By Circus Flora
“Trial of the Century” to include all-new acts, including NBA halftime show and America’s Got Talent star
Once again, feats of daring and wonder return to the Grand Center Arts District as Circus Flora prepares for its 34th season under the iconic Big Top. This year’s show, “The Trial of the Century,” runs June 4 through 28, and tickets go on sale this Monday, March 2.
Join Circus Flora and an amazing assemblage of acts from around the globe for storytelling like none other. This summer, the Big Top becomes the courtroom, the acrobats become the evidence, and the audience members themselves become the jury. The show will bring together beloved acts that delight year in and year out, such as The Flying Wallendas and the Circus Harmony’s St. Louis Arches. Plus, this season welcomes new faces to the ring, including Christian Stoinev, who regularly dazzles crowds at NBA halftime shows and has appeared on America’s Got Talent. (Christian doesn’t perform alone – he’s joined by his equally talented chihuahua, Scooby!)
Also appearing for the first time this year is the Aliev Troupe, bringing jaw-dropping aerial ballet to the Big Top. This remarkable act won Gold at the Nikulin Circus Festival in September 2018 and Silver at the Monte Carlo Circus Festival in 2019 – and joins Circus Flora fresh off a dazzling run at Big Apple Circus in New York City.
“For 34 years, the St. Louis community has shown such incredible support of Circus Flora,” said Managing Director Karen Shoulders. “It’s our delight to bring something new and amazing each season, as well as welcome back the performers who are so beloved by our audience.”
One of just two European-style one-ring circuses in the nation, 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.
“We love being a part of St. Louis families’ summer tradition,” said Artistic Director Jack Marsh, who creates the show each season with Cecil MacKinnon. “We make the performance a different experience every year, so whether this is your first Circus Flora show or your thirty-fourth, you’ll see something new.”
“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!