Buckles Blog: From Raffaele de Ritis

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

From Raffaele de Ritis

Scan000010692, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

Buckles (and bloggers),

The 32th Monte Carlo Circus Festival will open on January 17.

This is the official list of participants, whose acts will be divided as usual in two performances.

-Donimo - Clown
-Natalie Harris – spanish web
-Casselly – roman post with elephants
- Chinese performer- slack wire
-Alessio – trained parrots
-Vertical Tango – chinese pole
-Crazy Wilson - wheel
-Kid Bauer - lions
-Chinese performers – aerial fabrics
-Marina & Svetlana – foot juggling
-Get The Shoe - juggling
-Duo Minasov - quick change
-Les Pellegrini's Brothers – hand to hand
-Richter – equestrian jockeys
-Grandma - clown
-Troupe Catana - teeterboard
-Akimov :- aerial straps
-Casselly -elephants and horses
-Martini family – musical clown entry
-Elayne Kramer - handstand
-Duo Flash – hand to hand
-Flying Trapeze Fuentes Gasca/Maravilla
-Trampoline from China
-John Burke – sea lions
-Scott & Muriel - Comedy magic
-Casselly – horses and fabrics
-« Equilibrissimo » -acrobatic coreography from Ukraina
-Persia troupe – aerial platform
-Bikers – acrobats on inflatables

Jury Members:
Président: H.R.H. Princesse Stéphanie de Monaco,

Susan Lacey, Aurelia Cats – France, Li Yaping, Victor Kee – Ukraine, Miguel Vasquez – USA, Anatoly Zalewski – Ukraine.

51 comments:

Anonymous said...: Susan Lacey retired from Cuneo's Hawthorn tigers is a judge. Wade send her your list of winners.; 08 January, 2008 09:39
Anonymous said...: Anonymous,
Damn!!!! Don't stir shit up, and cause heat!!! I got into a world of grief by asking a few, for my information and understanding innocent question's. Come to find out MC is the holy grail in Europe

1) How in the hell are act's chosen?
2) How can you "compete" one year, and judge another? Sure fired conflict of interest.
3) How can major players at MC be major players in various circus in Europe, and get great press using MC winners in their shows. Sure fired conflict of interest.
4) Gold, silver, bronze. Competative way of thinking 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Not here. Winner, winner, winner?????? Even "participation" awards
5) Why did it used to be called The Monte Carlo Circus Championships, and now it is called The Monte Carlo Circus Festival????? Maybe the founders realized something, others have difficulty admitting.
5) No way can the New England Patriots compete against the Boston Red Sox, and we come up with a just winner, and who is the best athlete award. Judge the best race horse against the best cutting horse, and it's not going to be valid, unless you like the palomino with the long mane, and flowing tail better then the chestnut with the short tail. Then it is not who is the best, but what the judges like. Sure fired conflict of interest.
Buckle your seat belt's, this will probably be a wild ride. Go.
Wade Burck; 08 January, 2008 12:23
Anonymous said...: Mr. Burck. MC is less like the Olympics and more like a film festival. Apples compete against oranges and judges are mostly honor bound not to favor friends and coworkers. Like a film festival it's probably a great place to do business.; 08 January, 2008 12:50
Raffaele De Ritis said...: I basically agree with many of Wade's observations.
Add the fact that the acts are regularly paid to perform at their normal fee, and getting TV rights.

But a good thing is that in the last few years the concept of the jury changed: in fact, they are not anymore circus proprietors, but only performers winners of the past editions. That is the reason for they compete and another year are judges. After all, the Academy Award jury members includes all the past winners.
Anyway, a panel of judges is the universal solution for any kind of artistic or sport competition: of course, if what they like, they're supposed to be specialists.
About the name: Monte Carlo always was called International Circus Festival, never changing name.
The Circus Championship was another similar event created in London in the late 70, and running for few years.
About the awards: well, is not really "all winners": a gold is a gold. As at the Olympic Games, you have bronze and silver too. In Monte Carlo there are not "participation" awards, but awards offered and financed by newspapers, circus proprietors, institutions, etc.
For me, Monte Carlo is not the holy grail anymore. Is more or less a commercial parade of what you have seen in the previous seasons or in minor festivals, with a large influence from the tv companies, that are the best sponsors.
It used to be a showcase for never-seen revelations, but there's nothing really new anymore for the circus specialist. It is true that is exciting for the thousands filling the big top for a week and paying a super-expensive ticket.
This year, I won't go because I know all of the act, and I'm not excited by the concept of "competition".; 08 January, 2008 13:00
Buckles said...: I think we should set up a fund to send Mr. Burck to Monte Carlo as our Official Goodwill Ambassador!; 08 January, 2008 13:03
Anonymous said...: Anonymous,
"Honor bound"!!!! Give me a break. Honor is not be be self serving.

Mr. de Ritis,
Thanks for weighing in. I had assumed we could get some straight skinny from you. But come on, the Academy Awards? In addition to box office gross, and production cost, there are many other factors, that make a judgement closer to valid than any thing at MC. Talk about apples and oranges, the two arnt even close in similiarity.
I was not refering to owners of shows. That looked crooked long before they put an end to it. I am refering to individuals who have a vested interest in a circus, and also a vested interest in MC, and who wins, and what talent is selected, and where they sign a contract for next year.
First the Academy Awards are used as a standard of judging, and now the olympics are used as a standard for awarding prizes!!!!! Incredibly arrogant "concept" who ever came up with it.
Thank you for the correction of Championship/Festival. I may have been confused with the "other" Championship's that folded after a few years. Hey Anonymous, it may have something to do with that "Honor bound" deal you mentioned.
Has anybody ever walked away from MC without something in their hand? If not, kind Sir, those are participation awards, regardless of who sponsers or pays for them. If I spring a couple of bills for a plaque, what is the chance they will let me decide who gets it? I would say a pretty damn good chance.
Thank you for the refreshing, intelligent debate, Mr. de Ritis. Last time I asked somebody, I was told I was jeolous, and was given the finger, as they stomped off.

Buckles,
I need to finish this PR gig for Casey first, then maybe we can talk about MC.

Wade Burck; 08 January, 2008 15:06
Casey McCoy Cainan said...: Wade,
Which part are you most disturbed by?
The Hawthorn act the received a medal, was Susan's. Or that they haven't asked you to be a judge. Or who the judges were the year Susan got the medal, and possibly more importantly, who, said judges were employed by at time of competition. Or maybe all of the above equally? You know like the system. Anonymous minds want to know...; 08 January, 2008 15:23
Anonymous said...: everyone I know who was at MC got one of those nice red scarves; 08 January, 2008 15:52
Anonymous said...: Boy this gets better than
"Gen Patton" boycotting the Academy Awards. I mean "George C. Scott".
Maybe on the way to Monte Carlo make it via Verdun, Quebec on his P.R.Campaign trail.
Truly anonymous; 08 January, 2008 16:23
Anonymous said...: Casey,
You know better then that. In addition to Susans "awards", William Voss was awarded a crystal deal, with a Hawthorn act in 2000, and in addition Hawthorn has contracted the services of past participants, notably Pat White, and John Campolongo, so Hawthorn has been well represented. And why did you "read" upset into the poste? Confused is what I am. The MC subject is kind of like the Ringling/Tim Holst contract payoff issue raised a number of months ago. In private everybody talks about it, but in a public forum they pull the iggy. Each time I raise an MC issue over the years, I have either received the afore mentioned finger, or it's a Bob Woodward/Watergate deal where Deepthroat meets you in the alley, confirms it, and then denies it.
As for judging, I don't think I am qualified. Honor bound or not, all the cash and big, big prizes would go to the animal acts. Sorry, that's just the way my boat float's, with all due respect to all great artist's. I may throw something to the cute damsel in one of those floss string costumes, that anonymous mentioned a couple of days ago. That way you might buy into my sense of honor and fair play. Just looking for an answer that doesn't fit an agenda, my friend.
Anybody else?
Wade Burck; 08 January, 2008 16:35
Anonymous said...: The Academy Awards are BIG BUSINESS too! Much bigger than MC could ever hope to be because with the Oscars, now you can be talking hundreds of millions of dollars!Production Companies (PC's) pour Millions of Dollars into securing votes from Academy Members! It starts long before the actual televised event, almost as soon as films are wrapped! Running up to the voting, PC's who want to win awards invest in ads in all of the trade journals and start having private parties enticing voters to give the nod to their films. And you better believe that the guest lists to the after-parties are purely thank you's to the voters. I have a good friend who as an actor was up for an Oscar and the Production Company flat out told him that they were not interested in financing an academy award for that particular film, and his chances died right there in the water. Of course, he didn't win. So what goes on at the Academy Awards is probably similar to MC, but you just have to add 5 or 6 or more zero's to the numbers! Neil Cockerline; 08 January, 2008 16:55
Anonymous said...: ifmy memory is correct, it seems that in earlier years the festival offered better acts. the acts that iknew were superb. i always wondered why woodcock elephants, baumann tigers and any of the gunther acts were never entered, while some acts i considered boring were. even in years when i was covering hollywood, i was often surprised by oscar nominees and often horrified by winners, but that seems to be the nature of competition. loking at the list of nominees and judges, it appears that they are no longer limited their nominations to acts that i consider outstanding, and i personally feel judges with no circus/performer connections are best with possible one or two pros who know which acts depend on skills and which acts depend on smoke and mirrors and obvious gaffs. (for the record, i would have been happy to see wade's white tigers entered and returning to the us with a medal); 08 January, 2008 16:56
Anonymous said...: Hi Folks, cant think of a beter person to be on the Jury in MC i had the privilige to work with Mrs Lacey, and if anybody deserves to be there it is her. She will give a unbiased view to the acts and stand up for the animals, and also criticise when and where it is needed. She was sent to Europe with Mr C white tigers and done a great job with not much help from many people, and i have heard on that she even had to put up with the Great Mr Burck. Good luck Susan. Thanks Buckles great Blog how did the elephants work on the Blue Unit? Heard Mr Raffo in charge? thank you; 08 January, 2008 17:22
Anonymous said...: As much as I'd like to, I can't let this go without contributing my two cents worth.

"Has anybody ever walked away from Monte Carlo without something in their hand?" Yes, Wade- ten years ago, I did.

The Jim Clubb mixed act I showed at Monte Carlo worked beautifully. I could not have been more proud of the animals. I don't know why we didn't win an award, but I can tell you sincerely I have not spent the past ten years dwelling on it. But I'll tell you what I have dwelt on:

The fact that I, someone from a town of 2500 people in Michigan, who fought her way into and through years in this business, had the opportunity to perform there. I will always consider it a highlight in my career, an honor of a lifetime. I enjoyed every minute of it.

The yachts in the harbor, the palace on the rock jutting out into the Mediterranean, the small zoo tucked up on the hillside. Upon arriving, taking a wrong turn up a mountain, trying to turn the trucks around on that narrow road before we got to Italy. Feeling like an idiot shopping in MC in jeans and tennis shoes, trying to find something to wear to the banquet in 45 minutes, because that's all the time I had. The casino where I won $40 (I was very excited about that). The Awards Banquet, sitting in the same room with the Prince and some of the best circus acts I'd ever seen. How I had to stay four extra days after not winning anything- because my trucks were blocked in! The stars, the tuxedos, the two weeks paid vacation on the French Riviera (which was how I saw it). It was fabulous. I had so much fun

While I was momentariy disappointed we didn't win anything, the memories I have of every minute of the whole experience were worth the trip there, just to be "a participant", and I'll remember them forever. Nobody knew or cared who I was, and that was just fine. I was there to observe, experience and "participate"- which I did- to the fullest extent.

So, if it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game... I played it well, and I'm satisfied.

Had your act been invited to Monte Carlo and won a Gold Clown, Wade, I wonder if maybe we'd hear a little differnt tune from you?

That's all.; 08 January, 2008 17:34
Buckles said...: I stopped watching the Academy Awards hen they awarded Bob Dylon an Oscar for his music.; 08 January, 2008 17:36
Anonymous said...: I read "upset" in your post as well, Wade. So you may disregard the last comment in my long post, maybe had you been there and won a Gold you would still be confused and singing the same tune.; 08 January, 2008 17:47
Anonymous said...: Dam I sure Love a parade. This is getting as good as the fight for center ring in the movie the
"Greatest Show on Earth".; 08 January, 2008 18:06
Anonymous said...: The oscars were started by the Moguls of the day.. I can hear them now... Well L.B Mayer lets see if the Bros. Warner will get in on this too, Since the United States has no Royal Family lets make our own.. We can even start our own media event and call it something really big and impressive, after all it's our idea and our money, Right? Ok: how bout
The academy of motion pictures and arts and sciences!!! Holy smoke Irving Thalberg you really are a genius!! That sounds really good boys. We can tell and convince the public that they really need to come by a ticket to a movie to see Americas crowned Royalty.. We can do this dumb thing once a year and really give it the big build up, Maybe goofy Sam Goldwynn will spring for the hall. yup that's what we need a built in Hyped up media event. We'll invite all the who's who of the press and radio. Hell they might even pay us for the privledge!!Oh and the smaller studios can benefit too, We can throw them a bone and let one of their actors think that they might win something too. You know it will still be an honor for them to be included.. Hell we'll even pay them sommething to make sure they show up. we can call it scale or somethin' Sounds better all the time. Man, can we milk this.......
Too bad the American Circus moguls didn't follow the same formula. Well maybe just one did for a few years anyways........ but he went to Monte Carlo Too!; 08 January, 2008 18:18
Anonymous said...: Let me see Mr Burck doesn't want to hear from anyone anonomous,doesn't like the way they run MC, Geez it seems that if it doesn't fit into his simplistic horserace mentality it shouldn't be allowed in show biz.
It really sounds like Wade ought to have his own circus competition, and he can control who talks about it on his blog !; 08 January, 2008 19:15
Anonymous said...: Isn't MC where Princess Stephanie first got involved with Franco Knie? Did she ever perform with Knie's elephants?

HM; 08 January, 2008 20:27
Casey McCoy Cainan said...: Wow folks what a day!!
First, an anonymous dingo, lured the prey in to open field. A couple more hit-n-runs by the unnamed mutts, and some friendly fire. Next thing you know a whole pack is piling on top, and feeling brave enough to sign their pedigrees.

I feel confident I won't be receiving my invitation to compete anytime soon either Wade. And if I did, I don't have my shake head-and finger no in sync move ready yet.

Just in case...
any "Europeans handing out meaningless metallic clowns and accolades" looking to invite ND hillbilly with spectacular and big American white tiger act, but now upset and wanting to really chap the chap. I have four half trained tigers and a "sparkling" personality.

I can be reached for invitation via email...; 08 January, 2008 22:45
Anonymous said...: Subject; the truly "Bewildered One"
To all. Compassion must be shown,
Shocking facts can be staggering and quite sobering.A soul can only stand so much in a short time period.
Facts; Europe apparently does have their form of Camel and Elephant rides also pop corn, floss and garbage joints for a source of revenue, well hidden as they may be. When this form has been discovered it can be quite heart breaking to a bewildered one.
To Mr.Lee I must ask you Sir to show some compassion this holiday season on the subjects of Santie-Claus and the Easter-Bunny, a Q,T policy must be maintained, a show of sensitivity. There is such thing as going overboard on the facts.
P.S to P.White. Sounds as though you had a two thumbs up experience on your adventures in Monte Carlo. I am truly envious.; 08 January, 2008 22:48
Anonymous said...: On the subject of MC,i saw Miss/Mrs, P White and thought the act was excellent, Mr j Clubb has turned out over the years some rather wonderful acts all of which have been diferent, in there own way, with a host of diferent wild animals, not just beating there head against the wall with the same old White Tigers, a group of many animals nice, but a mixed group is fantastic of whatever is nice to see, the problem with MC is it is only a small principality and has the best, we saw W Voss, S Lacey, why would we want to see Mr Wade Burck? the act probably great but who would want to see or hear him throwing his toys out of the pram when he came away just with his scarf, Giv me the scerenity of P White anyday.; 09 January, 2008 06:16
Anonymous said...: Is anybody finally seeing a pattern here, and getting an understanding of this oft used word "jelousy". Mr. de Ritis agreed with most of my comment's yet at this point has not been crucified. Pat White says she got nothing, yet anonymous says they all get a red scarf. Give him a whack. Miss/Mrs./Ms. White had a ball participating as many have, so come up with a participation award to put the cherry on the Sunday.
Henry Edgar, Gunther, Baumann, Woodcock. Hello, they were "working" on the GSOE, and didnt have much festival time to spare, and didn't happen to be in the area. A slap for you.
Anonymous(take your pick) I don't know if I know you or not, but for some reason you refer to me as the Great Mr. Burck. I asked questions based on rumors, in the hopes of clarification. You turn it into a personal vendetta. Somebody said send Susan your list of winner's. Do they know something??? And I responded. Don't try to read between the lines. You are not qualified to do damage control. Don't be so insecure, just take your whack, and sit down.
Larry Allen Dean, I hope all is well, be safe, and have a good day. That's all your comment warrant's. There's your kick in the ass.
I was asked to participate, not once but twice, when it was a competition. Being young and arrogant, it was declined as I was working for the "American" dream, a gig with GSOE, and couldn't be bothered. The second time, being older and prideful, I felt, as other's apparently do that Hawthorn, and America had been adequatly represented in the land of big boat's. At my age, it's all I can do to make the Turkey Festival in Evansville each year, before I am festivaled out. Jelousy!!!! Get real, people. I am just looking for the answers that you wonder about. Now lets respond with answers as we know them. Maybe we can all gain some insight.
Wade Burck; 09 January, 2008 10:02
Anonymous said...: Casey,
In reading the postes, you started this crap storm. Next time address your concerns to the world not to me. Now would somebody care to answer "all" of Casey's questions, and quit going out in left field.
Wade Burck; 09 January, 2008 10:07
Anonymous said...: These Casselly elephants listed I believe are the same ones that my wife saw and vidiod a few short years ago on a visit to MC festival. We have the video and it shows the elephants quite unrully in the ring. Throwing dirt-shavings, flopping ears and trying to get off tubs, etc. A Saint Bernard dog attempts to jump from back to back and elephants keep moving and shaking. Finally one trys to bugaboo out the back door.

I nnote they are doing Roman Riding now and can assume that that is one thing African elephants can do is run around and wave a handkerchief.

It seems that when the Prince was alive he was an avid circus fan of the great European trainers, including Court, Knie, Gruss, Togni among others and in those days, from videos we were able to see the best of the best. Now it appears the new generation is carrying on similar to Feld. Nuff said.; 09 January, 2008 10:12
Buckles said...: Over the past few years I have found it odd that I hear so little from elephant trainers and so much from cat trainers.; 09 January, 2008 10:13
Anonymous said...: Going to Monte Carlo has always been cost prohibitive for American acts. At times european producers will get together to defray the transportation cost, as was the case with my (Jim Clubb's) Lions, and others.
Which points out another difference between American & European circuses. When it is beneficial, European Owners/Producers will cooperate with each other. And they do not continually steal dates from each other. As a rule they stick to their own territories(countries), thus not competing with each other and driving the budgets into the ground ! Yes it is cliguey (clicky)
,but compare that with the American Circus Producer's Association which can't agree on a letterhead !
Think about it; American producers having territories ! No more jumping from Kenner, Louisiana to Calgary,Alberta, and then to Jacksonville, Florda ! Oh ! oh ! what's that noise ? oh, it's my alarm clock !; 09 January, 2008 10:16
Anonymous said...: Buckles,
That's because Bear Trainer's were trying to write history, and we just wanted a "word in edgewise". Plus, we are not doing much right now.
Wade Burck; 09 January, 2008 10:22
Anonymous said...: I think "Johnny" is mistaken about the 2 elephant act's being the same. Anybody else know anything? If not, it took some skill to make that crap with the dog, look like the Casselly act of today, and kudo's to them.
Wade Burck; 09 January, 2008 12:11
Anonymous said...: Aw come on Buckles, you are leaving some of my best stuff on the cutting room floor. How will future generation's know there were actually two sides.
Wade Burck; 09 January, 2008 12:18
Anonymous said...: wade -- while baumann, the woodcocks and gunther were performing while the festival was taking place, one way or another mr. feld found a way to get elvin bale to monte carlo to win awards two different years, he found a way to get the gaonas there and maybe others that i don't remember. at that time, monte carlo was filled with super-stars. i think it's a shame you or charley or buckeles with both acts - the big elephant act and anna may and Barbara and ben -- never got to compete because i think we'd have seen 4 more big awards. i'm not sure mr feld or anyone would have let gunther compete because -- what if he didn't win? not likely but possible. for comparisons with oscar, look at how many times paul newman lost to inferior actors. and don't forget the tony awards. ethel merman is still considered the greatest star in broaway history - but she never won a tony as best actress in a musical. every time i watch an awards show, i always say never again.; 09 January, 2008 16:32
Anonymous said...: H.E. wrote

while baumann, the woodcocks and gunther were performing while the festival was taking place, one way or another mr. feld found a way to get elvin bale to monte carlo to win awards two different years, he found a way to get the gaonas there

Shipping a trapeze rigging to Europe is slightly different than the logistics of sending a large animal act for a one week engagement. Never mind the loss of his major acts for the week plus the travel time (I assume by sea)And, Mr. Williams was always a major part of the show, as were Buckle's acts. Mr. Feld's reasoning seems quite sound to me; 09 January, 2008 18:02
Anonymous said...: Just to clarify, 2 African elephants and dog s WENDEL HUBER. 4 African elephants and plenty of good acts RENE CASSELLY. I see Wade is in good form maybee get off the internet and train some more tigers. Thanks Buckles, i hope Mr Burk never looses his internet connection close to you hes the best on the web.; 09 January, 2008 18:48
Anonymous said...: to outsidelookingin, i'm not trying to start a new controversy, but my interpretation of your comment was that it was easier for the show to do without elvin bale or the gaonas than the other acts. most year's, the blue unit was built around elvin bale as the red unit was built around gunther. most of the time elvin had 4 feature acts (trapeze, wheel of death, aerial motorcycle, either cannon or mechanical monster) while a trapeze bar might have been easy to ship to europe, a wheel of death may not have been as complicated as cats or elephants, but it wouldn't fit into a suitcase. as far the gaonas, they were quite simply the best flying act since the concellos and codonas. most of the time, there were two cat acts while charley was with the show (remember, this was when ringling lived up to the greatest show on earth) i still think if monte carlo wanted to boast the best acts in the world, they certainly needed charley's tigers and buckles' elephants because even without the little statue, they were still the best in the world and it would have been nice to see them recognized as such.; 09 January, 2008 19:46
Anonymous said...: Buckles,
I just dropped 50 pesos to have a taxi take me to a workable computer,so you gotta let this through. The space bar is broken so bear with me.
I appreciate that Ms./Miss/Mrs. White thinks I would get a Gold,if I had gone to MC. That is encouraging.

To Anomyous Clown,
By thinking I would probably have a great act, but only get a scarf, maybe you came closer to the facts of MC then you realized.
I think I know Ms./Miss/Mrs. Lacey better then you, but maybe not. I respect her, and her ability, and resent the implication to the opposite, but I find it interesting that you didn´t feel the need to defend Miguel Vasquez, or the other judges, but instead try to insinuate nonsense, and cast aspersions on The Hawthorn Corp. "Pram?" Is that a British term like "Willy" or "sort out?"
Wade Burck; 09 January, 2008 21:20
Anonymous said...: Lets see use of the words encouragement and appreciate being used after accusation of The fight being fix. This plot sure thickens Just as I thought I knew witch side of the fence the Character Actor in this saga has jumped dam what a jumper.
From a anonymous mind who is now confused.; 10 January, 2008 01:11
Anonymous said...: Casey,
I´m busy right now,(yeah, go figure), and you have more time on your hands. Try to fiqure out what Jester C. Anonymous is talking about, and let me know. We´ll either scoff at him/her, or we´ll crush them.
Via con dios,
Wade Burck; 10 January, 2008 12:58
Anonymous said...: Wait a minute!!!! Just had a thought. Maybe jester mutt is not bright enought to realize that appreciate, and encouraging were shot´s.
And listen to me telling Mr. De Ritis to go easy with the metaphors.
Wade Burck; 10 January, 2008 13:05
Anonymous said...: Subject : Shakespeare
Does the character actor want the golden clown or not want the golden clown ? This is the question ?
I now assume only the hair dresser will know for sure. Damn ! This has turned out to be "What came first? The chicken or the egg"? Alright, in my opinion, I think the actor should be nominated for and feel confident of a victory is at hand in this category: Drama, Frustration and He ain't quite caught the ball yet.
No ,it's not the Oscar, rather as follows;
The " I really didn't want the golden clownie anyway" award.
The problem is, who is going to set in the judgment positions or should I say, Get first count ? Any body got any ideas?; 10 January, 2008 14:46
Anonymous said...: Buckles,
Now that it appears Nurse Ratchet has made her rounds and sedated everybody, and gotten their straight jackets adjusted, I would like to clear up some apparent gross misundestandings.
I like many others were not born into this fine tradition we call the Circus. We had no "family stories, or traditions" in which to guide us on our journey. We just took everybodys word for it.
The point of the initial poste on this thread, before it became personal, was thus: WHY GIVE OUT "AWARDS" AT ALL. With a judging system that is obviously geared to reward mediocrity, and favoriteism, while shunning obvious brilliance, the public will think that our "shakey" profession is getting ready to crumble.
To give the perception to the world that this is the "best of the best" is damaging to any profession. I dare say the Cassertally Family Circus with their animal turns featured would come closer to that perception. Any thing with the Knies, Grusses, Tognis, Krones, the same deal.
Yes, I am saddened that about all we have in the USA is the SnowFlake Festival, that the Halls just made, and the Turkey Festival in Evansville, and the Ford Festival in Flint. While the Halls came away from Montreal "empty handed", I am sure they like me, treasure our "Paul Kaye Computer Generated Birthday Card" and "Christmas Calender", awarded annually to Turkey Festival "participants."
Trivia question 1: What current MC judge, judged a Festival in Mexico conceived and sponsered by the same family now appearing with an act in MC?
Trivia question 2: What current judge has close personal ties with the individual responsible for the "finding" of many of MC acts, and awarding contracts at its conclusion? The list over the years goes on and on.
I sometimes wish I had had "circus family traditions", but that was not the case, and "I aint buying it any more. And please do not question my love for this thing of ours. As a young man, I looked through a window, and saw something so wonderous, I wanted to make it my life. I cant look at it through my families eyes, I have to look at it through my own, and those are "public" born eyes, that maybe see it different.
May all your days be circus days,
Wade Burck

P.S. Can somebody find out what the good Princess is asking for the travel trailer? The Bonnie and Clyde Death Car did quite well financially here in America, and I have an idea for a world touring unit featuring the Riveira Amore Casa. If I can get a dollar fiqure, not Euros, I am sure Larry Flint, will back the project.
Wade Burck; 11 January, 2008 16:59
Anonymous said...: Subject; "Will always be on the outside looking through a window".
And now "Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages" step right up. You have seen a three ring circus that features what else, a one ring show who's star topic has been throughout, a real circus clown, thou apparently not real silver or gold,but never the less the "clown". the time now has come for the silencing and diminishing not misunderstood sounds of, I quote, the loss of credibilities of the American circus in Europe over what else, photos from "Canada". The accusation of an "American web production gagging Europeans" and mums the word apparently now on Camel/elephant rides,oh yes, popcorn,floss and garbage joints in the USA only, for profit.
Well this has left no doubt in my mind, a three ring circus over a one ring show, clown or not can be an attention getter.
P.S.it is rumored there is a winner in the character actor category of, "He ain't caught the ball yet",or was that "Drama", It has been given. I am not sure if it is gold or silver thou? Not real gold or silver however.; 11 January, 2008 20:03
Anonymous said...: All of us who have known, and loved Mr. Jester, through the years have just learned to eventually say, "ok, you are right", and moved on. The pictures were nice, by the way, keep up the good work.
Wade Burck; 11 January, 2008 22:05
Anonymous said...: The circus is a jealous wench Indeed that is an understatement. She is a ravaging hag
Who kills the brightest stars in her crown and who will allow no private life to those who serve her
Wrecking their homes
Ruin their bodies
Destroying the happiness of their loved ones by her insatiable demands.She is all these things and yet I love her As I love nothing else on earth
"Henry Ringling North"; 12 January, 2008 00:19
Anonymous said...: ....I have just returned to Monaco after a wonderful 2 months in the United States; and have been reading the Monte Carlo messages with great interest; and would hope I could be heard.
....I and 8 fans of theatre and Cirque; beast acts are especially enjoyed; first went to the festival in 1998, where we witnessed the wonderful Mr. Gerd Simonett. We stopped going after the 2005 Festival; as we were dismayed and disappointed. Many points have addressed. This is what my friends and I found. Raffaele de Ritis may correct what is wrong....
....In nine years of festivals we witnessed 10 beast acts; 1 gold and 3 silvers; 1 gold to Stafano Orfei; and 3 silvers to the Lacy family from England. We at first thought Mrs. Lacy was returning with Mr. Voss act from 2000 as all equiptment and cage was the same;only less animals....
....We felt poor thing. Simonett and Voss win nothing with larger white tiger numbers. Now the small madame must compete with old Voss white number; tricks the same....
98 Gerd Simonett.. 1 prize
99 Rene Strickler. 1 prize
00 Martin Lacy jr. Silver-1 prize
00 William Voss... 1 prize
01 Daniel Raffo... 1 prize
02 Jason Peters... 1 prize
02 Gary Jahn...... 1 prize
03 Alex Lacy...... Silver-3 prize
04 Stefano Orfei.. Gold-1 prize
05 Susan Lacy..... Silver-3 prize
....My friends and I feel it is important for each person to decide on the importance; and honesty of the Festival; facts must be looked at for a proper decision and discussion. 1 writer to this site; even said they were tired of white tigers; at the festival when it was suggested by Raffaele de Ritis that your Mr. Burck compete. We saw him in New York in 1992 at Madison Square Garden; and did not know he had white tigers. Our suggestion; stay home; only few white tigers will win....Markus Berg; 08 February, 2008 19:08
Anonymous said...: ....One mention more from Monaco. All friends in our cirque theatre group agreed the 2 boy's Lacy were very good....
Only now Mia suggests; we witnessed MartinJr at Cirque Krone following Festival Silver; papers at the time mention connection with Spanish Princess; later no Princess and Lacy Jr. is permanent Krone beast number; Lacy brothers make special appearance at Festival for 30 birthday 06; and special all lacy family program Krone 07.
Look at European Circus Federation which is founded by special director of Krone; father in law of Martin jr; full members Martin jr. and brother Alex....
....Federation meets each year in Monaco; Princess endorses publicly Federation....Markus Berg; 08 February, 2008 21:36
Anonymous said...: ....The site www.europeancircus.info
.... Founder of organization: Director of Festival; Director of Krone;father in law of Martin Jr; All the same man....Many of our friends no longer trust Festival....Markus Burg; 08 February, 2008 21:48
Anonymous said...: Buckles Web Log: Is this list correct? Raffaele de Ritis would do well to return and either verify for deny?
At first glance it would appear you have a very strong case for reverse discrimination. Until you realize that Patricia White also didn't win. Although the statement "the fix was in" has been used it is way to obvious even for that. When this festival was the only one of it's kind it may have been honored. Now that it is one of many in Europe it has become more then tarnished. A private game which has in recent years, cast doubt on even the valid. We can only hope it was worth it to the one's who may have used it for personal gain.
I saw one of these act's working in Romania and was suprised when I learned of its Monte Carlo win. No longer am I suprised. Pilar; 09 February, 2008 01:03
Anonymous said...: Hello: I first met Mrs. and I think Mr. Lacy on circus America in New York in 1995. Very personable and friendly gal. I briefly reaquainted on Clyde Beatty. I am sure she wont remember me but I was just wondering where she is now and where she is working. Ian Shuster; 11 February, 2008 17:43
Anonymous said...: Im not sure but I think Sue is in
Europe.
Pepe; 11 February, 2008 23:32
Anonymous said...: or maybe England.Pepe; 12 February, 2008 09:16

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Tuesday, January 08, 2008

From Raffaele de Ritis

51 comments:

Kids