DONNA "Twirlee" McBRIDE Page 2 April 13, 1981 Joseph C. Reisinger ACTS - Are you listed with us ? ATTORNEY AT LAW DWIGHT DAMON Entertainment Law - Civil Trials - Immigration Entertainment Unlimited For Free Consultation or Appointment Lane Manor, Box 685, Merrimack, NH 03054 Call: 415 -472 -1050 603-424-3341 More Setbacks said Harrison. "But if someone wants to keep that kind of pet and contain it on their own PETS MUST GO. . . property and it doesn't bother me, I don't by Sean McCann, staff writer for the Toron- have any problem." to Sun, as reported on March 10, 198 J). "People should retain the right to own an ex- otic pet so long as it's not bothering anyone Amid roan of disapproval, owners of exotic pets in Scarboro (Canada) were told to get else." rid of them. But Controller Carol Ruddell said, "I scare easily and I don't want to be walking along The Scarboro Council approved a by-law out- a street and be confronted by a lion, clawed lawing the keeping of certain kinds of animals ordeclawed." as pets, including kangeroos, gorillas, monkeys, skunks, weasels, otters, badgers, ostriches, hy- Although the council approved the by-law, it enas, most snakes, elephants, seals,, walruses, has no idea how to enforce it and action will eagles, hawks, owls, all bats, all crocodiles and be taken only if a complaint is filed. alligators. Those who own exotic pets were told they Violators will face a maximum $2,000 fine. can destroy them or call the Metro Zoo or One victim of the ban is the 110 Ib. lion, Hen- the Ontario Humane Society, who would help provide new homes for the animals. ry, Jr., whose owner. Henry Skritek, made a last ditch effort to thwart the council's deci- sion. Skritek told the council that there is "no pub lie call for harsh exotic pet laws" and it "is designed to kill exotic pets which now share the love and;affection of Scarboro families." PEOPLE But Bill Valliere, general manager of the en- BOB and LOU FLOWERS STODDARD each dangered animal sanctuary in Scarboro, said have two paintings in the annual invitational people who keep exotic pets "with ripped- art exhibit of the Oak Cliff Society of Fine out ctaws and teeth express the most bizarre Arts, March 22-April 18th, Texas. kind of animal love I've ever seen. Lou's portrait of clowns Ernie "Blinku" Bur- "I hope this law goes through, because these ch and Diamond Jim Parker are on exhibit, animals are suffering a slow death." while Bob's entries includes his first circus Controller Brian Harrison said the ban would painting to be exhibited "Prancing Beauties" interfere with people's rights. five white horses, while the other entry is "Personally, I don't believe Scarboro is the an Indian Chief. place to have a lion or a leopard or whatever," 4984

Greenville, S.C. Detroit, Mich. Cincinnati, Ohio Produced by: THE ROYAL HANNEFORD CIRCUS, INC. Executive Producer: TOMMY HANNEFORD Executive Director: GLENN PARKINS

The following attractions booked through Amandis Entertainment, Inc. The 4 Nerveless Nocks • Swaypoles Les Zerbini's European Bareback Riders The Arturo Gaona Family • Flying Trapeze Gerard Soules and his Poodles from Paris The Vashek Duo - Skycycle The Francisco's - Teeterboard Buckey Steele's Elephants The Vidbel Elephants and Ponies The Flying Torralbas - Flying Trapeze The Hernandez Troupe - Teeterboard The Hans Winn Troupe - Skycycle and Space Walk Killer Willard - Comedy Boxing Kangaroo My-Im-Ba's Baboons Randy and Sylvia - Perch Jack Althoff - Bears and Chimps Les Lemoines - Skycycle Kristina's Chimps Page 4 April 13, 1981

Royal Lichtenstein Circus --• OTHER DATES--- Show Dates Apr 13 Oberlin, Ohio James H. Drew Exposition 14 Wooster Apr 13-19 Winston-Salem,NC Afifi Temple Shrine Circus 15 Buffalo, NY Apr 16-19 Tacoma, Wash. 16 Rochester Ice Capades Apr 14-19 Long Beach, Cal. Bektash Temple Shrine Cir. 17 Geneseu Apr. 9-12 Manchester, N.H. Showtime Follies Rivers Diving Mules Apr 14 Troy, Ohio to Apr 19 Los Ang, Calif. Big John Strong Circus 15 Muncie, Ind. Round Up Apr 17 Tracy, Calif. 16 Marion Apr 18-19 Redding, Calif. 18 Vincennes Hubert Castle Circus Starfire Apr 13 Mitchell, S.D. Shrine Circus Apr 14-17 Albuquerque,NM 16-18 Mi not Apr 10-19 Atlanta, Ga. Alberto Zoppe Family Circus of the Americas -------- Apr 15-18 SaultSte. Marie, to Apr 19 Los Ang, Calif. Doug Henning Ont. Circus Tivoli to Apr 19 Lake Tahoe,Nev Apr 11-14 Toronto, Ont. Prf. Miller Magic Time USA (Preview performances) Apr 13 Lafayette, Ga. Apr 15-? Toronto, Ont. 14 Gainesville (1981 debut) leWaynesville, NC Circus Vargas 17 Sylvania. Ga. Apr 13-16 Burbank, Calif. 18 St. Simons Island 17-23 San Fernando Felix Snipes Hoxie Bros. Circus Apr 17-18 Springlake.Mich Apr 13 Kissimmee, Fla. 14 De Land 15 N. Smyrna Beach 16 Pal at ka 17 Lake City 18 Valdosta, Ga. Kelly Bros. Circus Apr 15 Paris, Texas Maine Shrine Circus Apr 17-18 Lewiston, Me. Olympic Int'l Circus Apr 13-14 W.PalmBch, Fla 17-20 Nashville, Tenn. Ringling-Barnum - Red to May 31 New York, NY Reid Bros. Circus Apr 16 Toledo, Oregon 18 Coos Bay BUSY LOU ANN JACOBS has signed Sum- (with very few commercials) of her "Seven merfest and the Kentucky State Fair for the Dials Mystery" will be televised, the first time summer months along with dates for 6EO. for a Christie on TV. It was opulently filmed HUBLER. She reports that business for IAN in England and is faithful both to the book GARDEN'S independently produced circus and the period - don't miss it. in Toronto, at the Maple Leaf Garden, in Those "Wassau" commercials are still featur- which she appeared, was again a bonanza for ing the FLYING LANTONYS, also (which is the producer. RANCH 0 is adding some new rare) calling the act by name - saw it recently fire effects to his whip and rope act. on a 60 Minutes segment.. .Neighbor JEAN SNAPSHOTS: JIMMY HAMIO called in STAPLETON opens her Totem Pole Play- with an account of packed houses in Topeka house next month and will appear in two dif- From there the show went to Kansas City, ferent plays this summer. She is currently at with one day open. H-M winds up its season home. in late June with the Norfolk annual.. .PHIL The Great American Circus is again booked and LINDA CHANDLER, scheduled to be to play in my area this summer.. .TED HILL with the Great American Circus, were cancel- is in Waynesboro heading up promo now... led out when the show underwent new man- CLARK'S Lions, DON PHILLIPS & Co., are agement, that's according to Phil's letter which among the acts slated to tour with Gracie's I received quite late. new string of one-dayers in Nebr. A phone call from TOMMY BENTLEY in- For you superstitious souls didyaknow there forms me that Circus Vargas is doing good are THREE Friday the 13ths this year? We've business in Calif., and that the new spec, done already had two, so there is only one more in red, gold and silver, is spectacular. Tommy for you to shiver and shake over.. .Thanks to and Chuck will kick off their Eastern route in TONY STEELE for his complimentary letter August which extends into Sept.. The WINN concerning my first column in weeks regard- TROUPE will play their third season with the ing my misadventures in Mexico - he and Ben tley show. LILY have undergone similar misadventures AL and SUE DAWLEY moved Al's grand- in various sectors South of the Border. No, mother from Florida to Savannah.. .On Friday Tony, I'll forgo those four months in Bogota, March 13th the Hagerstown Record Herald Colombia. Unless YOU decide to tag along as carried a story on WALLY NAGHTIN with chaperone! two pix of the bear act heralding the red unit RUOI and SUE LENZ, after years on the opening in Baltimore. Also mentioned in the Ringling show, will be at Great Adventure story was MARGUERITE MICHELE. this season for JOE BAUER.. .WALLY SAM POLACK has his house in Iowa up for NAGHTIN sez business for the Ringling Red sale and when it's sold he will move to an unit continues socko so far this year.. .LOU apartment in St. Pete.. .Royal Hanneford did ANN finally got to see sister DOLLY do that some criss-crossing jumping when they trek- fabulous flying somersault from the rings to ked from So. Carolina to Lansing and then the web (contrary to earlier rumors Dolly is back to So. Carolina. BUCKEY STEELE, doing the trick without a net, has only a pad VIDBELS among the elephant acts with Han- on the floor). I was told by Wally Naghtin neford in Detroit... .BARBARA, Bucky tells (who helped Dolly Practice) that she made me, has opened an occult book store, but I the first somersault on the very first try... forgot where! Maybe a call from the "spirit" The two rings of bears bresented by Wally will enlighten me. and Doris and Wally, Jr. are flanking MIC- For AGATHA CHRISTIE buffs (and there KEY ANTALEK's Chimps in center ring. are a lot of us) on Apr. 16 a two hour version (Continued on Page 18) The Circus Report Page 7

HELEN WILSON-Show Organist in the West {Own Equipment) 704 - 786 -4563 -Write Box 1167, Concord, NC - 28025. BIG JOHN'S SHOW PLANS The Big John Strong Circus opened its 1981 season on March 12th at Banning, Calif. The show enjoyed "fantastically good business" for the first week, but for the rest of the CHARGES FILED month business fell off, due to heavy rains, driving winds and the fact the show was fol- A Sarasota (Fla) County Grand Jury has in- lowing Circus Vargas into several areas. dicted Paul Allen Fisher, a circus concession man, on charges of first degree murder in the This year's performance features some new shooting death of a Ringling-Barnum Circus acts, all of which adds up to an interesting elephant handler in January. and entertaining program. (A full line-up of Raul Palomares was killed by a single shot in the acts will be reported later). the stomach while on the Ringling-Barnum Gudrun Strong is traveling with the tent cir- Circus Blue Unit train on Jan. 19th, just south cus as owner/manager, while Bill Schrieber is of Venice. Witnesses said the two men had ar- the show's general manager. Bill Burger and gued just before the shooting. Chris Kennington are in charge of the office Officials said the shooting took place about and Bill also handles the front door. Ralph 11:30 p.m. in the aisle of the circus train car Greco and Bob Owens are out ahead of the No. 138, which at that time was standing at circus as marketing directors. the end of the Seaboard Coast Line railroad Some changes in the show's usual routing tracks, on Center Road. have been made this year. The show will be at the CFA Convention in June, but that will be the only engagement in Arizona and New Some of those who will be with the Circus Mexico, under an agreement worked out be- Variety Show are: Inge Williams, dogs; Mike tween Oorey Miller an) John Strong. Under Wudtke, juggler; Jim Bovay, bar act; Arthur the agreement the shows will not compete Schiller, puppets; Clowns Bob Owens, and for areas, and so while Carson & Barnes Cir- Tom (Popcorn) Sink and wife; Marsha Mon cus plays the Southwest, Big John will route tabancs, trapeze; Swami, fire/swords, and his show into other areas. Neil Armstrong, musical director. On May 24th, Big John wilt open a Circus On July 12, John Strong wilt open his show Variety Show at San Bernardino, Calif. This Clown Capades at Tuscon, Ariz. This show show will tour until late June, closing at Salt will feature Ron and Pam Perry, and Chris Lake City on June 22nd. John will fly to the Alberti, plus clowns Rosa Douglass, Phil Ka- CFA Convention, where he along with author vanaugh, Bob Owens, Tom Carva, and Tom David Hammarstrom will be guest speakers. (Popcorn) Sink and his wife. PageS April 13, 1981

for the Floating Girl. Review A coloring book pitch was given and inter- mission was then taken. KELMAR'S SHOW TIME USA Second half opening production was an Or- BY THEO MANDRAKE iental Fantasy and featured, silk from mat, Show Time USA made it's second stop of 20th century silks, rice cans, cords of phan- the season in it's hometown of Fostoria, Oh., tasa, and a silk production from a Squared which was the show's third year of being Circle, climaxing with a dove and rabbit be- sponsored by the Jaycees. ing pulled from the tubes. The writer had not seen the show for two Introducing his wife, Kelmar let her present years, and at that time it was on the weak her own trick with the help of Herkermer the side, but just getting started. Wow, what a Rabbit. This turned out to be a comedy bit metamorphosis has taken place. The show is with the comedy bra, a girl screamed back not only bigger but is on a level with any of stage, ran out, slapped the rabbit, grabbed the full timers. the bra and went backstage. The bit got a The performance runs a fast I1/? hours and good laugh and applause. This gave Kelmar time to do a wardrobe change for the next features Kelmar Master Magician and a com- production. Different wardrobe is worn for pany of three girls. each new production number in the show. Opening production is called Space Wars, after introduction of Kelmar he is "beamed The Disco Divide was presented as a girl was in" with a puff of smoke between a gold and sliced into six parts and restored all to a disco red glittered archway. Kelmar quickly sets beat. It was a fast and not drawn out number, the pace of the show by rapidly doing gloves like some such acts I've seen. to flowers, dov bag, flip over dove vanish, Featured next on the bill was Kelmar's es- large bowl of water production under cloth, cape from a regulation strait-jacket. He began tambo rings with a poodle production at the many years ago with an escape act, so he knows end, rings of rope trick and a rabbit being his stuff and presented a thrill a minute demon produced from a bowl of fire. strating that and the people loved it. After a few opening remarks, Kelmar had a After thanking the sponsor and business young boy come up on stage to assist him people in the area for supporting the show, the with a trick with a borrowed ladies watch af- finale was presented. Calling it a "Small Mag- ter accidently misplacing (?) the watch a fun- ical World" the curtains parted on a small doll ny routine followed with a cut and restored house, showing it empty, a dog (a big one too) rope, throughout the bit everything the kid was produced, shown empty again, a girl burst put his hands on fell apart, the laughs were from the house. The entire company then join- many. After getting the rope back together ed onstage as a vanishing water feat was done, the kid reminded Kelmar about the watch, as the cone of water was tossed into the air it and after some by-play it was found in a burst into flames and a shower of silver con- nest of boxes that had been on stage since fetti fell across the stage. It was indeed a mag- the show started. ical night for the near 1,000 who attended the show. Voo Doo Jamboree was next and featured I saw the show once again in McComb, Ohio, a floating skull and cremation of a lady's where attendance was low, but I did see the head. Kelmar also did a bit of fire eating in complete portable stage unit the show carries, this number. as they appeared in a gym setting. They claim The Fantasytand Puppets were next, presen- they can work anywhere and I believe them. ted by Miss Sharon (Kelmar's wife). Credits on the show are as follows: Produced A story told about circus elephants led into by Rick (Kelmar) Legg and Sharon Legg. Miss the Linking Ring routine. Sharon, head assistant and show treasurer; Next on the bill was Herkermer, the six foot Miss Sonya, head box jumper, stage manager rabbit that did a clown bit called the artist. He and Herkermer the Rabbit played by Kate also did meet and greet before the show to the Stewart. Advance is handled by Shade! Assoc. delight of the kids and adults, as well. Kelmar spoke of the next illusion in the show and how it's secret had been passed down from maaician to magician, thus setting the mood to the Editor PROM WALTER W. SEARFOSS COMPLAINT LODGED Reference is made to the item in the Mailbag in the March 9th issue of Circus Report. The Toronto Humane Society, of Canada, has complained about the fact that public funds At the time the property housing "The Cir- have been invested in the new Circus Tivnli. cus Hall of Fame" items was sold, efforts were made to auction the contents. In their Feb. 27th, letter to the editor of the Toronto Sun, the organization's executive- John Zweifel, of Orlando, CHS, CFA and director said: MBA member, became aware of the efforts and to keep the collection intact, purchased "A Toronto-based commercial circus has re- all the items, including the copyright name ceived a grant of $25,000 from the Canada "Circus Hall of Fame." Council according to information received by the Toronto Humane Society. All of the wagons, library and memorabilia are stored in Florida. The "Two Hemisphere "The Tivoli Circus will feature dancing bears, Wagon" plus seven are on loan to the Ring- a baby elephant and performing horses, tt op- ling Museums. Other wagons are stored at the ens April 10 in Toronto. Royal American Shows winterquarters in "The Toronto Humane Society is opposed to Tampa. all forms of exploitation (for profit) of ani- Currently I have been assisting John in cat- mals, in particular in those circumstances aloging and filing the library materials. where their training and inadequate housing may (and usually do) result in pain and stress. Future plans are to keep everything intact It is especially irritating to learn that public and to enlarge the collection. Efforts are be- funds are used to promote this." ing made to secure a new home for the ma- Maurice A. Cowper-Smith, terials, where the displays may be shown in Executive Director and Secretary-Treasurer a more and adequate facilities. Toronto Humane Society The board of directors which selects arena stars to be inducted to 'The Circus Hall of Fame" will continue to do so as in the past. board. The annual selection and induction Charles P. (Chappie) Fox recently accepted will be made at the annual convention of the the offer to become a new member of the CFA, in Scottsdale, Ariz., June 21-24. Page 10 April 13, 1981 In California BETTY WENDANY'S ONE DAY MINI-CONVENTION FUNS-A-POPPIN A one day mini-convention has been planned PACKAGE SHOWS TO FIT YOUR NEEDS by clowns and magicians of Sacramento, Calif, Box 391, Sunland. C*M. 91040 who are inviting all those interested to attend 213-352-4277 213-352-2454 the day-long affair at Sacramento's Dante Club There wilt be two separate rooms, one for the dealers, and there is ample lighting, safe park- ing, easy freeway access and several fast food PEOPLE facilities close by. A special feature will be the auction of some STAN and SUZY MULFORO are the parents 15 trunks of magic by Marvin Berger, of San of a baby girl "Catherine Izola Mulford" born Francisco. Other dealers who will be attending Feb. 17th, at 7:28 a.m. in Mechanicsville, Va. are: Lloyd E. Jones, Byron Walker, the Magic The new arrival weighed in at 8 Ibs. 1 oz. Her Hat, the Magic Touch, Frank Herman and parents operate the Mulford Family Produc- Busby-Conn. tions. For the evening show the group has booked DR. JOHN K. ATWELL has been named de- Ron Wilson, of the , Tony Dunn, puty administrator for veterinary services in a creativity award winner at several eastern the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. He has held conventions, Bob Brown and Brenda, who just the position on an acting basis since January returned from shows in Germany. There will when Dr. Pierre Chaloux retired. also be close-up magic and lectures. Clowns will be interested in Jim Jaye's clown A variety of special prizes will be given away magic lecture, as well as his display of puppets. as door prizes, or via auctions and raffles. All Local talent and performers have been obtain- for just $7.50 for magicians and clowns, with ed by Sam Bocklich. a $3.00 fee for family members.

< The Circus Report Page 11

Willy Lenz, chimps, Upton's Cougar, Mike Rice, ponies/chimps/elephant, Bill Morris' TAMPA BAY SHRINE CIRCUS elephants. Aerial acts were Bob & Edna Top, roller BY 'CIRCUS JOE- VALENC1ANO skaters; a three ring trapeze display with The Egypt Temple 16th annual Shrine Cir- Carmen del Molino, a two ring cloud swing cus appeared at Bayfront Center in St. Peters display and the Flying Valentines. burg, Mar. 19-20 and then in Tampa's Curtis There were two near accidents. During the Hixon Hall, Mar. 21-22. cage act, a tiger knocked over the burning The show was produced by the Garden-John- hoop as he jumped through. Later in the per- son Circus Corp., executive producer Don formance, one of the light poles surrounding Johnson. Prop boss was Robert Voight, the the ring, was tipped over, as rigging was being announcer was Dave Upton and producing set. It gave a big crash as the blubs hit the clown was Brad Ward. floor, luckily no one was injured. This writer attended a performance in Tam- The circus layout is neat and clean, looks pa on Mar. 21st and among the visitors were circus all the way. The ring curb in the cen- the Valencianos and the Arturos. The show ter is white, with the two outside rings blue, was good, a three ring affair with good ligh- all three have stars and designs, with red ring ting. Musical was provided by a drum and or- carpets, also red carpeting on the track. All gan. There were four clowns and an animal of the prop men wore blue coveralls. head walk-around with children from the audience. Some of the acts that performed were: The Houcs, juggling/plate spinning; Carmen del Molino, wire act, plus one other wire act; the animal acts featured Allen Gold, cage act. BONE CRAIG has his elephants on tour witO Bill Brickie's Poodles, the Arias, bears/dogs, the Garden Bros. Circus. ATTENTION

WE ARE OPENING A NEW QUALITY FAMILY-TYPE CIRCUS

We need: Agents Promoters Organist And clean dependable people in all departments,

*

GARY JOHNSON SMOKEY JONES 214 -642 -9101 714 -874 - 4496

137 North Encina, Rialto, California - 92376 Page 12 April 13.1981

Awards from the Board of Directors went to: Marco of the Le Grande David Show, ma- gician of the year, also receiving awards were ACADEMY OF MAGICAL ARTS AWARDS Ken Brooke and Gene Gordon, with Mark BY LLOYD E. JONES Van Buren, receiving the Junior achievement award. Awards at the Annual Academy of Magical Special awards and merits were presented to Arts and Sciences fall into two classes: one, Gerrie Larsen Jaffe (mother of the Larsen those resulting from a vote of members, and peres), Susie Wandas Bennett, Jane Thurston two, special awards made by the Board of Sheppard (Thurston's daughter), Diana Zim- Directors. merman (director of the Junior Magicians of The 13th annual presentation has such no- the Academy), Brother Mamman, Harry Lor- tables as Keenan Wynn, Bob Barker (M.C.), ayne, Sammy McKay (Castle Librarian), John Jack Albertson, Sid Ceasar, Buddy Ebsen, Davidson and others. and Gary Grant partaking in the awards. The The program included some 21 events, main- Awards went to: Harry and Leslie Anderson, ly awards and magic acts. The evening inclu- Stage Magicians of the year; , close-up; ded dancing with the Bill Hitchcock Orches- Karrell Fox, lecturer of the year, and Terry tra. The program was arranged by Peter Pit Seabrooke, visiting magician of the year. and with a host of assis- tants. (Read Genii for a full list of winners).

FROM JACK KING I made an error, purely unintentional, ne- verless an error. In my article about Circus Holiday, t made it sound as though RON BACON was com- ing with our company Midwestern Produc- tions. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Ron has been very helpful in his suggestions and we're very glad he took enough interest to help us in any way he could, but Mr. Bacon is one of the best producers in the business and I'm sure he doesn't need to go with any company since he has done very well on his own for quite some time. If I have offended anyone, Ron, please ex- tend my apologies to them. Like I said, "It was unintentional." WANTED LADY ASSISTANT IN ANIMAL ACT - 7 Months Work - Write to: K. A. S. 4026 Syracuse Drive Las Vegas, Nevada-89121 Phone: 702-451 -0881 The Circus Report Page 13 JOIN MY MAILING LIST FOR CIRCUS ITEMS March 27 - Twin Falls, Idaho • Eric Littlefield ITS FREE a student was fatally injured during a College sponsored rodeo when he was thrown from a bucking horse and kicked in the chest. He Need Your Name, Address died after being rushed to a nearby hospital. and Zip March 28 • Merrioit Island, Fla. • Aerialist Tina Storey suffered a factured pelvis when FREDDIE DAW she fell from a trapeze while hanging from CIRCUS MARKETING her heels during a performance with the Clyde P.O. Box No. 1 Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus. She was hospitalized at Wuesthosf Hospital, Rockledge, Fla., where Tallevast, Florida 33588 she was reported to be in satisfactory condition

EGYPT TEMPLE SHRINE CIRCUS

BY LLENRAY J. YARNELL The 16th annual Egypt Temple Shrine Cir- cus was held in St. Petersburg (Fla) on Mar. 19-20 and in Tampa on Mar. 21-22. Among the acts were: Allen Gold with 3 ti- gers and 4 lions; Bob Top and Edna, roller skating in the sky; Bill Brickie's Poodle Par- ade of Pomp and Pageantry; Arias Bears; The Flying Valentines; The Houcs, juggling and plate spinning; Barbara Leigh's dog and pony act; Mike Rice, horses and dog act, chimp act and elephant act; Bill Morris' elephant act, Sue and Rudi Lenz, chimps and other acts.

AUSTIN MILES, circus ringmaster, is spot- lighted in the April issue of Guideposts ma- gazine. The story details a dramatic exper- ience with Joe Bauer at the Grotto Circus in Cleveland in 1970. Several circus names are mentioned in the story.

STEVE BAKER and GARY RAY's first en- deavor as television producers was recently aired on the NBC affiliate for Dallas/Fort Worth, TV-KXAS. Called "The Grapevine Opry" the show was aired Mar. 28th and it featured BUCK TRENT, of Hee Haw. Page 14 April 13, 1981 Show Report MISS DEBORAH KOFF, Management Con- GARDEN BROS. CIRCUS sultant in charge of Marketing Directors for BY BILL SLENKER the Clyde Beany-Cole Bros. Circus, has an- nounced her wedding date, May 10th, in the Ian Garden brought his Garden Bros. Circus city of Philadelphia, Pa. to Allentown, Pa., for the Rajah Shrine Tem- Miss Koff is marrying, Bruce Pratt, a circus ple. It was a fast-paced entertaining show. marketing director. The performance opened with the singing of The couple plan to be married in the show's the National Anthem by Mrs. Mickey Garden, who sang three other numbers during the per- center ring, with Dave Hoover's cats in the background. formance, i This was followed by the circus overture, as Charles Schlarbaum directed the band, a very fine group of musicians, who sounded like a PEOPLE big band and played real circus music. They played all circus standards, had a fine drum- BOB and ESTHER WEIGEL report a group mer who caught all the turns and comedy of some 100 circus fans attended the Ringling with drum rolls and rim shots. It's been a Barnum show at Baltimore, Md. on Mar. 21st. long time since I heard so much circus mu- The group included members of the Robert sic in one performance. Dover Tent, headed by J. ALLEN DUFFIELD The opening number was "Let's Hear it for and members of the Rudy & Erna Rudynoff Me" with all performers, lots of dazzling Tent, headed by CLARK BEURLIN and PETE lights and flags including a black light display ADAMS. that was very colorful. Next was Chan-van a fast Arabian-style tumbling act, followed by Senor Ramos' cat act. He was in a mesh in the arena instead of a steel arena. It strikes very quickly. He as 2 lions, 2 tigers and 2 jaguars LOTS OF EXCITEMENT in the act. (From Suzy's Column in the New York Daily Rumpy the clown was next with the beauty News for Sunday, March 22, 1981). contest winner gag. The clowns appear three times in the show. Their routines are short Such excitement in Paris over the March 25 and not boring. opening there of "Barnum!" The Chapman Sisters appeared next in a fine Their Serene Highnesses, Prince Rainier and aerial ladder number. Their wardrobe is stun- Princess Grace, will preside over the eagerly ning, styling and grace are all first class. Next awaited event at the Cirque d'Hiver where P. was Ian Garden, Jr. working a pony drill with T. Barnum himself presented Jenny Lind and six nicely matched palomino ponies. Tom Thumb in the 1860's. Cook's Comedy Car is always great stuff for "Barium's" co-producer, Judy Gordon, is both kids and adults. The web act closed the flying over and has been going quite crazy first half of the show. It was a very fine pro- trying to decide what to wear on opening duction number with special lighting effects night. She finally hit on a spectacular, mad and wardrobe. There were four girls up with Yves St. Laurent fantasy, green silk harem Heidi Herriott in the center ring doing a pants, a green silk top and a gold belt. single trap routine. All girls styled in unision, very effective. a specially announced finish trick to good The first act in the second half was the Volvos applause. a comedy ladder act. The clowns were next The Vidbel Chimps were next and the young- with an egg juggling routine for lots of laughs. sters really liked this one. They were follow- Next in Ring 1, the Wazzans and in Ring 2 ed by the clowns and the Bake Shop, a good The Oscarians. The Wazzans do a trampoline one for laughs, then came the elephant num- act and the Oscarians do a risley act. Both ber, and the performance closed with the acts are fast moving and each act ends with Flying Aztecs. The Circus Report Page 15

only safe but very flashy and effective. He is SPEAKING OF assisted by his lovely wife, Holly, and without by JIM PARKER a doubt would be an asset to any show. He claims he was really nervous but you'd never Donnie Johnson was the producer for the have known it from the seats. annual Egypt Shrine Circus in St. Petersburg, Also another sensation of the ring was single (Mar. 19-20) and Tampa (Mar. 21-22). Veter- trapeze artist and cloud swing performer Mark an attendees thought it was a stronger show Pilgar. This young man really enjoys his work than in the past. and puts his heart and soul into it. Both his This year's line-up included: Bob & Edna aerial acts are superb and his cloud swing is Top. roller skaters; Alan Gold's lions and ti- one of the fastest-paced I have ever seen. It is gers; Carmen Johnson, tight wire; Sir Andrew a straight simple sell with neat, clean wardrobe tight wire; Clowns, Toothache; Bill Brickie's and his showmanship really wins the audience. Poodle Revue; Miss Julie, single traps, Mark I am not well versed enough to correctly Pilgar, single traps and Miss Carmen, single name the tricks he performs but fortunately traps; Mike Rice's horse and pony and Bar- I was sitting with Billy Ro'dgers and Gee Gee bara Lee's dogs and pony; The Aria Bears; and all of us were impressed with this star. The Houks, juggling; Lenz's Chimps; Inter- Mark will be appearing this year with Jim mission. Grogan's new helicopter aerial act "Straship The Flying Valentines; Clown walkaround 3". with big heads; Upton's Cougar, Rice's chimp At the same time Mark is working over ring act and Arias dogs; Miss LaVonne and Sir Mar 1, lovely LaVonne (Johnson) is working over co, cloud swings; Clowns, sharp shooter; The Ring 3 and she presents a very beautiful cloud Houc's comedy plate spinning; Mike Rice, swing, complete with fireworks with a unique single elephant and Bill Morris'elephants, use of red as she bows. Cora and Jewel. For the first time, I was able to catch Arias The announcing chores were handled by Bears and dogs, and their two acts are well pre Dave Upton and circus music was provided sented. The wardrobe for the bear act is very by organist Wanda Kaye Darlington and Steve colorful and the act is very nice with the bear Lockwood, drummer. The circus music was in the swing stealing the show. Golden Retrie- exceptional and set the lively pace for the en- vers certainly seem odd for the ring bu they tire show. are very unique ; nd refreshing and are so well Frank Cain was the producing clown, assist- matched with flashy harness and are worked ed by Jimmy Knapp. Brad Ward and his dau- by Janice "liberty" style. Mike, Janice and her ghter. brother, all radiate happiness from the ring Note worthy was the premiere of cat train- and I know they'll be a big hit in Japan this er Alan Gold, who had never before appeared year. in a circus. Lady Luck was with him as the Animals were certainly in evidence and the opening night went off without a hitch and biggest animal troupe in number were the his act, consisting of three tigers and four famed Sue and Rudi Lenz Chimpanzees. Ev- lions, appeared polished and pro all the way. er flashy and bringing down the house with This dashing young man has outstanding ward their antics, they closed the first half of the robe and appearance, working all young, well show and left everyone in an up-mood. What fed and clean looking cats. His props are well can you say, they are tops in their field, right painted and his self-contained fire hoop is not along with Cemon's Chimps, and are super people, and , of course, the surprise of the evening was holding their newborn three week Notice old chimp, Wally. Yep, you've guessed it, he Effective May 1,1981, the subscription rate is named after beat trainer Wally Naghtin. for Circus Report will be priced at $20.00 a Both Sue and Rudi look well and rested de- year. spite the fact that little Wallyrequire scon - stant care and feeding every two hours. There Anyone who would like to renew or extend is no doubt that Sue and Rudi are about the their subscription can still do so at the old happiest "parents" on earth and already are price of $15.00 a year, prior to the above talkinq about the possibility of more chimp date. (Continued on Next Page) JIM PARKER (Continued) births. They are looking forward to their People summer at the park. BEROSINI's Orangutans were featured on And, believe it or not, there were just as the Merv Griffin TV Show which was aired many pretty girls in the audience as there on the west coast on March 31st. were in the show as three of Circusdom's favorites were there, all looking like they had VATES. ROXY and LOLA ENGESSER vis- just stepped out of a beauty pageant • beauti- ited the Prof. Miller's Magic Time USA Show ful Barbara Woodcock, blonde bombshell in Orlando, Fla., and then visited the Scatty- Gee Gee Engesser, and the stunning Tiny Gal- Cole Circus at AJtamonte Springs, Fla. lager (Galla Shawn). Some of the other first PAUL FIDLER & Co., magic act, was featur- night visitors included: Buckles, Jim and Hei- ed on the Merv Griffin TV Show the after- di Grogan, John Hurdle and Mike La Torres. noon of April 1st. It was a very nice show and Donnie Johnson was really working hard opening night to be DICK ZIMMERMAN, magician, was a guest sure everything went off smoothly. on the John Davidson TV Show on April 1st. Hate to end this on a sad note, but friends BYRON BURFORD has joined Franzen Bros. will be interested to know that recently Hel- Circus, as the show's drummer. en Haag Hayes, wife of Buster Hayes, fell and broke her hip and is in Room 629, University SLIM and GINGER, clowns from Bryan's Community Hospital, Tampa. Buster had just Clowns, Inc., worked the Javcees Home and gotten out of the hospital after a heart attack Recreation Show, March 18-21, at New Cas- and had gone home when Helen fell. We wish tle, Pa. They also appeared in a special show her a speedy reccovery. Helen's father had the for the Martin Furniture Co. Mighty Haag Show and in later years Buster and Helen worked chimps. Page 19 BILLY BARTON (Continued) listed in all the Trade Journals along with Ooubleday and the rest. So, my friends, I did NOT simply publish my own book. It was published by my own company, BILBAR BOOKS, and I happen to be the house author. We will soon be publish- ing other mystery writers. There is a helluva difference. CLOSING NOTE: Many people are inquir- ing about my mother, MARGUERITTE BAR TON. She is doing as well as can be expected, is walking with a special cane or walker, has regained much of her speech, but her balance is off, and she will never be quite the same. Her health, however, has improved, and she is being nursed by my cousin In nearby Cham- bersburg where mother's room is fitted out with a hospital bed and all the necessary ac- coutrements. We push her about out-of-doors in her wheelchair and sometimes she even gets to visit the old homestead and this summer will at least be able to visit her garden and the trees she planted. This of itself is a miracle. SEE YOU down the road, luvs.

TV STARS NAMED TO HALL OF FAME The National Cowboy Hall of Fame has elected three stars from the TV series "Gun- smoke" to the Hall of Fame of Great Wes- tern Performers. James Arness, Ken Curtis and the late Mil- burn Stone will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during Western Heritage Awards week- end, April 25-26. Another "Gunsmoke" star, Amanda Blake was elected to the hall in 1968.