Summer will sizzle with ‘Summer Circus Spectacular’

Quick Answer: The 11th annual Summer Circus Spectacular, presented by the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling, runs June 12 – July 28 at the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling in Sarasota, featuring world-class circus acts at family-friendly prices.

The Circus Arts Conservatory partners with The Ringling to present world-class circus talent in family-friendly show

The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are proud to present a great way for circus fans of all ages to enjoy world-class entertainment while beating the heat this summer – at very reasonable prices. Some of the circus world’s most thrilling acts have signed on for the 11^th annual Summer Circus Spectacular, which will run for seven weeks through June and July.

This celebrated summertime event has become a seasonal highlight for locals, visitors, families and camp groups. A special opportunity will enhance the experience again this year: Summer Circus Spectacular patrons can enjoy access to the Circus Museum on the day they attend a show for just $5.

“Each year our Summer Circus Spectacular has grown in attendance and thrills and we are confident this year will continue to break new ground,” said CAC founder and president/CEO Pedro Reis. “This show offers an affordable entertainment option for all ages but we are especially pleased to see hundreds of camp kids over the course of the run – some of these children may have never attended a professional circus or visited a museum before.”

The lineup for the Summer Circus Spectacular includes:

Al “Renaldo” Calienes: Renaldo began his circus career with the Big Apple Circus at age 26, eventually becoming a core company member. A gifted clown, he went on to work with Circus Sarasota, the Royal Hanneford Circus, the Luna Stage Theater Co., at SeaWorld, Canada’s Garden Bros. Circus and England’s Zippo’s Circus. Recently, he toured with UniverSoul Circus. He is also author/illustrator of the children’s book “Renaldo Joins the Circus!”

Duo Fusion: This husband and wife team, Virginia and Giovani, are originally from Argentina and Cuba. This couple has been entertaining families all over the world with their breathtaking hand balancing act, where Virginia performs most of the lifting. Duo Fusion showcases a beautiful combination of tango dance, strength, flexibility and passion.

Mr. & Mrs. G: Ottavio Gesmundo and Naomi Brenkman Gesmundo leave audiences breathless with their “crossbow-wielding wizardry,” gymnastic and acrobatic stunts, and well-orchestrated hand-to-hand combat. They has extensive performing credits that include The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, The Britney Spears Circus (opening video segment), “Spider-Man Live!” at Radio City Music Hall and the U.S. National Tour, Elton John & Tim Rice’s “Aida” in The Netherlands (where the couple met and fell in love), and Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde French television show.

Denis Ignatov: This fifth-generation Russian artist has mastered the art of Cubique – a twisted manipulation and juggling of transforming geometrical shapes, creating mind-bending visual illusions. His act is the most technically advanced of its kind, featuring a number of unique transforming shapes and technical innovations.

Olga Coronas: A native of Rudnii, Kazakhstan, Olga began training in the circus arts at the age of 6. She attended the Circus Arts College in Almaty, where she graduated as an aerialist. She has been featured at the prestigious Almaty Circus, Liana Orfei’s Golden Circus in Italy, Neil Golberg’s Cirque Productions, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Circus Circus casino in Las Vegas, Cirque Des Voix, and at many more shows around the world. She is a standout artist on the lyra (aerial hoop) and aerial silks; she also serves as a circus coach with Circus Arts Conservatory’s Sailor Circus Academy.

“We were not able to do our Summer Circus Spectacular last year due to our involvement with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C.,” said CAC Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell. “We are thrilled to be able to bring back our show – a live circus – at The Ringling, which works to preserve the history and legacy of the circus. It’s the perfect partnership!”

The show, which will take place at the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota), runs June 12 – July 28. Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets for preview week, June 12-15, are just $12; for the remainder of the run tickets are $16/adults, $12/children 12 and under. Go to Ringling.org or call the Box Office at (941) 360-7399.

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About Circus Arts Conservatory
The mission of the Circus Arts Conservatory is to engage and educate students using unique and innovative learning programs; to measurably improve the quality of life for individuals in care facilities; and to advance the extraordinary legacy and heritage of the circus. The CAC is home to world-class performances, excellence in training the circus arts, and community-based education and humor therapy outreach programs. Go to CircusArts.org or call (941) 355-9335.

About Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation. It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling’s historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Tibbals Learning Center; the Historic Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.