Circus Flora‘s new season opens Thursday night with “Undercover,” which runs at the Big Top (3401 Washington) through June 25. Here’s what to know before you go.
The Plot
The show is an international spy thriller—think ‘Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?’ Three spies, known as Division 3, double as clowns as they chase a criminal mastermind across the world.
As you might guess, it’s not exactly the icy cool of 007. “There’s a pretty rich history in finding comedy in bumbling spies—Boris and Natasha, Get Smart,” says Circus Flora executive and artistic director Jack Marsh. “Circus Flora’s style is to weave acts together through a storyline, usually a slightly cartoonish storyline with a healthy dose of jokes and goofy things happening.”
The clowns/spies cross paths with a number of performers who are allies or colluding with the criminal mastermind. They range from familiar faces, such as the Flying Wallendas and the St. Louis Arches, to those who will be making their Circus Flora debuts.
The Acts
Mr. and Mrs. G have a crossbow act that Marsh describes as reminiscent of William Tell. The striking-looking pair have a dance and theater background, which informs their act. “I went with them apple shopping the other day,” Marsh says. “They were like, ‘We prefer taller apples to shorter ones.’ They’ll be amazing.”
Aerialist Laura Lippert does her show while hanging by her hair. “There’s no trick; there’s no gimmick,” Marsh says. “She is literally hanging by her hair doing acrobatics and contortion.” (No word on what kind of conditioner she uses.)
The Human Fountains, whom you may have seen on America’s Got Talent, perform synchronized, um, spitting. They create beautiful shapes, but things ultimately get pretty silly. “They made it very far on this unlikely skill they have,” Marsh says.
Juggler Roberto Carlos from Mexico brings an energetic style to the show while keeping clubs, hats, and more aloft. (He also holds the world record for juggling ping-pong balls with his mouth.)
Closing out the show, the Globe of Speed is a metal sphere with motorcycles zooming around in formation inside. “It takes up the whole ring,” Marsh says. “It’s big and impressive and a little bit loud. It’s a kind of visceral experience seeing them up close.”
The Community
Beyond the laughs and the wow factor, Circus Flora aims to be in and of the community as much as possible. “The overall thrust and philosophy that we have is to be universal and welcoming of everybody that we possibly can,” Marsh says. “We make a show that we think people of all ages and backgrounds and creeds will enjoy.”
For instance, the first performance, this Thursday, is a peanut-free preview show, in which people with allergies can safely attend. There’s also a sensory-friendly show on June 16, and the second annual Pride Night is June 21. The Clowns on Call program also sends jokers into hospitals to visit sick kids, and Share the Circus gives thousands of tickets to underserved communities every year.