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MITZIELaFORM Queen of the Single Page 2 April 11,1983 WOODEN NICKELS ACTS ..... Ar« you listed with with your copy. 1,000 DWIGHT DAMON only $37.50; 500 for Unlimited $27.50; 2,500/$89.50 100 aJI different $6.50 Lane Manor Box 685 Send $1.50 for 15 samples and catalog Merrimack, NH- 03054 ELBEECO. Phone:603-424-3341 Box230-CR San Antonio, Texas 78291 THEATRICAL SUPPLIES Show Dates PI RATES TREASURE COVE ---MAGIC--- Bill Rodgtn P. 0. Box 822 Gibsonton, Fla. 33534 Pf. Miller-Magic Time USA Phone 813-677-1137 Apr 2 Bigerville, Pa. 4 Chambersburg - S.A.S.E. For New Catalog of Item* - 5 Carlisle 7 Shiremanstown SSunbury - 9 Ephrata 11 Brockway 13Towanda 15 Taylor 16 Langhorne 24 Coraopolis Felix Snipes Apr. 1-2 Louisville, Ky. 8-10 Brenham, Texas 15-17 Memphis, Tenn. 22-24 Jacksonville, Fla. Page 4 April 11,1983

•^V^^B Hamid-Morton Roller Bros. Circus Show Ditis Apr. 4-9 WilkesBarre, Pa Apr. 2-3 San Antonio, Tex. 11-17 Harrisburg 4 Jourdanton Beatty-Cole Circus 19-24 Morristown, NJ 5 Eilley Apr. 1 Gainesville, Fla. Hetzer's Int'l Circus 6 Nixon 2-3 Jacksonville Apr. 18 Grayson, Ky. 7 Canadian 4-5 Brunswick. Ga. 8 Sutthuca 6 Orangeburg.SC Kay Bros. Circus 9 Geddine 8-10 Wilmington, NC Apr. 6 Oennison, Tex. 10 Cedar Park 11 Mason 11 -13 Charleston, SC. Lewis Bros. Circus 14 Florence Apr. 2 Bainbridge, Ga. 12SanSaba 13 Lake Beouville Garden Shrine Circus 3 Cochran 14 Albany Apr. 8-10 Fargo, N.D. 4 Americus 5 McDonaugh 15 Anson Carson & Barnes Circus 6 Eastman 16 East I and Apr. 1 Jacksonville, Tex. 8 Jackson 17 Cranbury 2 Longview 18 Decator 3 Dallas M & M Circus 4 Grand Prairie Apr. 19-24 Omaha, Nebr. ---OTHER DATES--- 5 Stephenville W. McCary's Circus Butler Bros. Carnival 6 Llano Apr. 15-May 7 Mar. 31-Apr. 3 Richmond, Ca. 7 Fredericksburg New England States Mar. 31-Apr. 3 Oakland 8 Kerrville Apr. 7-10 Piedmont 9 Junction Olympic Int'l Circus 10 Ballinger Apr. 13-17 Nashville, Tenn. Convention 11 Stamford Rinyling Barnum - Blue Apr. 20-24 St. Paul, Minn. 12 Plain view Mar. 29-Apr. 10 Disney's Ice Odyssey 13 Levelland Washington, DC Apr. 19-24 St. Petersburg, Fla. 14 Brownfield 15 Lamesa Ringling-Bamum - Red James H. Drew Exposition ISHobbs, N.M. Mar. 29-June 5 Apr. 4-16 Augusta, Ga. New York, NY 18-23 Belmont, NC Castle/Zerfaini Circus Apr. 8-17 Columbus, Oh. Roberts Bros. Circus Easter Carnival Apr. 2 Sun City, Fla. Mar. 25-Apr. 3 Circus Coronas 6Zephyhills Hayward, Calif. Apr. 1-10 Marietta, Ga. 7 Land-0-Lakes 15-17 Monroe, La. 8 Lithia Scott's Medicine Show Apr. 16 Comanche, Texas 22-23 Little Rock.Ark 9 Riverview 10 Crystal River 17 Brady Circus Vargas 18Snyder Apr. 5-7 Santa Monica.Ca. 11 Arcadia 15-17 W. Palm Beach 19 Big Spring 8-11 Northridge 20 Odessa 12-14 Sim! Valley Royal Hanneford Circus 21 Andrews 15-17 Oxnard Apr. 19-23 Cincinnati, Ohio 22 Kermit Garden Bros. Circus 23 Lake Arthur, NM Shrine Circus 24 Levelland, Texas Apr. 8-10 Kitchener, Ont. Apr. 14-17Tacoma,Wash. 15-17 London 22-24 Hamilton Page 6 April 11,1983 FOR SALE HAND RAISED BABY TIGERS - Permit Holders Only - DAVID MCMILLAN Call: 813424-2421 (Days) Call: 813422-5484 (Evenings) hv OANNY CHAPMAN Must U Anyone tn Love wtlKtK- CIRCUS 5F NO *700< postage included) U: BUI IN: Circus Buffoon Mar. 19 - Australia - A circus worker and two elephants were killed in a road accident I I near Moree in northern NSW. Police report Miss Pain Saunderspn, a close frined of that they all died instantly when the Sole the Perry family, which has operated the Bros. Circus truck in which they were tra- circus for more than 120 years, said the velling collided with a semi-trailer. family was devastated. Walter Douglas Buchal, 24, was the driver Buchal, she said, was a valuable employee, of the circus truck. The driver of the semi- and the elephants will probably be impos- trailer escaped with minor injuries. sible to replace. (An Australian law prohib- A third elephant in the truck was badly its importation of elephants for a circus). injured. In the past few months the circus has been The circus, Australia's oldest and largest, hit by a run of bad luck. Earlier in the year was enroute to an engagement in Brisbane. they lost their big top at Melbourne during a storm.

LOIS MADDEN 1/1), died recently at a hospital in Denton, Texas. Burial was at Lake City, Iowa. Mrs. Madden was a former circus perfor- SIEGE.! & CANTER mer, and she and her husband lived in Gai- Attorneys at Law nesville, Texas. Survivors include her husband. Dale Mad- den, Sr., a son Dale "Boots" Madden, a Immigration brother and a sister. •Prrmjmnt Resident \KJ\- • N 1x1-Immigrant Vi\a

Sleek and elephants were put Circus at Dayton through their paces by Buckles Woodcock, as Barbara was unable to work. by DON SANDMAN Unequaled balancing and dexterity was The Royal Hanneford Circus, of Tummy presented in all three rings featuring Eric and Struppi Hanneford, was doing great Adams, hand balancing. The Delmorals, business in Dayton, Ohio, for the Antioch and Mr. Bell on the chair . Shrine's 41st annual circus. The circus was A sequined spectacular of Cinderella fea- held at Hara Arena, from Mar. 14 to 20. tured the poodle act of Katinka as Cinder- There was one sad note in the run as Bar- ella with the entire cast of performers and bara Woodcock was thrown from the head participating. of an elephant during the opening spec and Intermission followed with a color book she suffered two broken wrists. and Optic Light pitch. Philip Morris, and announcer, The elephants of William Woodcock op- opened the show with a Sawdust and Span- ened the second half with a well paced act gles Serenade. featuring an elephant doing a one foot stand. Alan Gold opened the performance with High above the arena floor, performing li- his mixed group of tigers and lions, and fol- terally in the ceiling of the arena, the Nock lowing the cat act, high aloft in the arena Brothers worked their sway pole routines. The Kneisleys, The Jupiters and the Eduar- At one point they were actually standing in dos entertained as the cage was being dis- the ceiling, with only their legs showing. mantled. The and their Rocket blasted into The Antioch clowns held a fishing party in nothing with their fizzling fire cracker. a small bucket. Closing the show was the Human Projec- The team of Walt & Wendy held the au- tile Hugo Zacchim, who was blasted into dience spellbound with their hand-to-hand space. stands from the , The entire company then returned to Sa- The Flying Fomasaris closed their act with lute America and its flag. the Passing of two flyers in mid air. This unit of the Royal Hanneford Circus Norbu, the Almost Human Gorilla, had the was managed by John McConnell, with crowd roaring as he went up into the stands Dwight Hanson, prop boss. The show was to try on hats and other pieces of wearing produced by Tommy Hanneford. Following the antics of Norbu there was a pitch for the Optic Flashlights by announ- cer Philip Morris. Chimps in all three rings had the children in the audience happy - Vidbel's Chimps, Adams' Chimps and Bertini's Chimps. BILL "Boom Boom" BROWNING cele- High over the arena floor was the beauty brated his birthday during the Aut Mori of Wendy Patterson on the aerial rings while Grotto Circus engagement at Youngstown, Laura Amandis worked the trapeze over Ohio. The band and audience joined in to ring three. wish him many happy returns. Page 8 April 11, 1983 FORD BROS. CIRCUS - KODIAK P. O. Box 7099 - Cut and Shoot, Texas - 77303 800 -824- 7888, Ext. M -4260

to the corporation. Holwadel was recently B/C People named President and Chief Executive Offi- cer of Giant Portland and Masonry Cement Many familar faces in the staff of the Clyde Co. Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus will be seen on loca The circus this year is traveling on 31 units, tion this season including: Manager Art Bran which includes 11 diesel tractors, 16 gas tra- ning; Concession Manager Harry Rawls; Of- ctors, 27 semi-trailers and 4 gas-powered fice Manager Harry Hammond and Comptrol straight trucks. ler-Talent Coordinator Wilson Storey. Ro- The new banner illustrations depicting cir- man Fleskoske, formerly with Royal Amer- cus main show performers were painted by ican Shows, has joined the Beatty-Cole staff artist Bob Rawls. The banner trucks line to handle payroll and ticket sales duties. Ed- the midway, along with the concession semi, ward Firlein has been named Assistant Man- ticket office, moonwalk and elephant ride. ager and Gene Hecker will be the 24 hour Some highlights of the circus performance man. Corporate President John Pugh will be this year include: traveling with the show, keeping both the advance and road operation running smooth Uons and Tigers presented by Dave Hoo- IY. ver; a herd of elephants, presented by Fred In the advance department, Joe McMahon Logan; The Great Vashek, high wire motor- cycle act; Marie-Christine's trapeze act; My has returned to the organization and heads the Advertising Brigade. Marketing Vice Immba's African Baboons; The Ayala Troupe President Ned Toth handles the engagement on the ; Barrie Sloan, stilt walker; bookings and Renee Storey, Corporate Ad- The Flying Lunas, ; Marie- ministration Manager, coordinates the mar- France's Yorkshire Terriers; Antonio and keting personnel from the show's office in Julio, ; Sampion, juggler, plus a group of clowns, and Jimmy James, circus Winter Park, Fla. ringmaster. The circus is expanding its engagement for- mat this season to include a greater number of sponsored appearances as well as co-pro- moted ventures at regional shopping centers. Several "buy-out" engagements are also set THE SALSKYS, twin space wheel act. are for the season. Co-owner Doug Holwadel playing outdoor shows in England, which plays a particularly active role in this area, will be followed by a date in Denmark and and lends his sales and marketing expertise a park engagement in Spain. The Circus Report Page 9 Anita's miniature gave a pleasing Circus in Spokane performance in the center ring. Alahandro on the bounding rope was then by RALPH HENDERSON presented in ring 1 and Los Latinos, wire Tarzan Zerbini brought his Hubert Castle act was presented in ring 3. Shrine Circus into Spokane for the 29th edi Susan Sheryl's Royal Afghans were a real tion of the El Katif Shrine Circus. Clement crowd pleaser, but four year old Justino Toca was the musical director and Billy Bar- stole the show. The Olmedas followed with ton is the talent co-ordinator. Clowns were their Arabian Fantasy in all three Lee Marx, Bobby Davis, Habibt and Mike rings, then The Great Huberto presented Brevig. his slide for life. Lee Marx did a pre-show warm-up, while The clowns took over after that for their Gary Thomas offered elephant rides. funny Washerette skit, and then the first The show opened with Ringmaster Ernie half was brought to a close with the Las Ve McLean singing the National" Anthem and gas type production web number with six then, accompanied by flashing strobe lights girls up and featuring 16 year old Silvia on and a mirrored globe, came "Circus on Par- the single trapeze. ade." The second half opened with two bicycle Miss Carla's was the first act, acts - The Antonios and the Enriques. The followed by Tarzan working 2 male and 7 Luberras Flying act featured a twisting female lions and 3 tigers. Two acts double and the passing leap, and then came were presented while the cage was being the clowns with their telescope and a chance taken down - The Dynasty Duo and The to look at the stars. Magadur. Zoppe's Rhesus Monkeys made a great dis- Th£ tnird display offered three rings of play, followed by The Great Wallcndas who . In ring 1, The Torinos, ring 2, foot brought back memories to a large part of juggling by Miss Loni and Miss Barbara, and the audience. ring 3, The Kolmedys. The Zerbini elephants were worked by Lee Marx did an audience participation Gary and Patricia Thomas to a good hand, number and then the Lenz Chimps took and were followed by Johnny Luxem who over center ring. gave the audience one last thrill with his A Space Odyssey followed featuring Riet- Wheel of Destiny, after which the entire ta, Playmate of the Planets. A single ele- company filled all three rings for the finale. phant in each end ring followed, worked by Mr. Sensation, Mr. Billy Barton, was tem- Miss Sylvia and Miss Patricia, while Miss porarily out of the line-up, due to a dislo- cated shoulder.

AN I MAk CRACKER Miscellaneous

FEATURING Franzen Bros. Circus was unable to play its scheduled March 24th engagement at Tybee TRAIDEXOriC bland, Ga., because of extreme bad weather. ANIMALS FOR SALE A VERY UNIQUE SHOW UNIQUE CIRCUS JEWELRY Suitable for Parks. Fairs, Etc. Gifts - 8 x 10 Photos- Novelties P. 0. Box 2058 -Complete List $1.00- Canyon Country. Calif. - 91351 TOM SALISBURY Phone:(805)255-8614 P. 0. Box 81 Bradley Beach. NJ 07720 Page 10 In the mail from Fay Snyder The article on The Lone Ranger was read with interest. You see the original Hi Ho Silver horse was owned and trained by my father. Cart Romig, of the Romig and Roo- ney Circus. I helped to train the second Silver, starting at the age of 10.1 still train animals for the movies and also exhibit my white stallion "Cloud 9" which is featured on the "Young Maverick Show". I also have two mini stallrons • Sabor Dance and Mighty Michu • the latter is the most out- standing in the country.

from Col. E. T. Bale As you know I am now training horses and ponies for the Sally Chipperfield Circus here in England. They are very good to me and pleased with my work. Just the other day they gave me a small mini car so that I can get around to see what ever I might like to go and see. They have al- so supplied me with a trailer in which I am living. They have a great many trailers and provide them for the workingmen and any performers who are in need of living space. The Chipperfields have a great many wild animals as well as various hoof-type animals. They are trained by both James Clubb and Sally and their acts are sent all over the world. Starting in June of this year the circus will be at the new big building in Bournemouth, Dorset for the summer season. I've been meeting a lot of friends and cir- cus directors that I worked for years ago, as well as many circus performers that I've worked with. So, to all the people who have said that I was no longer able to work I would like to let them know that I am working regularly and successfully and am still liked by both children and adults. I'd also like to thank Mike Taylor for booking me here in England with one of the great of this coun- try. The Circus Report Page 11 Detroit Anniversary WILDS'ANIMALS by JOANNE JOYS SURPLUS... FOR SALE March 10,1983, marked an historical ev- Breeding Pair (proven) of Wallabys ening in circus history. On Feb. 26,1906, $1,800 -your crates the nation's first Shrine Circus was sponsor- Box 553 Mosier, Ore. 97040 ed by Moslem Temple at the Detroit Ar- Phone: 503-298-8332 mory on the northwest corner of Lamed and Brush. Originally a one ring show, the Flem and Emmett Kelly (Mrs. Evy Kelly Detroit Shrine Circus grew in importance Lentz accepting); Elephants - Cheerful Gar- and featured over the years the most excit- dner (Mark Hanneford Karoly accepting); ing acts ever seen in America. Many, like Thrill Act - The Zacchinis (Hugo Zacchini Clyde Beatty, began their climb to fame accepting); High Wire - The Wallendas (Mrs. here, while others achieved remarkable feats, Helen Wallenda accepting). like Antoinette Concello, who performed Following the introductions was a superb her first triple somersault at the Moslem preview of the Hanneford Circus that fea- Shrine Circus. tured Mark Hanneford Karoly and the On the gala evening of the 10th, The Sal- Mighty Mastodon Monarchs, Miss Belinda vation Army presented "Heartstrings" - A who performed 51 arm planges, the Back- Patron's Night Preview of the 75th anniver- Street Flyers, Gaylord Maynard and Chief sary Diamond Jubilee of the Moslem Shrine Bearpaw, the Shrine Circus Clowns and the Circus at the State Fair Coliseum. The most show stopping Garzas, Living Statues. thrilling part of the evening came when the The co-ordination between Moslem Tem- first twelve inductees of the Moslem Tem- ple, the Hanneford Circus with John Me ple's Circus Hall of Fame were introduced Connell, and the Salvation Army resulted by Philip Morris. in a very notable and exciting evening. Raques were presented to: Ringmaster - After the show the "Ringmasters" and Fred Bradna (Senor Rai accepting); Band- "High Flyers" had a special gourmet din- leader • Merle Evans; Single Trapeze - Strup- ner prepared by Detroit's top chefs, while pi Hanneford; Bareback Riders - The Rid- the circus buffs went through the "connec- ing Davenports (Tommy Hanneford accept- tion" to the Agricultural Building where ing); Wild Trainer - Clyde Beatty there was food, refreshments and entertain- (his daughter, Joyce Ferguson accepting); ment waiting. Featured in the attractively Flying Trapeze - The Concellos (Julio Ga- decorated building were a , a side ona accepting); Featured aerialist - Mickey show, an elephant ride, a merry-go-round King; Acrobat - The Nelson Family (Gun- and special displays on the history of the nar Amandis accepting); Clowns - Shorty Detroit Shrine Circus. Page 12 April 11, 1983 They're Married SANDRA MORRIS, daughter of producer BABOONS Philip Morris was recently married in Char- lotte, NC, to JOHN HOWELLS. Sandra has Trainers Choice $350 toured with the Hanneford Circus and the World of Fantasy Players. The newly mar- ried couple plan to live in Charlotte where Sandra has gone into the interior designing Also business.

Capuchins, Rhesus, Macaques Marmosets, Squirrel Monkeys, and other primates PHILIP MORRIS, magician and show pro- ducer, recently visited backstage with ma- gician Jeff McBride at the.Sands Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, and with John Calvert on The Marmoset Breeding Farm his yacht. John just completed a long run at P.O. Box 1104 the Playboy Casino with his magic show. He Riverview, Fla. • 33569 was the "Falcon" in the old movie series and Phone: (813) 677-3542 at one time had his own railroad circus "Cal- vert Circus" in South Africa. Ken Foss or Sybil Vosler For Sale-Flying Nets Cottle aquires show Gerry Cuttle has acquired all of the inter- One brand new, complete hand- est of his co-director Richard Chipperfield, in Circus Entertainment Management, Ltd. made, Ready to use. 12 ft. x 50 a Hong Kong based company which they ft. bed with 30 ft. catch apron, jointly owned and which presented the Ger- 22 ft. pedestal apron. ry Cottle Circus at Ocean Park, Hong Kong, $ 3,000.00 from Dec. 17, 1982 to April 10,1983. Circus Entertainment Management, Ltd. One slightly used machine made. will be presenting the Gerry Cottle Circus for an eight week period in Singapore, from Complete, Ready to use. 8 ft. x April 29th to June 26th, sponsored by a 50 ft. bed, 25 ft. catch apron, 17 leading Far Eastern Motor Distributor after ft. ped. apron, custom made rol- which it is expected that the company will ler equalizers on spreaders. undertake an extensive tour of other Far Eastern countries. $1,500.00 The Gerry Cottle Circus program to be presented in Singapore is substantially the same as that presented in Hong Kong, in- BOB CHRISTIANS cluding the groups of polar bears and leo- or pards which are under contract from the JOHN ZIMMERMAN Chipperfield Circus. 200 Combee Road In the meantime, Richard Chipperfield, Haines City, Fla. - 33844 will return to England at the conclusion of the Hong Kong engagement, to direct the Phone: (813) 422 - 3929 1983 tour of Chipperfield's Circus. The Cir 'is Report Page 13

then led the way to intermission time. PBAClfGUS The second half started with an upside- The PBA Circus played three performances down loop walk by Lee Anne Stephens. during its fourth annual engagement in Three rings of ponies were next with Ian Brookville, Fla., on March 26th. Craik in ring 1, Yvonne Stephens in Ring Danny Chapman did the warm-up during 3 and Miss Dianne presenting the the come-in, followed by a color book pitch. Hanneford Ponies in the center ring. After which the show got off to a rousing A balloon pitch followed Danny the clown. start with an overture under the direction of The show finished at a lively romp with the organist Florinne Oler with Marie Ferreira Italos leaping to three-high bounds on the on drums. trampoline, concluding with the Hanneford The opening act was a sevn-high rola bola Elephants smartly presented by George Han by Tino Ferreira, who was followed by the neford. Reginne Duo with their sophisticated cradle The PBA Circus was produced by Ron routine. Morris with all equipment leased from the This was followed by three rings of canines Roberts Bros. Circus. featuring: Lee Ann's Pets (Stephens), Yvon- Personnel included: George Rowe, ring- ne Stephens and the Hanneford and master/Performance Director; Jeff Earl, Pony with Kathy Hanneford in the center boss canvasman; Bobby and Teresa Earl, ring. concessions; Doris Earl, executive sidewall Danny Chapman did a short gag, prior to supt.; Ian Craik, animal supt. Miss Isabella continuing the bill with a bal- Visitors included Bonnie Armor, Hunky ancing bike number, after which came a and Carmen Johnson, Harry and June juggling jamboree with Mario Ferreira and Mills. Ian Craik. The Fomasari Family of Musical Clowns The C cu$ Report Page 15

- CORRECTION -

In a recent Circus Report, a Mr. Jon Friday reviewed the Detroit Shrine Circus produced by Tommy Hanne- ford.

Either Mr. Friday did not have his glasses on or he was terribly misinformed. He related the "Aladdin & His Wonderful Lamp" spec was costumed by Mr. Phil- ip Morris.

The entire Spec was produced and costumed exclus- ively for the Hanneford Circus by Senor Rai (Ray Ors- zak) and Cheryl Jones. Every costume was individually sewn and created by Cheryl Jones and Senor Rai. Mr. Morris had absoultely nothing to do with the Spec, in any shape or form.

Outside of the other mistakes, Mr. Friday stated that the riding act costumes were in canary yellow, when in fact even in bad lighting gold sequins do not look anything like canary yellow.

He also stated that he could not tell the girls from the boys. Mr. Friday, the boys were the ones with the hairy, bare chests.

Also, how can you possibly review a show when you work for a competitive one?

In the future Mr. Friday, please wear your glasses or do get your facts straight.

SENOR RAI and CHERYL JONES Page 16 April 11,1983

BILL SWAIN, of Ford Bros. Circus was re- BILL ATTERBURY, of the Skykings Sway cently hospitalized at: the Medical Center Pole act was seriously injured in a hit and Hospital, Conroe, Texas. run accident at Las Vegas. He would enjoy Bl LL BALLANTINE is working on a new cards and letters and mail can be sent to him book about animal trainers and one chapter at: Bill Atterbury, Southwest Memorial Ne- is devoted to DAVID McMILLAN, who is vada Hospital, 1800 West Charleston Blvd., currently appearing at Circus World in Flor- Las Vegas, Nevada 89107. ida. PHI Land ROSA KAVANAUGH, clowns, MARION "Sam" SERNS and BOB "Spiff' are working out ahead of the Franzen Bros. OWENS, clowns, are working advance this Circus this season. season for the Big John Strong Circus. The Circus Report Page 17 Show Animals FOR SALE Animals carried by Carson & Barnes Circus 1978 • 24 ft. trailer - 5th wheel, 24,000 and featured in the 1983 program include: GVW • Oak Floor - 6 ft. x 6 ft. skylight. 11 single elephants, 3 five elephant acts and Fits 1 medium sized elephant, or 2 - 3 2 three elephant acts; 5 high school horses, 1 smaller animals. waltz and rear horse, 2 three camel acts, 2 six pony drills, 2 four llama acts and a cat act Phone:(303)987-3029 with 5 lions and 2 tigers. 'Duff Gerhardt and Circus Chairman, H. The show's giraffe is led in spec and has Joe Snyder, 'truly phenomenal' and 'sen- been broken to ride. sational.' Both Saturday and Sunday matinees were sell-outs with near sell-out crowds at the re- Good Date maining four performances. Advance publicity by Joan E. White, pro* fessionally known as Joan of Art, touted Tigris Temple's Shrine Circus as the 'nift- ieth 50th'. THE GRIMALDIS - Ken and Vesta - re- The stellar performance of William Kay's cently played the Virgin Islands for Bobby Shrine Circus at the War Memorial Auditor- Yerkes, and they have just finished a run of ium, Syracuse, NY, March 18-20, proved dates in Florida, including their third return her right. Both daily newspapers ran editor- to the Robarts Arena, Sarasota, presenting a ials endorsing the circus, and radio and TV full evening's entertainment. Their latest ad- as well as newspaper coverage was, in the dition is a new Chevy Sportsvan for a tour of words of the illustrious Potentate M. N. the Middle West. Ttie Circus Report Page 19

Bobby Kaye, play to the people in the chea- ELMO GIBB. per seats as well as the front rows, you must make them feel they are a part of the show. by JOHN GAIZICK From Lou Jacobs, do slow gags; let the au- "My brother looks just like me, only he's dience see it; emphasize certain key ele- invisible." ments instead of continual fast pacing. The gentleman responsible for the above Elmo was severly bitten by the circus bug statement (which he uses quite often) is when he was a senior in high school. The none other than 'Elmo Gibb', advance Beatty show was to play the area, so he and clown for the Clyde Bealty-Coh Bros. Cir- several friends played hookey and guess cus. When asked if he's related to the fa- where they went? mous Gibb Brothers he sincerely says he isn't, but his twin brother is. Elmo explains he's from the dry part of Florida (as opposed to the wet part) and away from all possible sink holes. His real name is D. Marshall Chambers, stating the initial doesn't mean anything • he thinks his parents wanted him to be a lawyer or stock broker so afforded him the proper name. A graduate of Georgetown University with a degree in linguistics, the 31 year old Elmo is also a product of a new generation of educated clowns who learned his craft at Ringling's Clown College in Venice, Fla. After graduating from Clown College El- mo spent two years with the Blue Unit of the Ringling Show as one of their silent Elmo Gibb ^1 i* clowns. During that time he also served as Gaining front row center seats, it turned interpreter for Ursula Boucher, the German out to be a performance that Elmo clearly performer whose sensational polar bear act remembers to this day. All the clowns were was always highly acclaimed during her reign outstanding and he vividly remembers the with Rinyling. Because of her popularity she faces of clowns Ken Dodd, Shorty Hinkle was often interviewed and Elmo learned a and Lou Negy. Not only did they make a great deal on the technique of handling in- deep, lasting impression on him, but so did terviews. Many of the questions asked be- the elephant long mount stand which clos- came routine and Elmo knew in advance es the show and the swinging ladder spec, what answers to give. A common question All of the aforementioned sold him lock, was: "How long have you been training stock and barrel on circus life and I quote bears?" him when I say he felt it was an "Awesome Ursula: "Sieh' auf die nase auf disem sight." mensch." (literal translation: "Look at the In remembering other circuses seen, Elmo nose on that guy.") singled out certain performers who he was Elmo: "Fourteen years." most impressed by. The 1957 Ringling cir- The two years also served as a great learn- cus performer Gerard Soules whose heel ing experience and he says that by obser- catching left him speechless. The act was ving other performers important lessons later done in recent years on the Blue Unit were learned. of the Ringling Show by El'vin Bale. As a From Mark Anthony he learned that it is child he was also impressed by the Hunt's important to make every child feel like an Circus parade wagons as well as their Side individual; from Prince Paul that the au- Show's Punch & Judy act. dience's eyes are never off you and you When he left the Ringling Show he went must never be tired or show boredom; from on to teach an eight week Peggy Williams, project and play big; from (Continued on Next Page) Page 20 April! 1,1983 ELMO GIBB (Continued) handle radio talk shows - pointers that he still uses today. Course to some 20 children at the Burcks- rock Work Camp in New Milford, Conn. By Elmo feels he was born at just the right the end of the eight weeks, the children, time to be able to enjoy and leam from who ranged in age from 8 to 14, were ready those old TV reruns such as Burns and Al- to perform their learned skills in a public len, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, etc. He com- performance. pares a lot of his style of comedy to Grade Allen and feels he's learned a lot from these In 1978, Elmo wandered onto the Beatty masters of comedy. Reading biographies and show lot in full make-up and costume. With- other books about these television personal- out any question or hesitation, chief clown ities has also helped him develop the needed Jimmy James asked him if he would be in- insight to deliver his own style. terested in being the show's advance clown starting in 1979 • an association that con- Elmo also feels that the real reason he be- tinues to this day. came a clown is because it allows him to combine all the important lively and visual Taking on the job as advance clown open- arts such as • costume design - he designs ed up a whole new area in which Elmo had his own wardrobe as well as-the wardrobe no experience. It means being on your own for his Kitty; sculpture (he designs his with no other clowns around, promoting own foam rubber hammer and props); mu- the show prior to it's play date and hope sic, the guy sings and plays the banjo; dance you haven't driven the public away with movement, you should see his walk when in your tom-foolary. Not eve'ry clown can be character; animal training, remember my an advance down and Elmo was about to mentioning Kitty?? Also add juggling, acro- team that the transition from silent clown batics and his magic act.He loves doing his to his new position was not all that easy. work and it shows. Me worked at length with Alan Tuttle in "Consistency," he said, is the key to being the fine art of verbal clowning, widening a good clown. "You have to perform at the his range and rounding off the sharp edges. same level everytime. The trick is to be ab- He also did a lot of what he calls "hard solutely consistent but to make it look fresh thinking" as to what direction and techni- and spontaneous. The hardest places to play que he wanted to develop. Most of that are small towns - in Richmond and Salt Lake would develop with experience, but one City, they hardly ever laugh. It's a social has to start somewhere. thing. I don't think they even know how." Former performer Jimmy John- The only time Elmo has any real problems ston was a big help to Elmo by giving him with his work is turning it off after the cir- unused magic tricks - an electric deck and cus season ends. "It takes me about two fuzz balls. He started out with what he to- weeks to unwind. I have to time my energy day refers to as too many props. Props are to wear out at the same time the season does. of no use when he does radio interviews People ask me if clowns ever get burned out. and they play a major part in his promo- You know what I tell them? Only if they tion work. Today he limits himself in the prop department, carrying only what is es- smoke in bed." sential. In a box measuring 18x24x9 is car- At one of his Junior Clown Academy make- ried the items needed to do his magic show up sessions a boy asks, "Are you a clown?" and his clown academy appearances. 'Clown "No, I'm a elephant," Elmo answers. Academy' being sessions held where children "Don't swallow that balloon," he calls to a are instructed by Elmo in the fine art of ap- little girl ahead of him. "You'll get gas." plying clown make-up to their respective Eventually Elmo would like to design kissers. 'specs' (the highlight of a circus perform- With time and only time, Elmo learned ance which usually involves the entire com- that quick wit and verbal communication pany and is built around a certain theme). were his best means of reaching most folks. He has ideas for one dealing with outer His very first radio interview was done in space and for a cowboy and Indian theme. Georgia and turned out to be one of the Costuming and props are also in mind as most rewarding. The host took the time to well as the choreography. give him numerous pointers on how to (Continued in the Next Issue) The Circus Report Page 21

BENTLEY BROS. CIRCUS under canvas, dia Sisters, revolving iron jaw; Peterson's July 16-22, at E. Boston, Mass., gave such outstanding 8 horse liberty; Clowns and an excellent performance that I attended 4 The Boxing Match; The Venturas, aerial shows, taking atony friends. Alas! The at- perch, the new Phoenix Duo with Jo Ann tendance at all shows, all week long, was Jennier and blond Viking Bill Tjagvad, plus one-fifth of the 4,000 potential for the 150 the Rosmonds, aerial cradle. ft. round-ender with three 50 ft. middles, After intermission, the 4 Flying Lunas superintended by Walt Davis. were followed by the Sensational Pablo Even tho the top was on the harbor front Martinez, balancing pole act; trained equi- pier - weather was hot and I had a heated nes featuring America's Fire Chip with Evy argument with my friend promoter Dick Karoly, Golden Star and Black Beauty with Wilson, of the Variety Club-Jimmy Fund. Rex and Charlotte Peterson and Sir Bingo My contention is that today people in a with Dave Knoderer; Zerbini Riding Act; tenament area of big cities stay away from Clowns and Western Snapshooting, and $6.50 circus prices and unfresh Madison Bucky Steele's elephants (4) presented by Ave., discount gimmicking. Right now, to Jo Ann Craigmile. the uninitiated a circus is a circus and man- agement should realize that getting aud- VARIETY SHOWS at Suffolk Downs iences thru the marquee takes more than Race Track, near Boston, have been show- the'artistic excellence of the kinkers and casing excellent suitcase size stage acts like animals themselves, regardless of advance magicians, singers, musicians, jugglers, ven- funding. triloquists, comedians, etc. for the past 2 summers. These include Jerry and Ann Producers Tommy Bentley and Chuck Fields, Dario & Co., Lyn & Co., Valerie Clancy had a dirt-base for the horse acts in each of the tree rings. Walt Stimax bolster- & Alexander, Joe Carota and many more. ed the concession dept., 6 musicians fur- Marie Hager was booked in with her chimp nished a mix of hot and lively music led by "Bongo" and reaction was favorable to use Brooks Greer. other circus animal acts. My small pony wa- Jon Friday announced and comedic clowns small enough for the stage and my 4 dog Phil 'Pappy' Granger, Gary 'Maxo' Maxi- comedy routine was garnished by raves mena and Jeff 'Dinky' Konicek proved that from the track management. the best clowning comes from getting saw- Hopefully, these added frills to the busi- dust in the shoes rather than from attend- ness of gambling on horse races will start a ing student seminars conducted by the in- much needed trend that produces added experienced. employment for many of the talented, yet After an overture the circus started with smaller acts. Miss Jule's electrifyingslide-for-life. Spec followed and 3 sword balancing acts wor- ked during tiie colorful circus pageantry - Rebecca Zerbini, Ethel Jennier and Maya Acts Booked Zerbini; Next, Alan Gold with lions and The following acts were booked by Rose timers; trap acts of Aerialetta and Maya Adair, Artists' Representative in New York Zerbini; Lucky Bros., acro-knock-about; City, for the Circus Odyssey engagement in Elena Omar's one finger stand,.head and Baltimore for Nov. 4-7,1982. aero balancing; Nicholas Brothers, teeter- Cimse's Russian Wolfhounds & Pomeran- board, unique Maneul Gonsalves, rola bola, ians; The Ruwills (original upside-down Gomez Sisters, rolling globes; Clowns and act); and Hans & Sigrid, bal- The Dentist gag; Ethel's Greyhounds, Lip- ko's Chimps, Evy's dogs and pony; Clau- ancing act. April 11.1983 Page 22 Both performers were taken to the Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment and later were released. Barbara suffered two broken PHI L TEMPLE has announced his next San wrists and Wayne escaped with minor scrapes Francisco, Calif., Magic Symposium is set for and bruises. Sunday, May 22nd. Guests will include Jane Thurston (daughter and chief assistant for Thurston, Glenn Falkenstein, Frances Wil- lard and Lance Burton. A Giant MAXAMILLIAN CHRISTOPHER MILLER BULLETIN: * This man was born at Leipsic in 1694, and March - • Dayton, Ohio * George, a 4,000 finally attained the height of 8 ft. He travel- Ib. elephant stumbled as he stepped into the ed through Europe, being exhibited as a center ring during the "Cinderella" produc- giant. He went to England in 1733, where tion number of the Antioch Shrine Circus. he attracted attention by his great size, his Barbara Woodcock, who was riding the ele- enormous head and face and his fantastic phant, was thrown off and clown Wayne Li- attire. His hand measured a foot and his ikala rushed to catch her. He missed and the finger was 9 in. long. He died in London in elephant rolled on top of bim. 1734, at the aye of 40. The Circus Report Page 23

age of ventilation openings. The crates also USDA Report were not labelled "wild animals" or with the upright position indicated. Officials at Henry Doorly , Omaha, Neb To resolve the charge, Alentado accepted have accepted a cease-and-desist order to set- the fine without admitting or denying the tle a U. S. Dept. of Agriculture charge of vio- APHIS charge. He also consented to issuance lating the Animal Welfare Act. of a cease-and-desist order against future According to Dr. Richard Bowen, veterin- violations. The order is a permanent injunc- arian in charge of the USDA's Animal and tion. Failure to comply can result in addi- Rant Health Inspection Service in Nebraska, tional fines for each time a violation occurs. the zoo was specifically cited for shipping a polar bear from Omaha to Philadelphia on Oct. 1, 1981 , m a crate that did not have suf- ficient ventilation. The bear died 13 hours af- ter arrival, apparently from beat prostration, Bowen said. To resolve the charge, 200 officials used a HARRY ALBACKER, magician, recently provision of administrative law permitting worked at the Grand Opening of Pittsbunjhs acceptance of the cease-and-desist order (Pa) new mall - Parkway Center Mall. without admitting or denying the charge. LOLLIPOP HARRY worked at the down- The zoo further agreed to educate its em- town Cumberland Mall in Cumberland, Md. ployees in the regulations and standards of for four days late last month. the act, and to take action to assure com- pliance in its future handling of live animals. Bowen said United Airlines, charged earlier for its involvement in this matter, settled in Show Acts a separate proceeding. The program for the Aut Mori Grotto Cir- cus at Youngstown, Ohio, produced by George Hubler (March 15-20) lists the fol- A licensed dealer from Miami, Fla., Anton- lowing acts. io Alentado, has agreed to pay a $250 civil Harry Thomas, tigers; Los Robertos Duo, penalty to settle a charge of violating trans- and Tweetie Bird Duo, cradle acts; The Luc- portation standards of the Animal Welfare ky Brothers, table comedy; Janet's Pets, dog Act. USDA officials report. act; Manuel Gonsalves, rota bola; Captain Dr. W. B. Grene, veterinarian in charge of Zellmar's pony drill; Clowns; Senor Miguel USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Ayala, tiyhtwire; Tne Zerbini Family, rid- Service in Florida, said Alentado was charg- ing act; Intermission. ed in connection with shipping three white Roberts Brothers, teeterboard; Clowns; faced monkeys, a capuchin monkey and a Frank and Janet Burger, chimps; The Pir- baboon from Miami to Houston, Texas, on ates of the Sky, aerial feature; Elephants Nov. 9, 1981. presented by Elaine and Roy Wells; The APHIS inspectors cited Alentado for using Rodriguez Family, flying act. crates that did not provide enough ventila- William 'Boom Boom' Browning was the tion and had no projecting rims or similar musical director, and Col. Lucky Larabee spacer devices to prevent accidental block- was the show's ringmaster/announcer. Page 24 April 11, 1983

A clown act, followed by Pati Antalek and Ford Bros. Circus her horses in the center ring were next after which there was a peanut pitch. Then came BY BOB STODDARD Princess Oreana (Luna) on the trapeze over After a long season in Canada and Alaska ring 3 and the Amazing Victor (Flores) in a the Ford Bros. Kodiak Circus made its way cloudswing over ring 1. South into the U, S. in October, and it's A clown turn was followed by intermission clown unit, Joe Schmitt, Jr., called me from at which time there was a balloon pitch. Kansas and told me about the Texas dates and asked if the many Texas and fans and The second half opened with two rinos of clowns could be on hand to welcome them dogs. Linda (Flores) and Pati (Antalek). back home. They were followed by the aerial ballet fea- On Nov. 3rd, the show played Whitesboro, turing Oreana and Frances Luna on the Texas, and a nice crowd of show folks vis- Spanish webs. Ken "Turtle" Benson then ited, but first let's get back to the show. presented "Tommy" the single elephant. The show was presented, supposedly under The Amazing Victor on the high wire, a the auspices of the local Kiwanis Club. But clown turn and then Buddy Manley was only one of them showed up and they did- featured in a song "I Love A Circus," with n't sell a single ticket. audience participation. I arrived at the lot just before 2 p.m. and The show closed with the Flying Lunas, found out that Joe Schmitt, Jr. was at the Panky Oreana, daughter Frances and their schools drumming up some business. I drove twin boys, Anthony and Joseph (about 7 back to town following two elephants head- yrs. old). ed to town for the elephant races that were Attendance for the second-sh ow was ap- advertised in the paper and on the posters. proximately 275 people. Tommy Randolph was already there, tak- The following night the show played Italy, ing pictures, and we talked to Ken Benson Texas, and featured an attraction that has and another elephant handler while they not been seen by very many people. Gop- made some phone calls trying to locate her Davenport worked the lions himself some of the members of the sponsoring and did a good job. I told my photograph- club to no avail, so they took the elephants er friend, John Manning, that if Gopher back to the lot. At 4 p.m. they tried again worked the bear act he should get lots of with the same results. pictures. The bear act wasn't presented. The 5 p.m. show drew a few hundred in Attendance in Italy might have been 500 spite of the cold wind that brought out the people. heavy coats for the first time in Texas for Visitors in Whitesboro included Mr. and the year. (By the 8 p.m. show I was chilled Mrs. Jim Howell and son Billy, Dorey Mil- to the bone and had been for sometime). ler, Bobby Gibbs, Luciana Loyal, Pat White, Buddy Manley was the show's organist and Idelia Arizmerdi and Enrique Macias, Jo- announcer and two powerful speakers re- anne and Pee Wee Pinson, Buckles the cently acquired has definitely corrected the Clown, Tommy Randolph, John Walker, complaint that the music wasn't loud Gary Boyd, David Rawls, Mr. and Mrs. Glen enough. Henry (who retired in 1978) and Jo Ann The come-in was handled by the only Henry (bareback rider with Hoxie for se- clown on the show, Joe Schmitt, Jr. and veral years). was done well. The Ford Bros. Circus per- Dale and Lois Madden and son Dale 'Boots' forming lions, usually presented by Harry Madden, Jr., Bruno Loyale (who made the Locker were not presented because Harry show's big top) and last but not least. Bill recently had surgery to remove a blood clot Parker (head mechanic for Carson & Bar- in his leg and he was having complications. nes) and his wife Gail who (when she was As a result he did not present the bear act. introduced to me) exclaimed "Oh, you're The next display was in three rings and in- the one I want to thank for writing that cluded Ken Benson, juggling and rope spin- my husband, as head mechanic, kept the ning, Senor Victor's dog and pony act, and Carson & Barnes show rolling. He cut that the Goweski Gypsy Goat. (Continued on Next Page The Circus Report Page 25

FORD BROS. CIRCUS (Continued) "I sure would," I said, "and they told me today that, in one town in Kansas they article out and framed it and it's hanging tried to put it up for 2% hours in winds of on our wall. It made us both happy." over 40 miles an hour before they decided This lovely young lady made my day. You to put on the show without the tent" see, sometimes it doesn't take much to make Buddy Manley, organist and announcer, someone happy. A pat on the back could do used to do traps and a cloud swing, on the it! We should all do it more often. old Madden and Stillian Show. He joined Visitors in Italy, Texas, included the Fly- Gopher in '75 to do banners only and with- ing Gaonas (from Carson & Barnes), catch- in four weeks he was doing seven turns. er, Arturo, Mimi, Julio, David. The Bautis- Visitor Lillian Howeil came over from Den- tas, Fernando and Irene, Steve Church Lo- mark in 1953 as of the Four Arrigonies (a ter (whose mother has the novelties on the woman's cradle act) for the Polack Bros. show), Ted Bowman (Mr. Circus) from the Shrine Circus. front door of Carson & Barnes. Pati Antalek, who has the horse and a dog Last but not least, a very colorful charac- act, has been in the business for 19 years. ter in the person of Lloyd B. Laster (and She started out in 1963 with a small show his wife) from Tyler, Texas. Lloyd has re- owned by Chester Cable and worked with tired from 60 yrs. in show business, most several circuses including James Bros., King, of it (I believe) with MinstreUhows, and Hoxie, Hamid-Mprton. She had a dog act all of it covered in his book "Wagon Tracks on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City and was a and Peanut Sacks." show girl for Ringling for four years. This Gopher Davenport advertised his Ford was her second season on this show. Bros. Kodiak Circus as a complete tented Photos appearing on the next two pages circus that represented five generations of include: circus tradition. Ill say this, "It does show 1 thru 4- Patti Antalek that Gopher has brought this show a long 5 • Victor Flores with dog and pony way up since he started out with it" 6 - The Great Flores on high wire He claims that the tent is the largest Eur- 7 - Linda Flores and her dogs opean style big top in North America. Ill 8 - Orena Luna on the trapeze say that it would take a very large tent to 9 - Ken Benson, juggler beat it. This one is made of 21,000 sq. ft. 10 and 11 -The Flying Lunas of red and white striped European vinyl, 12- Comedy Number measuring 130ft. x 215ft. It uses 174 steel 13 and 15-John Davenport with lions and wooden stakes and 135 poles from 10 14 - Buddy Manley, organist and Ken Ben- ft. to 40 ft. long. son, show announcer Bruno Loyale, of Dallas, who made the 16 - Bob Stoddard and Lloyd B. Laster tent was very pleased with the way it look- 17 - Joe Set)mitt, Jr., clown ed. "Would you believe," he asked me, Photos were taken by John Manning. "that this tent has been up and down al- most two hundred times?" April! 1,1983 The Circus Report Page 27

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