06 June 2021
Back to Circus Flora for The St. Lou Revue
For the first time in two years, I ran away to the circus--Circus Flora. Last night (5 June), I was a volunteer for the circus' weekend-only show "The St.Lou Review," which played at the Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District of Midtown St. Louis. (The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled last year's show.) It was a great feeling to return to the Big Top and volunteer with Circus Flora.
I checked in at 6:15 pm--45 minutes before the show--with the other volunteers, wearing face masks to be on the safe side. I helped clean the mezzanine seats (the upper deck) before the audience came in starting at 6:30 pm. Then, I helped the audience members find their seats, either in the mezzanine or on the floor before the main stage. The seats were sold to allow for social distancing, with several seats left empty between groups of people.
When the show began, I took up a seat high in the mezzanine, well apart from several other attendees. Jack Marsh, the artistic director, and Karen Shoulders, the managing director, took to the stage to welcome everyone to "The St. Lou Review," and to ask for their financial support. (I made a $10 donation to Circus Flora on 6 May, during Give STL Day.)
It was then on with the show, as host and juggler Kellin took the stage. He did his own juggling act as well as introducing the other acts that night.
After Kellin's first appearance, Elliana Grace performed her hula hoops dance routine on the smaller stage on the floor. She was able to keep several hoops moving around her legs, arms, and midsection. It was quite amazing.
Mariele a la Mode was up on the trapeze for a routine based on "Carmen Suite No. 2: Habanera." She not only performed on the trapeze above the smaller stage, but also sang to the music. It was a beautiful routine.
The Circus Flora Clowns took to the main stage, wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Realizing that the pandemic is lessening, the clowns removed their PPEs in a faux striptease routine. This got quite a few laughs.
Kellin came back for some juggling, before Kinetic Tapestry--the duo of Jaime and Vanessa--performed a beautiful dance trapeze act.
After another performance by the Purina Incredible Dog Team, Maria Majors and Tommy Wasiuta of moSTLy TAP hit the stage with their energetic tap dance routine.
That was followed by a long-time Circus Flora act, Circus Harmony's St. Louis Archers. This troupe of young acrobats never fails to impress the audience.
Kellin stacked up three stacks atop a shipping chest and climbed atop the stack to finish the show and to thank the artists and the audience. "The St. Lou Revue" ended after about 75 minutes, and the crowd began to leave the Big Top. I helped the audience from my section of the mezzanine and picked up a handful of trash from the seating area before my shift ended soon afterward.
I was so happy to be able to help Circus Flora again and the happiness I saw in the audience members' faces as they departed made me glad that my fellow volunteers and I had done their part, as the circus performers did their part. On my way home, I stopped by Quik Trip for a latte.
This fall--7-31 October--Circus Flora will be back in the Big Top with their show, "The Trial of the Century." I am looking forward to it.
Later.
Links to entities mentioned in this post:
Circus Flora--https://circusflora.org/
Grand Center Arts District--https://www.grandcenter.org/
Give STL Day--https://www.givestlday.org/index.php
Purina Incredible Dog Team--https://www.purina.com/pro-plan/incredible-dog-challenge
Mariel a la Mode--http://www.marielalamode.com/
STL Rhythm Collaborative (including moSTLy TAP)--https://www.stlrhythmcollaborative.org/
Laura Lippert--http://lauralippert.com/
Circus Harmony--https://circusharmony.org/
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