fill

6th Year February' 7, 1977 Number 6 READY TO GO The new Martin & Downs (formerly Royal Bros. Circus) is ready for its 1977 tour, which will cover some 16 to 18 weeks in Canada. The show is owned by Alwisten, Ltd., with headquarters in Campbellford, Ontario. It is operated by A. W. Stencell. Traveling on five trucks, the circus will use a 70 ft. big top with two 30 ft. centers. It Tiger vs Man will carry seating for some 1,000 people. A fight between a 400 Ib. Bengal tiger and a Personnel already signed for the tour in- Japanese karate expert will still be held in the cludes: Carl Conley, liberty horses, rola bola Caribbean, although Haiti has forbidden it. and manager of the midway petting zoo; Bon- Japanese promoter Yoshio Ko says the can- ny Bonta, dogs and producing ; Attila cellation came as a surprise, but he is not Molnar, , comedy balancing lad- worried as several other sites are available. der and ; Other show folks set for the tour are: Grant Williams-Freeman, bill car and The fight, originally scheduled for Feb. 5th, press agent; Mike Hartigan, concession mana- has been promoted as a "fight to the death". ger; Suzanne Larkin, office secretary and Chris According to Ko, the fight will prove that Larkin, electrician and pit show (snake). karate is the superior art of combat.

/ VAILABLE FOR LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS

HOLLYWOOD ELEPHANTS Contact PAUL V. KAYE Suite 519 • 1680 North Vine Street • Hollywood, California • 90028 Area Code 213 • 462-6001 Page2 February 7,1977 SHOW Acts LIPKO'S COMEDY CHIMPS V'oorheis Bros. Circus opened its winter season America's Finest Chimp Act at Perry, Mich., on Jan. 22nd, playing to two packed houses. Although not the biggest circus Has Open Time Starting LABOR DAY on the road, the program is star-packed and 'til end of Sept. '77 only provides plenty of show stoppers. Contact: P. O. Box 32 Music for the program is provided by Lee Ma- loney at the organ and Col. Bill Voorheis on Florence, N. J. -08518 drums, and he also does the announcing. Phone: (717)467-2316 Featured in the program were: Roberto & Co., acrobats; The Great Stoyanoff and two , In Memoriam parrel! bars; Clown Number; Rolandos, juggling; Sarazochil, balancing; Marcelli, tight wire; RAYMOND DUKE (70) a veteran of 52 years The Clowns; Lang's Chimps; Lubion's in circus business, died unexpectedly on Jan. act and the Tobaks, revolving Lunar Module. 22nd at Donna, Texas. Services were held on Clarence Hastings Jan. 27th at Knox, Ind., with burial at Ora. Survivors include his daughter, B. K. Timber- lake (Silverlake), a grandson, Melvin Ray Tim- On the road berlake, and a brother Glenn. Duke was pre- When Circus Vargas played engagements in Ala- ceeded in death by his wife, Emma, who died bama and Mississippi last month they ran into in 1975. unusually bad weather. Temperatures dropped He went out with the John Robinson Circus to below freezing, with winds and rain. The in 1924 and except for a period with the Army chill factor dropped the temperature to below Special Services during World War II, he spent zero, and inside the big top it was only just all his life in the business, serving as elephant slightly warmer. and camel man, clown, contracting agent or billposter, on such shows as: Ringling Bros., The damp cold caused ice to form on much of Hagenbeck-Wallace, Ketrow Bros., Barnett Bros, the show equipment and some changes in the Seils-Sterling, Harry Haag, Bud Hawkins, Haag show were required. The sax player found his Bros., Mighty Haag, Tom Mix, Parker & Watts, horn froze during a performance and the Fly- Cole Bros., Bailey Bros., Clyde Beatty, Bradley ing Luntonys' net froze up, making it impos- & Benson, Stevens Bros., Eagle's Indoor, St. sible for them to work. Louis Police, Ayres & Kathryn,Davies, Hagen Bros., Fred J. Mack, Al Jones, Barr Bros., Leon- Now that the show is in Texas they are having ard Bros., Famous Barnes, Adams Bros., Adams better weather with sun and higher temperature & Seils, Famous Cole, Penny Bros., Sterling readings. .Jut, cold, rain or sun the show has Bros., Sells Bros., Birnam Bros., Clark & Wal- been attracting large crowds for each of its ters, King Bros, and Fisher Bros. He spent the scheduled performances. 1976 season on Fisher Bros, and Mid-America.

BOOKING AGENT: Contract 1. 2. 3 or what ever towns are available in your own area. We use phone promotions. We have excellent, excellent, references. Producing a magic show, with circus acts. Must have population of 30,000 or more. Very good pay arrangements. For full details write. Mrs. Jacqueline Harmes Harmes Theatrical Productions. P. O. Box 2059 Ventnor, N. J. 08406 - Phone:(609)345-4551 Interested in South. Mid-West and East Coast The Circus Report Page 3

GREATARTURO

PHILIP M'DONALD

Currently appearing in

tfc

THE WORLD'S GREATEST

14 WEEK AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Booked By

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES HOLLYWOOD TAFT BUILDING - HOLLYWOOD & VINE - HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA 9002f

AREA CODE 2 1 .1 H O I I Y w n o n .> , n r\ i "flie Grcus Report Page4 ROUTES HUBERT CASTLE CIRCUS Feb. 9-13 Memphis, Tenn. CIRCUS VARGAS Feb. 8-10 Brownsville, Texas 11-14 McAllen COLE ALL STAR TV CIRCUS Feb. 7 Mayville, N.Y. 9 Lakewood 10 Frewsburg 11 Allegany 12 Canisteo 13 Bolivar One ot the strangest vehicles ever built was the RINGLING-BARNUM - Blue Unit "Velocipede" designed by a Danish inventor. Feb. 4-6 Lakeland, Fla. It worked — in fact was capable of traveling 9-20 Atlanta, Ga. at a speed of 24 miles an hour. RINGLING-BARNUM - Red Unit Feb. 8-13 Birmingham, Ala. STOCK SHOW & RODEO OTHER ROUTES Feb. 11-20 San Antonio, Texas KEN GRIFFIN (Magic) WIZARD OF OZ SHOW Feb. 10 Shelby, N. C. Feb. 8-13 Denver, Colo.

CONGRATULATIONS JAMES M. CDLE PERFORMER. ELEPHANT TRAINER, MANAGER. PRODUCER, ANNOUNCER, SHOWMAN and FRIEND

ON HIS 60th GREAT YEAR In Show Business

From CHARLEY & JOYCE VAN BUSKIRK - THE CYCLONIANS Page 5

BILLY BARTON * * • * recent booking jaunt Rudy visited veteran showman THE PREDICTION by this Columnist months ago that ) there would be an increase of Shrine Clubs and Tem- DOREY MILLER and hopes to visit CLIFF VARGAS ples making the transition from arenas to under can- in Texas. Rudy told me how gratified he was that vas shows has come to pass. Two of North America's Cliff acknowledged in print, both in CR and White largest tenters - CIRCUS VARGAS and CLYDE Tops, that Cliff's start in the business came through BEATTY - are already set for such dates and inking Jacobi. Most men forget who gave them that first more. Other tenters are bound to follow suit, so look push. It is to Cliff's credit that he is not among them. for this trend to doube, even triple, in 1978. Rudy, giving me the wedding details by phone, re- FRAZIER MOHAWK's "Puck's Canadian Traveling marked sagely: "No matter how long a man is in this Circus" is expanding. The new big top is 100x110, business he learns something new. In fact, he MUST. 8 trucks have been added, plus an assortment of col- If he think's he knows it all, he's licked." Amen. To orful wagons. Obviously, Puck's is out to make a big which add: Some people get so smart they wind up splash this season and we wish them God's speed. outsmarting themselves. (A fight involving six dogs THE FEARLESS BAUERS, Joe, Elizabeth and Liza, interrupted our conversation. There was such an up- return to GREAT ADVENTURE for their 4th con- roar I was inspired to crack: "Is Caroline framing a secutive season....KAY PfTTENGER debuted with dog act?" Rudy laughed. "You gotta keep the nut the FLYING VALENTINES at Polack's Fling open down somehow!"). ing....WELDE'S BEARS will be with Emmett Kelly, CAROLINE JACOBI is not only a practicing attorney Jr. in April....HOXIE's elephants play dates for Royal but was once a school teacher, and is now, in addi- Hanneford. tion to her varied executive responsibilities, regional Ageless ROSE ADAIR, the pert and peppy agent who director for all promotional activities. Still new to this began her career as half of the ADAIR SISTERS during business Caroline admits it was hard for her to under- the glorious ZIEGFELD years, and who buddied stand the Nomadic existence of circus people. "Until with such greats as WILL ROGERS, continues to be I got personally involved, that is....and met the one of our more active agents. Rose books acts for a people. Then I lost all MY prejudices!" number of , Radio City and until STERLING "You can't imagine," Caroline continued, "the battle FOREST closed its doors, she set attractions there. I had going through law school. Not only was I black - "It keeps me young!" Rose exclaimed. I believe it. the least of it • but I was a Woman! I won that battle Rumors that RUDY JACOB! would delay his opening but am realistic enough to realize I have newer battles by more than a month, and also that the show would to fight. It hasn't been easy for Rudy and me. One not have much of a season, that it was, in fact, not female European circus owner, to whom Rudy intro- even booked, are TOTALLY ERRONEOUS! Not on- duced me, drew back as if I had a disease!" She laugh- ly will the circus open on schedule in California, but a ed. "Before the night was over she accepted me com- heavy season has been pacted. Key promotional dir- pletely." ectors TOMMY BENTLEY and CHUCK CLANCY are "Well," I commented, "when you get right down to already hard at work. the nitty-gritty everyone of us is from sort of minor- The TOELLE-JACOBS wedding and reception, held at ity group! And we all have our peculiar prejudices!" Baltimore's Friendship Port Hotel, Dec. 26th, was a The lady with a sense of humor, chuckled. "You are sit-down dinner for 30 guests. Julliard graduate WIL- so right!" LARD CUMMINGS was Soloist and organist FLOR- The TOELLE-JACOBI marriage is based on trust, INE OLER provided the music. Among the guests partnership, understanding and love. Tell me, WHAT were: TOMMY BENTLEY, WES OLER, CHUCK could be better than that? CLANCY, and ventriloquist HANK SEIMON, with See you down the road, luvs. his wife DOROTHY, once a dancer. Rudy and his new wife, CAROLINE, a vital, attrac- THE CYCLONIANS will appear witn the M&M tive, multi-faceted and highly skilled black attorney Circus at Rochester (NY) Feb. 16-20, then they (specializing in commercial law) plan a delayed honey- work at Lockport (NY) Feb. 25-26, followed moon to Puerto Rico to visit CIRCUS ODYSSEY. by the Bozo TV Show in Chicago on Mar. 2nd, Enroute they'll stopover in Sarasota and Miami. On a and a Lansing (Mich) date for March 2-6. Page 6 February 7, 1977

was identified, was buried with just a morgue number. HARTFORD Barber is convinced the identification of the by PHIL JORDAN one little girl was in error. Famed Emmett Kelly called it ". . . the worst So one remains officially unidentified, the thing I ever saw . . . horrible!" other is buried under a name not her own. +-+.+.+ He was talking about the July 6, 1944, Ring- ling big top fire at Hartford, Conn, The death And Barber believes he knows how that tragic toll was 168 men, women and children. There's fire started. never been a complete count on the injured; There's been speculation over the years that a the usual estimate is "more than 500." cigaret tossed away landed in papers and other Investigation of the tragedy was as complete as trash at the bottom of a big top sidewall, but was humanly possible, yet today, a third of a this theory doesn't hold up. century later, two mysteries remain: "It was a very hot day," long-time Ringling t - How did the fire start7 bandmaster Merle Evans recalled for CR, "and t - And who was the child known only as the sidewalls had been let down," "Little Miss 1565"7 And Barber, who was part of the police inves- At least one man believes he knows the solu- tigation team, confirms that "it couldn't have tion to one mystery, suspects he knows the so- happened that way - the sidewalls never lution to the other . . . but he agrees he'll never burned!" be able to prove either. Barber, who was on police duty at the main en- If anyone could be expected to solve the two trance to the big top, saw the fire start as "a mysteries, it would be this man, retired Detec- little round hole in the canvas, no bigger than a tive Lt. Tom Barber, Sr., of the Hartford Po- grapefruit." lice Department. He was there! Kelly, who'd come running from his dressing + - + - + tent when he heard the cry of "Fire!" said "it covered an area no larger than a washtub" when Three times a year, Memorial Day, July 6 and he first looked up. i hristmas, Tom Barber takes flowers to the "When I was in the Army, in World War I," rave of Little Miss 1565. They are supplied by Barber recalled, "we'd use our cigarets to burn a man who was once president of the Connecti- holes in the canvas tents. The holes would be so cut state florists association. small you couldn't see them, but when it rained To B; her, Little Miss 1565 has a name as well water would drip on the man sleeping under as a • amber, but despite months of investiga- that little hole. i.'.~a, he and his fellow officers were never able "To do that, you had to hold your cigaret to get confirmation of that name. against the canvas — it was fireproofed and "There's no question about it," Barber told CR wouldn't burn. You could put out a cigaret by "It was a case of mistaken identity . . ." rubbing it against the canvas. Of the 168 people who were killed, police op- "During World War II, though, the government erating in an armory turned into an emergency was taking all the fireproofed canvas for mili- morgue had positive identifications on 162 by tary, and Ringlings had been unable to buy any. early the next morning. The big top was waterproofed with parafin dis- But among the six still unidentified bodies were solved in gasoline. those of two little girls, similar in appearance. "I've always believed," Barber said, "that one One was about nine years old, the other about of the spectators must have started it, trying to 11; one had blonde hair, the other, light brown. snub out a cigaret on the canvas above him. The body of one little girl was identified, sup- "But it wasn't just plain canvas. It was loaded posedly positively, not by her parents but by with gasoline and parafin, and it did burn. relatives; the body of the other little girl never (Continued on Page 7) The Circus Report Page 7 FOR SALE LACY'S CALIFORNIA SEALS - Price 56,000 - If You Can't Raise It Don't Call! An 8 minute act featuring 1 male (8 yrs. Maxie) and 1 female (12 yrs. Susie). Also includes completely equipped truck for seals and all props. - 2 Sears Coldsport Freezers (one is 2 weeks old). Fish capacity - 2 months. Truck is 1966 Chevrolet, looks like a camper. Cages are built-in. Also have two portable cages. Can be hooked up to sewer in trailer park. Truck has new engine (40.000 miles). New trans-mission and rear end. 2 ton, 2 speed rear end. 8:25-20 Michelin tires. JOHN HARTZELL,463-B South Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada -89107 FREE FILMS Show Acts The Richmond (Calif) Library offers a free film The program presented by the Int:l All Star program every Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. Of Circus, at its Dec. 13th engagement in Sarasota special interest are those scheduled for April (Fla) featured: 17 - Laurel & Hardy Festival and May 20 - The Miss Patti, foot juggler; Terry O'Brien & Co., Greatest Show on Earth. slackwire; Coco and the clowns; Randon's Ba- HARTFORD (Continued) by Chimps; Miss Ivey, single ; Mines & Co., magic; Carey Brown Duo, rola bola; Targa, "It didn't burst into flames, not at first, but the performing leopard; Randi's Pets; the Dia- just smouldered in a little circle, getting larger mond Duo, French trapeze; Danny Carey & Co. and larger. balancing; Uncle Heavy's Pork Chop Revue; "And then that hot, dry wind hit it, and it The Terry's, unicycles, Hines & Co., trunk es- burst into flames. cape; Mike Rice and Rajah, the elephant. Show "The whole top of the tent was engulfed with- music was directed by Bob Amato. in three minutes . . .: The rest was horror and, no more than ten min- Flash I utes later, history. The annual Cal-Tech Circus, at Pasadena, Cal.. has been cancelled for this year. The circus is Is Tom Barber correct in his reconstruction of expected to be revived again in 1978. the events of July 6, 1944, and his answers to The yearly presentation of "The Mysterious the myseteries that remain today? World of Magic" at Anaheim, Calif., has been Almost certainly . . . but we'll never know for cancelled. The show is expected to be reset for sure. 71-1 the early part of 1978. ow

AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS AFTER JULY 1, 1977 MARCANS MALE AFRICAN LIONS (First Time to Tour U.S.A. - Best Male Lion Act Available) Contact: JOSIP MARCAN 818 - 13th Avenue - Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304 Phone: (414)432-5692 Page 8 February 7 , 1977 Polock.pr

M&M SHOW THE STANEKS will play Rochester (N.Y.) for Some of the talent inked for the upcoming the M&M Circus. M&M Circus engagement at Rochester (NY) include: Baron Von Uhl; Dianano's and Vid- THE DAVIDE ZOPPE Family is scheduled to bel's elephants; Sir Victor Julian, dogs; Don work the Boston Sports Show Feb. 19-27. Phillips; The Navarros; The Juggling Villams; DON YOUNG recently returned to the West Mr. Bell; La Belle Raquel; Yancey, high wire; Coast after spending a vacation in Florida. He The Cyclonians; Walter Patterson's trampo- will head up Clown Alley on the John Strong line; The Carlos Bros and the Flying Aztecs. Circus for 1977. "Mary Ellen" of the Waltons TV Series will THE MICHAEL FAMILY will debut a new be the star attraction. Boom Boom Browning, act this season - Bo-bo on the tightwire and will direct the band, while Jim Douglass will their daughter Mandie will be doing a single be announcer and . Clown Alley trapeze act. will include: Josh Silver, Joe Sherman, David Chabira, Vern and Danny Woerner, Buck No- lan, Donni Stambaugh and Roger Nale. WANTED

GARY RAMSEY, former circus promoter now TALENT FOR 1977 in the Air Force, was in a plane crash on Jan. 14th at Scott AFB (Illinois) but escaped un- FAMILY - SINGLE - ANIMAL ACTS hurt. Some 52 people were involved in the Guaranteed 20 Weeks crash. All Indoor Engagements - Work on Stages THANK YOU "MAGIC TIME - US A" FRANK McCLOSKY Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus Please send Picture, Resume and Salary to: for your continued patronage and friendship "SAVE MONEY WITH JOHNNY" MEARL N. JOHNSON JOHNNY CANGLE North American Productions 7100 Sixth Avenue Johnson Building - 151 W. Union St. 465 N.E. 102nd Street Altoona, Pa. 16602 Somerset, Penna. - 15501 Miami Shores, Fla. 33138 !814) 944 9347 or call (814)443-4644 (305) 751 0206 or 943 0003 Page 10 Tne Circus Report

The program of music, played by the Int'l Ail Stai Circus Band, was compiled by Dr. Paul Fitzpatrick when the show played at Thomaston, Georgia on Dec. 2, 1976. OVERTURE - THE TERRY DUO - Rola Bola Four Leaf Clover No Business Like Show Biz Breezing Along Beer Barrel Polka Another Opening Mr. Sandman Worms Crawl In Be A Clown Broadway One Step Oh, You Beautiful Doll C. Beatty Radio March That's Entertainment Beautiful Baby PATTI RUCKER - Foot Juggling Smiles CLOWNS • Safe Cracker Up, Up and Away THE RUCKERS and Leopard The Entertainer Ob' La Di, Ob' La Da Junqle Queen Homestretch Galop MISS WENDY • Big Cage Galop THE O'BRIENS - Unicycles Mambo Jambo INTERMISSION - So What Is New El Cumbanchero Swing In OVERTURE - Riding High TERRY O'BRIEN Slackwire Ringling Bros. Grand Entry Samba D'Orte TRUNK ESCAPE Sweetest Sounds I Ever Heard COCO and the Clowns Tea For Two Dear World Kentucky Sunrise Black Magic I Love You Trombonium Prestissimo Galop CLOWNS - Reducing Machine RANDOM'S DOGS MIKE RICE - elephant Trombonium Aquarius Theme Bravura Three Off Galop The Hustle Keiffor's Special Melagueana Try To Remember Waltz RANDY'S CHIMPS You Are the Sunshine Worms Crawl In Thank Heaven For Tropic to Tropic March Abba Dabba UPTON DUO - French Trapeze Fame and Fortune March Kids Circus Life March Talk to the Animals Mon Cheri FINALE Yesterday This Is My Country MISS IVEY - Single Trapeze Galop Go March of the Heralds Killing Me Softly DANNY KERRY - Hand Sky High Norwegian Wood Waltz BAND MEMBERS ARE: - Eclipse Galop Here, There. Everywhere Special Come-down number MacArthur Park Bob Amato - Leader /Trumpet My Hero Waltz Gene Holm - Trumpet HINES & CO. - Magic Bill Davis - Organ Old Black Magic UNCLE HEAVY'S PIGS Arabian Coffee Turkey In the Straw Howard Brady • Drums 2001 Space Odyssey Theme Ruben, Ruben Bob Smith - Trombone Oh, Susana Show Acts

The program presented by Holiday Hippodrome The 1977 Int'l All Star Circus program is fea- for its December date at Sarasota (Fla) featured: turing: Patty Rucker, foot juggling; Terry Johnny's comedy plate spinning; Miss Chona, O'Brien, slack wire; Miss Tania. hair suspension; tightwire; Acadis, balancing/one finger stand; Clowns, reducing number; Rucker & Co., illus- The Campa Family, musical madness; Angela ions; Carey-Brown Duo, rola bola; Al's Pals, Wiinow's collies; Randy and Sylvia, high perch; dogs; Miss Ivey, single trapeze; Rucker's uncag- Miss Sheba and the gorilla parody. ed leopard; Coco Family, stilt walking; Uncle Heavy's Pork Ciiop Revue; Clowns, safe gag; Second half acts were: The Albertis, rolling The Uptons, French trapeze; Danny Carey, globes; Master Wallace Eastwood, juggling/ hand balancing; The Tern's, unicycles; Trunk unicycle; Bradbury- & Co., magic/illusions; Escape; Mike La Torres, baby elephant. Adams comedy chimps; The Hernandez Troupe, teeterboard. February 7, 1977 1 1 Great Show Celebrating his 60th year in show business, Jim- Now Booking my Cole opened his 1977 tour with a three day engagement at Wiiliamsport (Pa.) on Jan. 17tn. CIRCUS ORGANIST - Have equipment The date was sponsored by the local Masonic Lodge. capable of handling any size show. Although the cold wave drove the temperature Have: Baldwin Theatre Organ to 25 below, it failed to dampen the enthusiasm Moog Synthasizer of the local citizens. Some 1,000 people were Arp String Unit on hand for each performance. Peavey Sound System The show opened with a well-timed single Old Time Calliope trapeze act, offered by the Barry Miller Troupe, Contact: RAY HARTZELL and then was followed by Inga Williams, who 404 So. Meadow Valley Dr. does a roller skating juggling act. Magic featur- Las Vegas, Nev. - 89107 ing Gary Holvak was next and since I am biased when it comes to magic, I will try to offer a modest account of this act • superb! routines (Dave also handled the announcing). Robert WHliams, at 77, displays rope spinning The Barry Miller Troupe returned to present at its finest, followed by Bob and Jane Lang's their delightful gorilla parody and the Lang passing juggling-act. Bill and Norman Miller were next, working on the high , with Family closed the show with . Holvak and Co. returning to present the trunk There is no question, the audience went away escape. Miss Inga's Siberian Huskies followed with smiles, the Masons were happy and Jim- and it is a beautiful act. Comedy was provided my Cole is heading down the road with a fine by clowns Bob and Dave Rawls with some old show to his credit. Mike Straka

THE

>- WALTENS J- DIRECT FROM KUKOPF

* PRESENTING * 2 DIFFERENT * ACROBATIC ACTS AVAILABLE FOR CIRCUS 1977

•t WILLY WALTENS * •t c/o 2964 Foster N. E. t Grand Rapids. Mich. 49505 February 7, 1977 Page 12 Graham is the grandson of England's famed Coco, and is the son of the renown Coco per- Review forming in this country and is himself appear- Jim Nordmark's Int'l All Star Circus, which ing as Coco III. He is joined by his wife, Po started out as a small stage has outgrown its Hoi, and his young son, Mike, who is called beginnings and is revamping its format as it Cora-Nut. tours — to play larger buildings, utilizing floor The animal acts, all good, include Uncle Heavy's space instead of auditorium stages. Tne show Pork Chop Revue, Al's Pals, a dress and trick now carries 13 units and more than 30 people. dog act, Mike La Torre's elephant, the Rucker's Two of the 13 units are showK>wned — a prop uncaged leopard and Raphael's Chimps. The truck and a band sleeper, which is air-condi- two chimps are both babies, at the stage where tioned and self-contained with a shower. they are cute and cuddly, are nicely costumed Major alteration in the show in upcoming weeks and one closes the act with a rapid-fire series of will be construction of a flashy set background dislocations on the aerial rings. (lighted, panelled and draped) opening onto a Topping the "human side" of the program are 55x55 red and blue stage carpet, with illumin- Hines and Patty Rucker's unusually fast illusion ated ring curbs. The entire playing area is to be number in which the girl handles as many illu- boxed in, ice show style, with footlights behind sions as does her male partner. They go from the masking. Two spot lights are carried, plus a one routine to another so quickly it seems like generator. Nordmark explained, "Many gyms magic itself. The act closes with the ever pop- and small buildings do not have the necessary ular Zig-Zag illusion. power to feed our requirements." Tania Vasquez heads the aerial line-up with a Nordmark, with general agent Bob Adams, lays out a route to cover 40 weeks. The route is sec- (Continued on Page 13) tional with brief layoffs between. All dates are phone promoted, directed by Paul Monville and Jack Possman, with permanent show of- AVAILABLE fices in Sarasota. The show plays a one day SOME DATES IN 1977 stand format, but only does one show per day. Don and Fran Bridwell, as "Whizzer and All Star had been out only a week when caught Spunky, the Clowns" offer top profes- at the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach I sional clowning. No "Clown College" (Fla.) on Jan. 23rd. Despite the cramped play- grads - only many years of working and ing space, the performance ran smoothly and learning on the country's top circuses. rapidly, overseen by manager Hines Rucker, who cracks a gentle, but firm whip. The cos- Also available as experienced show an- tumes are fresh and sparkling, the props well nouncer. Will be with Garden Bros, in kept, and the show has an abundance and var- Penna. Mar. 4-20, then as Ringmaster iety of animal acts, always a plus. Tnere is no | with new tent show opening in Texas prop crew. Each act helps the other and handles i Mar. 29th. its own equipment. Instead of a hindrance, it I Have some open time in July and August seems to be an advantage. In this instance and late Fall. everyone knows what he is doing for every show. THANKS to Variety Attractions, Klein's Attractions. Polack Bros., Charles Ger- The show has many assets. Two of its biggest maine and many others for a great 1976. are a marvelous six piece band, directed by trumpeter Bob Amato, and including two Contact before Feb. 25th. trumpets, organ, drums and two trombones. 2840 La Vista Drive The clowning of the Graham Ahrhart family Columbus. Ohio • 43204 adds to the fast-paced show and uses shining Phone: (614)272 -7841 props and a stilt walking routine which closes the first half. The Circus Report Page 13 t Community organizations are also getting into I the act. At the Central YMCA Community CLOWNS College in Chicago, an eight-week training It may not exactly represent a female take-over program costs $34.00; graduates are eligible but in the once dominated male world of cir- to join the Clown Guild of Chicago. cus clowns, women are making inroads. Just a few short years ago Ringling Bros. - Barnum & Women who have completed such programs Bailey Circus' Clown College, at Venice, Fla., are not limited to joining a circus, though that received few applications from women. This is certainly an opportunity, if they are talent- year half of the 4,000 applicants were female i ed. There are a number of groups such as the and seven women graduates hold coveted jobs New York Theatre Commotion (presently as clowns with the circus. j based in Boston), an all female clown company that performs professionally for low-budget The Clown College is not the only place where 1 local organizations. women are taking up clowning. Several aca- demic colleges, including Seton Hill in Green- I Other possibilities include street theatre, free burg, Pa., San Diego State University and Ohio lance work, clowning for children's parties, State University offer one or more courses in fairs, festivals and such, teaching, and even basic and advanced clown skills, such as tumb- television work. Many women have no pro- ling, acrobatics and makeup. (Women can en- fessional ambitions, rather they just want to roll as part-time or special students at some entertain their families and keep fit. colleges if they don't want to attend on a full (Re-written from an article by Mary Jane Ge- time basis). nova, which appeared in a recent McCall's magazine.)

NOW AVAILABLE REVIEW (Continued) CIRCUS better-than-average hair suspension, sexy in PUBLICITY DIRECTOR scanty rhinestone wardrobe and projecting a sweet personality. Also on the "up" side is the hand balancing of personable Danny Carey who PROVEN TRACK RECORD is taking delivery on new chrome props and NEWSPAPER, TV, RADIO will be featuring the one finger stand. ADVERTISING Terry O'Brien's young son, Eoin, has joined his father and mother in a new, three person imi- PRESS RELEASES THAT GET cycle display and there is an audience partici- ATTENTION pation stunt with the "guillotine" illusion in the first half, and a trunk escape in the second TV INTERVIEWS FOR CIRCUS that happily involves the audience. PERFORMERS Remainder of the program is filled by Terry 'O'Brien's slack wire/juggling; the Carey Brown SUPERVISION OF ON-THE-ROAD Duo, in which a pyramid of 4 elevated rola PRESS AGENTS bola boards are featured; the Upton's French trape/.e; Miss Ivy, traps and the already men- WILL WORK ON PERCENTAGE tioned Coco family of clowns, whose numbers OF GATE, PLUS EXPENSES are greatly enhanced by the brihgt music of Bob Amato's band. CAN HANDLE FROM FIXED BASE The show runs one hour and 40 minutes with NO TRAVEL NECESSARY an intermission. It is torn down, packed and rolling out of town 20 minutes after the last Phone: (415) 339-2313 act takes its bow. Billv Barton Page 14 The Circus Report Madison Square Garden Revenues and earnings for the six months end- ing Nov. 30, 1976 increased over the compar- CHUCK CRAW, assistant director of the Great able period of the previous year, according to Y Circus (Redlands, Calif.) is one of the cycl- Madison Square Garden's report to stockhold- ists in the MacDonald's "Mac Attack" commer- ers. However, second quarter earnings suffered cial. The sequence shows a tandem bike that in comparison with the previous year's quarter, breaks into two unicycles when one of the ri- mainly because there were fewer racing days in ders suddenly has an unresistable urge for a 1976." MacDonalds hamburger. For the six months ending Nov. 30, 1976, re- BOBBY KAYE, clown instructor, is traveling venues increased to $95,621,000 as compared with RBBB's Red Unit, overseeing the show's to $86,445,000 for the same period a year new clowns. earlier. Net income advanced to $2,599,000 or 54 cents per share, compared to $1,954,000 or 41 cents per share. CIRCUS VISITORS Visitors seen at the Int'l All Star Circus when M E5 HAT. CLOWN the show played Daytona Beach, Fla., on Jan. "LADX OF A LAUGHTER" 23rd included: Jimmy Douglass, Vern Woerner, Tex and Marcy Maynard, Mari Jo Couls, Billy Barton, The Rayells, Billy Griffin, Bobby Da- vis, Marland and Susan Butcher, Roger Nale, 818 A S.F. Billy and Bonnie Earl, Whitey Black, Bobby Kline, and Ayres and Kathryn Davies. YORK, THANK YOU ALL SHOW PERFORMERS

CLYDE BEATTY-COLE BROS., SELLS & GRAY, CIRCUS VARGAS, ROYAL WILD WEST CIRCUS. RINGLING-BARNUM'S BLUE and RED UNITS for your subscriptions to "Southern Sawdust," during 1976. HAMID-MORTON SHRINE CIRCUS will be at Hartford, Conn., Feb. 15 thru 18th. I will have the February 1977 issue. Will also be accept- ing subscriptions for the 1977 season A "Must" for the circus-minded from Sarasota.

DAVID P. ORR Southern Sawdust Eastern Representative Cherry Street, Sandy Hook, Conn. - 06482 The Circus Report Page 15 A Warning In an announcement from Ottawa. Canada's Fisheries Minister Romeo Li1 Blanc, said last week that Canada will not tolerate any inter- ference with seal hunters ''who need to make a living." *& 3 Opposition to tiie hunts in Newfoundland and en v^ "O m 01 o o *f> Magdelen Island has been growing in recent 3 O Z years. Several attempts have been made to stop .-, a, — the hunts, in which baby seals are clubbed to death, skinned and their bodies left littering O the coastal areas. ta

M -a" KARL WALLENDA, high wire artist, says that driving in a blizzard is more dangerous than walking on a tight rope. The 72 year old circus star was enroute to a performance at Mentor, Ohio, late last week when his car spun out of control and landed in a snowbank. "I have never been so nervous in my life," said Wallenda. "It's much safer on a high wire."

FOUR ROYAL LIPIZZANS

REGISTERED STALLIONS Trained for Single or Quadrille Performance

For Detailed Information Call:

W. E. LAWSON (813) 958-9220 Sarasota, Florida Page 16 The Circus Report

WANTED

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Send Resume with Salary Range, Pictures of the acts and state whether self-contained or not.

Write: JERRY SOKOLOSKY, Producer Williams & Cole Circus Suite B 1 4040 No. Lincoln Blvd. Oklahoma Citv, Oklahoma - 73105 February 7, 1977 1 7 CIRCUS VARGAS - Music The following musical program Waltz CIRCUS ELEPHANTS - for Circus Vargas was compiled Cha Cha Sarasota by Dr. Paul E. Fitzpatrick during Georgia Girl Invictus the show's Atlanta, Ga., date. Around The World Safari OVERTURE - Just Breezing Along Bye Bye Blues Finale - The Purple Pageant March The Goldman Band 'Be A Clown Theme from Apartment "Man on the .Ham Trombone FOOT JUGGLING - Talk to the Animals Vanessa Members of the circus band ajfe: IBarnum & Bailey's Favorite Soronata i Thunder and Blazes Baubles. Bangles and Beads Jim Gibson — Star Spangle Banner Hopak Bandmaster and trumpet MISS SUZETTE - trapeze Bill Reicher.back ^SPEC- Trumpet ^ , Troupers AU March of the Chariots Mountain Trails Shadow of Your Smile Charles Fardella Up, Up and Away Trumpet PAT ANTHONY - cat act Love Theme from Godfather JoAnne Gibson In Storm and Sunshine March Alto sax. Clarinet -. Jungle Queen GOLDEN CARLOS TWINS • Exodus Valone Stevens .. Big Parade Tenor sax, Clarinet Arabian Nights El Caballero El Cumbanchero Alastair Ingram '-- The Gladiator March Alto Sax, Flute, Piccalo : Abdallah 2nd Half Overture The Big Cage Galop Eclipse Galop Ed Firth Trombone, Baritone Horn HEAD BALANCING TRAPEZE FLYING LANTONYS - Jerry Ulrich El Cid March Conquest Tuba Going Out of My Head The Crimson Petal Gary Bergstrom Love Theme from El Cid Emporia Galop Drums Head Spin - Special Music NAGHTIN'S BEARS Come Down Music Song of Volga Boatmen SR. Wm. BAKER - horses Hunganan Melodies Father of Victory Somewhere My Love Cabaret Theme Sabre Dance Forest fires I Got Rhythmn Those Were the Days Majestic Galop Hava Nagilah CLOWNS - DRESSAGE HORSE burn more Broadway One Step Patton Theme HIGH WIRE ACT - Kentucky Sunrise Original Music The Syncopated Clock than trees. Fanfare Little Grass Shack in Hawaii Slow Rock AERIAL CRADLE - Vivo March of Spanish Soldiery Jerk More Bossa Nova Estrellita Rock Head Spin and Come Down Honeymoon Waltz THE KLEMENTIS cycles Blood & Guts March Swinging Cycle Love For Three March Cuban Tobacco SIMON's CHIMPS - Good Old Days Tijuana Brass Theme Tiny Bubbles Skater's Waltz Bubbly Music- Thoroughly Modern Millie Final Spurt February' 7, 1977

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Once again it is time to get your ad into

: GREAT CIRCUS J DIRECTORT * * Deadline for ads in March issue is February 10th Get ads in now! *********'•j» P.O. Box 1616 :Sarasota, Fla. 33578 * * * * * NAME 1 would like my ad placed in the following issue/s: * * (Issue free with ad) * * ADDRESS G DECEMBER P MARCH a JUNE D SEPTEMBER CITY * COST PER ISSUE * * * STATF 7IP P COVER $80.00 (front P back D) (if no longer available. 1 understand a full page ad * NAMF OF ACT will be placed and the remaining amount refunded) * * * P FULL PAGE $60.00 * INFORMATION WANTED TO APPEAR IN AD * (description, bookings. £ etc.) P 1 2 PAGE $35 00 * * P 1 4 PAGE $20.00 * * * P 1.8 PAGE $15.00 * * P 1 16 PAGE $10 00 * * * * Ail charge above includes the reproduction of * * * * . one photo EOT each extra photo included in ad. an additional $5 (K) is charged. * We will set art work & photo as we feel is most appropriate for * ENTER MY SUBSCRIPTION * * ad. unless otherwise informed * P PRICE PER ISSUE $2 50 * Black & white photos reproduce best No slides please * * P OR $8 00 YEAR 1 V * * I give THE GREAT AMERICAN CIRCUS DIRECTORY the * * permission to print act photos and enclosed information * * * TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED * Siqnature * * 15% DISCOUNT WHEN AD IS PLACE I) IN FOi;R CONSECUTIVE ISSUES. ** ROLA BOLA - UPRIGHTS - NETS PORTABLES - - RING CURB - BACK WALL - PROPS - PLANS

X) > w13 r N -d M V O T3 CO Dc n M r X) O oo n T3 ?o PB > O 2 oo m CO > -O po CO Z I oo

03 MANUFACTURERS OF SPECIAL CIRCUS RIGGING AND SHOW EQUIPMENT CO O H 3 SHOP IS NOW OPEN O cc r r m co G ^n co PO ADDRESS: CAVE JUNCTION, OREGON - 97523 r O H PHONE: (503) 592-2661 CO H 00 I

co PORTABLES RISLEY RING CURBS TRAPEZE - BACK WALLS - LADDERS WEBS CRANE BARS TABLES Page 22 The Circus Report ATTENTION Showtime Entertainment Corp., promoters of $750/$1000 or more stuffing envelopes the new ice show "Hawaii on Ice", produced by while laying off. Free supplies. Rush 25 E. J. McDamels, former circus advance agent, cents and self-addressed, stamped envelope. is pleased with the advance sales of their new BECKIE SCHMIDT, Box 112 ice show.They have 5 shows set at Lake Havasu. Owensville, Ohio - 45160 Ariz., where two shows on March 12th and one on March 13th are already sold out. Only yen- tiring from the Beatty-Cole Circus. His posi- erai admission seats are available for the other tion with the show was wrongly listed. Arnold performances. was in the office, working as Road Treasurer. Tex Dreyfus, CFA of Houston (Texas) reports We're sorry Arnold. Circus Vargas was drawing "turn away" crowds CBS news recently featured Col. Tim McCoy, at Beaumont. The show got lots of publicity old-time circus and film wetsern star. He hasn't thanks to CFA'r Harry Lea Kingston, who toured since his wife died in 1974, and now works for a local TV station. lives quietly on his Laurado, Ariz., ranch, where This reporter wants to thank Robert J. Zanotti, he is writing his memoirs. traffic director for Circus Vargas, for the 1976 An AP story dated London, reports the 1976 program and 1977 route sheets. Circus World Champions Show lasted less than Texas is already a busy area with shows play- a week and cost $250,000 to set up. The 16 ing there. The new Dailey Bros, is in the Texas acts cost $10,000 a week, and none of the acts Valley and we'd like to get the show's route. appeared on the same bill before. Earlier we reported that Arnold Maley was re- M. L. Dupont IF YOU WANT THE JOB DONE RIGHT! CARL E.CONLEY (30 YEARS IN CIRCUS BUSINESS)

JUGGLING-LIBERTY HORSE ACT ANNOUNCER

'77 SEASON WITH ROYAL BROS. CIRCUS

A-1 CONCESSION MGR. and SIDE SHOW MGR.

Year Round Address: 2635 Norton Road Kent, Ohio 44240 February 7, 1977 Page 23

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AREA CODE 213 H O 1 L Y \VO O D 2 -6 0 0 t Page 26 February 7, 1977 FOR SALE CUSTOM COLOR THREE CIRCUS PHOTOS . Gentle-Female-Asiatic Full-Color Action Performance Shots, Lot ELEPHANT ACT Views, Scenics. Equipment, Band Photos. (Ages: 25, 16 and 9) 1976 Circus Season Photos Now Available. 1970 Peterbilt Diesel Tractor Additional Photos Dating Back to 1971 Season Also For Sale. For Details, Send 40' Fruehauf Customized Trailer Stamped Self-Addressed Envelope To: Including Living Quarters JAMES D. KALIVODA Inquire: 1509 South Clinton Avenue Post Office Box 3666 Berwyn, Illinois 60402 Hollywood, California 90028 lives in the Los Angeles area. Ed was a brother to the Flying Codona Troupe and the only one of the family that did not work in the act. He TOBY BICKMORE has been working in the did tour with them. The only surviving mem- color book sales on Circus Vargas, while his bers of the Flying Codona Troupe are Victoria brother TIM sells cotton candy. Adolph, of Palm Springs (Cal) and Hortense (Nena) Ferrante, of Encinitas, Cal. MERLE EVANS, EMMETT KELLY, BOBBY HASSON and BRIDGET BALLENTINE were featured in the dedication ceremonies at the 1977 Season Ringling Museum of the Circus in Sarasota last month. Don and Fran Bridwell (Whizzer and Spunky, the clowns) will tour with Garden Bros, dur- DON and FRAN BRIDWELL were featured in ing the month of March. On Marcn 29th they a half hour TV Special for the Ohio State Uni- will temporarily hang up their clown shoes to versity last month. The program was devoted join a new show being booked by Gunnar to their careers as clowns. Amandis, on which Don will be announcer and Fran will handle concessions. JACK JOYCE was recently honored by the Ringling Museum of the Circus when he was The tour will mark Fran's return to the road after a near fatal illness forced cancellation of named a circus celebrity. some 1976 dates. JOHANAN CODONA, grandson of Eu Codona,

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