine.
To Saraso Ta Da;
My father said you can never have to many lights on a show.All I can say is when I walked into that building I made sure my shoes were polished for show time,I meant that remark in the most positive way to the show and lights.
To C.Potter
Subject "A profound statement"
There was a great group of folk up there to work with.
Pre show rides Concessions and all.
To Casey
Speaking strictly for myself I have no problem tipping my chapeau to a one Mr.Jim Zajicek.
P.S.You mean that is not Limba the wonder elephant on the poster,Well I'll be damn.
Wade,
I'm still waiting for the check from last month, then I realized that I didn't give you an address, oh well!!
Ben made a great point about demographics, however, he didn't make the point that "we have always done it this way, so why should we change?", even if the whole entertainment business has changed. This is the way we have always done it and we are not about to change, even though we have all kinds of statistics about towns and sponsers.
I don't know Wade, Zych is pretty serious too...
He even goes by a title now. Something like Janitor of Anomalies or Curator of such and such...
Jim, I hope you read this, don't want to be taking shots in the dark.
To L.Talburt
I was once told by a gent who took photos for a living;One of the best secrets to getting your photographic efforts admired is not mentioning the true percentage of shots taken that you toss into the trashcan.
Digital cameras are an ecological wind fall.
P.S.I was born in a small town. Rochester,In. On a historical note, the home to the Cole show,and being of such, upon arriving in Verdun, getting to work with some good show folk and getting to visit and work with an old friend, walking in the building seeing new carpet being rolled out, the fresh painted ring curbs and the light trusses hung with care, the smell of popcorn being readied for the following day and hearing the sound checks, I must confess
"Yes I was blinded by the lights" and enjoyed every minute of working there.It was quite a nice show.
This is several days after the origional comment but I can not let it rest.
That "moron in a red fez" is responsible for the continued existence of the American Circus. There are NO large shows left except Ringling and the various shrine dates. And show a little respect. The shriners all buy tickets for the priviledge of working the show. All the money above expenses, what we live on, goes to Shrine charities.
I remember one Shrine circus chairman who against doctors orders worked long hours preparing for the date (we performers and even the producers just show up and work the shriners spend months on one four day date). Just before the second show in full view of the audience he literally gave his all, he dropped dead. In respect for his dedication and at the insistance of his widow the show went on. We got paid.
Mark Horton
1. The Shrine Circus profits go toward Shrine activities, NOT to the Shrine Hospitals.
2. Continued existence of the American Circus?...I haven't seen that much crap since Ringling had 18 elephants on the road.
3. Next time there are Animal Rights laws being discussed at the State Capital I will certainly let you know how many red fezes I see in attendance.
4. I have some great friends who are Shriners, but as I tell them all the time, as friends I think the world of them but I don't want to work with them. Just because they do ONE CIRCUS a year doesn't make them an expert in the circus business.
This should stir things up for a while.
I'll be in the den listening to the ORIENTAL BAND on my iPod with my dear friends, Nicole and Alana.
The Anonymous clan is getting to be so big around here, one never knows who one will actually piss off while jumping through all these cleverly placed fiery hoops.
I imagine I'm not alone in that when I was a kid my father and my grandfather belonged to Masonic Temples because it was a social thing, and a business thing. But like a lot of guys born at the end of the Baby Boom or later, by the time I was an adult most of the fraternal organizations didn't hold much appeal. I respect the Shriners for the hospital network, but as ANONYMOUS noted, the circuses have no connection to the hospitals. The idea that the Shrines are the last bastion for circus is a real stretch. The big Shrine dates are impressive, the satellite dates are sometimes pretty unimpressive, and I laughed like Hell the first time I saw paper for a "Shine Circus" playing along the edges of a satellite route and profiting off our relative national dyslexia.
The last time I went to a big Shrine date to see some friends I was appalled to see Activists working the crowds right up to the ticket windows, while "The Nobles" stayed inside the auditorium glad handing and saying not a word. Then they turn around and blame the Producers when the shows aren't as successful as they once were. While it would be over-simplification to suggest that the activists are the main reason for that, it's part and parcel of a system that in some towns is held together by chewing gum, and baling wire, and lubricated by happy hour where the membership is a bit too comfortable and sees the circus as a play date rather than a whole lot of work. I saw a story recently on efforts by the Masonic Orders to boost membership among 30-somethings. Maybe it'll work and maybe new blood will mean new energy. But for now I wouldn't count on Shrines to "save the circus."
Mr. Trumble,
I am a big fan of, Circus, bubble gum, bailing wire, and Happy Hour!
Where do I sign up for the "funny hat" and "get outta speeding ticket free" ring?
I fit their 30 something demographic.
While doing a date this year, a fine shriner took time out of his day to introduce me to some of the folks carrying signs out front. He was nice enough to bring them right over to where the cages were lined up to the arena maybe 2 mins prior to my "Big entrance".
Needless to say our visit was curt,and for some reason, they didn't stay for my "finale"
Mr Cainan. I'm sure the gentleman Shriner who was kind enough to introduce you to the fine folks with signs had merely missed the pre-circus meeting where the Producer noted that he'd been unable to book an act with cats feeding on tofu-turkey. Had said Shriner made that meeting, I'm certain that instead he'd have taken his new friends to see the elephants guys.
My dad was a 32nd degree Mason and grand master of his lodge in Oklahoma. I joined the DeMolays (the junior order of the Masons and Shriners) but found it too juvenile even for a juvenile like me, so I dropped out. As for the Shriners, yes, many of them are a bunch of overgrown boys and party guys. Yes, the quality of their circus performances varies all over the ball park (or arena). And yes, some Shrine circus chairmen may be arrogant and overbearing with the producers and performers (particularly with the animal trainers whose elephants and ponies can be overworked during the lengthy intermissions). On the other hand, I've seen Shrine performances in recent years that are every bit as good in the satellite towns--like Jerseyville, Ill., Mountain Home, Ark., and McAlester, OK--as they are in metro areas such as Indianapolis, Tulsa and West Springfield, MA. I've never seen the Cardens, Hannefords, Hamids, Jordans and Plunkets put on a slouchy show, no matter how much the Shrine circus budget may have been reduced. While some relationships between the sponsoring Shriners and circus producers are tenuous, to say the least, others Shrine temples have enjoyed ties with the same producer for more than 70 years--the Hamids and the Topeka, KS, Shrine temple come to mind immediately. And while the proceeds from Shrine circuses do go directly into the local Shrine kitty, the Shriners take their financial support of Shrine hospitals quite serious. In almost every Shrine town, you'll see a brightly painted van that's dedicated to transporting local children to and from Shrine hospitals for treatment of burns and orthopedic problems.
I'm not attempting to be an apologist for the Shriners. They have a checkerboard record of appearing at legislative hearings to support circus animals (just like some of their counterparts in the circus). As I recall, the red fez hats were numerous by their presence before the Minneapolis City Council last year when a circus-animal ban was narrowly defeated. In spite of the protesters, Shriners almost always insist on featuring animal acts at every location. They know that's what their neighbors want.
The Shrine circus may, in fact, go the way of sponsored police circuses. In the meantime, there are a still lot of showfolks with some very high-quality routines who are regulars on the Shrine circuit. And there are still a lot of circus fans in small-town America who can afford to take their families to the Shrine circus when the cost of seeing Cirque Soliel is beyond their means.
And then there's the matter of the concessions price differential between Shrine circuses and the big shows. But don't get me started on that. I'm just waiting for the Shrine season to crank up again. Reckon I can win one of those free bicycles this year?
Lane Talburt
Post a Comment