Ladies and Gentlemen, the "World's Tallest Big Top," Circus Chimera, is in town tonight.
The company's latest production, "Sue§os de Luna," or "Moondreams," is sure to razzle, dazzle and change your concept of the circus.
According to a news release, Circus Chimera features "fantastic feats on the ground and in the air, including aerial contortion, juggling, tumbling, balancing, flying trapeze and jump roping like you've never seen before."
The show makes a diversion from the timeless spectacle of a traditional circus and creates many innovations within the circus format. Don't expect to see any animals aside from the pre-show pony rides and don't expect a string of acts thrown together in a haphazard manner. Circus Chimera is one, if not the only, circus that has an imaginative storyline running though all its acts.
"Moondreams" tells the story of two siblings who go to the circus and become captivated by the sights bestowed upon them. The little girl, who attempts one of the circus acts when she returns home, becomes discouraged when her endeavors are less than fruitful. The siblings are then visited by a Circus Spirit who transports them into the enchanting world of the
circus.
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In a recent interview with Circus Chimera's clown and Artistic Director Tom Dougherty, he said this particular aspect of the show is his favorite.
"We get the whole audience to encourage (the little girl)," he said. "We get the audience invested in the storyline. We use the craft of theater to bring out the art of the circus."
Dougherty, who is a graduate of the New York City Neighborhood School of Playhouse as well as the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Clown College, said it has taken him twenty years to master his art form.
"A clown works in conspiracy with the audience," Dougherty said. "A clown reminds us that we are fallible and that we should not take our failures to heart."
Dougherty is passionate about his love for the circus.
"I think the circus is the most poetic form of expression there is," he said. "The same spirit that evoked us to send a man to the moon is the same spirit that evokes an aerial artist to pull the stunts he does."
Dougherty said Circus Chimera is different from other shows in that it tries to keep prices at a minimum so that it is available to everyone.
"Owner James Judkins wanted to create a high-quality theatrical circus and endeavors to keep the prices low," Dougherty said.
The diversity of the show's cast also makes the show unique, including performers from the United States, Argentina, Mexico and Russia. Touring with the show are 12 members of the Chimal family, which includes three generations of circus performers.
Aside from the show's vast assortment of people and performances, it promises "a true family experience."
From such an inspired circus, audiences can hope to gain a feeling of youthful delight.
"There is no better gift to give the audience than a smile and a bit of joy," Dougherty said.
Circus Chimera will be in Albuquerque tonight through Sunday, at the Indoor Mercado grounds at 12th Street and I-40. Tonight and tomorrow night's shows start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday show times are 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows are at 12:30, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $8-18 and can be purchased at the show or by calling 1-888-ONE-RING.
For tour dates or for more information, visit the circus' Web Site at www.circuschimera.com.
