As a change of pace.....an assortment of furniture acts.
During a life time of loading and unloading bull tubs, planks, spindles, barrels, etc. I always envied acts that traveled light.
I remember two Canadian brothers who did an excellent knockabout act that only required a table. After arriving in their car few hours before show time they would scout around the building to see if they could locate one.
If nothing turned up they would borrow one out of somebodies office.
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Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Table Acts #1
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9 comments:
Louie & Pierre Zerbini did a
comedy acrobatic knockabout act
with a long table that they put
some talc on to make it slippery
Wardrobe was desheveled suits
& floppy fedoras to resemble a
couple of drunks
I recall that Pierre's 2 sons
Robert & Mario tried to continue
with their routine years later
with very little success
Chic: I must take issue with you concerning the young Zerbini acrobats and their Comedy "table act" I do not know how you rate success but I vividley recall seeing them shortly after their arrival to our shores on a small American "mud show" and the act was excellent, doing everything that is expected from a good table comedy act, including their comedy actions. They were very good all around performers in various acts [wire, low wire][cousins did great high wire] and bareback riding. We, circus folks talked about the fact that it was nice to see a good comedy table act, not having one currently appearing. I am sure there wrere other issues in their regard, but I feel I must state my opinion and that of others that we saw. Bear in mind this was a small tent show that would not attract many general critics.They have gone on over the years as single act performers,etc. but I can assaure you that they were fine, seasoned and well trained young performers.
Sorry John but I believe we are
referring to 2 different times in
their careers as I only saw the
boys worked the table well after
their father & uncle gave it up
The entire family (& I know them
all very well) have always been
top notch performers in so many
different endeavors
I imagine you are talking about
their time on the Mills Show &
I only met them after that
After watching Louie & Pierre do
their version of the table act
it seemed (some time later) that
the boys were phoning it in
All of the many Zerbini family
acts were superb as Jean Charles
(Tarzan) doing an incredible act
with mixed cats without whips &
guns & chairs that included just
the right amount of comedy (until
he got that damn wireless mike)
It was the 1st time seeing that
style of cat act for me & it was
so different from the fighting
style I had seen before
The "Les Block" high wire group
led by Gerhard & Rita & included
Louie's 2 sons Gerard & Alain as
well as Jean Berveaux & Stella's
daughter Gilda was of classic
European style & elegant
Both Jacqueline & Mimi did very
memorable high trapeze routines
Most of the younger generations
are keeping up that tradition
& I'm proud to know many of them
Especially the 3 sisters Patty
Sylvia & Christine
Where did you see the two older brothers do the comedy table act? as I recall they were past their prime for doing that strenous acro act after coming to America. By the way it was not on Mills where I sw the younger brothers. They were on Hoxies second show, small show named Lewis Bros. and that season was mgnd by Pete Cristiani. Also I am the first announcer that John, Mimi and the family had when appearing in America on Mills Bros. anbd the Tarzan thing was a couple of yeARS IN THE FUTURE. fOR the record.I am fortunate at this age in life that my memory is excellent and my family and friends are quite aware of that. I just like to keep the record straight and call it the way it is. No offense taken to be sure. Sincerely johhnny
Your memory is very impressive
John & we are all very lucky to
read the important details as you
describe them (thanks)
My recollections are pretty fair
fortunately this is not a contest
I believe I 1st met the family on
a Fleckles or Don Francisco date
in the early 60s but not certain
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