“The Trial of the Century” to dazzle Big Top audiences following 16-month pandemic postponement
After the cancellation of the 2020 season, hope and wonder return to the Big Top. Join Circus Flora for daring feats and gasp-out-loud performances, as St. Louis’ iconic hometown circus once again lights up the Grand Center Arts District. This year’s show, “The Trial of the Century,” runs October 7 through 31, and tickets go on sale this Monday, June 28.
Join Circus Flora and an amazing assemblage of acts from around the world for storytelling like none other. This October, the Big Top becomes the courtroom, the acrobats become the evidence, and the audience members themselves become the jury. The show will bring together astounding performers; announcements regarding specific acts will be made over the summer.
“For 35 years, the St. Louis community has shown such incredible support of Circus Flora, but this past year has shown us what community truly means,” said Managing Director Karen Shoulders. “Throughout the pandemic, St. Louisans stayed connected with Circus Flora by making donations, tuning into our Virtual Circus Showcase, and – wonderfully – attending our sold-out limited-run presentation of The St. Lou Revue earlier this month.”
A one-ring circus in the European tradition, Circus Flora blends the focused energy of modern performance with the lyrical storytelling of traditional circus arts. This world-class troupe preserves classical notions while incorporating innovative techniques and original new artists.
“I’ve spent my entire life with Circus Flora, and I can barely describe the joy I feel returning to the Big Top,” said Artistic Director Jack Marsh, who creates the show each season with Cecil MacKinnon. “Going dark in 2020 was absolutely the right thing to do, but what a delight it will be to return for a full season. We make the performance a different experience every year, so whether this is your first Circus Flora show or you’ve been with us each season, you’ll see something new.”
“The Trial of the Century” is an enthralling, immersive show. As Circus Flora’s storytellers will describe, malfeasance and misconduct have occurred in the circus tent. But all the witnesses saw something different, and all the evidence points to contradictory conclusions – so it’s up to audience members to determine what really happened!
Tickets for “The Trial of the Century” begin at just $15, and Circus Flora will once again offer a Peanut-Free Preview (October 7) and a Sensory-Friendly Performance (October 21). New this year are Schlafly Saturdays; each Saturday during the season, arrive an hour before showtime to sample Schlafly beers.