Circus Flora's MEDRANO At Grand Center

Although I've seen plenty of circus movies and acts over the years, I'd never actually sat under a big top and enjoyed one up close and personal. A chance to gather up the family and check out the wonders of St. Louis's own Circus Flora, provided me just such an opportunity. Their French-infused concoction, Medrano, provided my son and I with our first experiences witnessing the magic that this one ring circus conjures up each summer in our own backyard. To quote John Lennon, who was himself referencing an old circus poster he'd found in a junk shop: "A splendid time is guaranteed for all".

There's a narrative that runs through this production that references the Montmarte circus of the late 19^th century. It all takes on a decidedly Parisian flavor with various romantic intrigues involving a lady in red, and the peculiar running thread contributed by Yo-Yo the Narrator. None of this really matters, except that it sets the mood and tone of the show. The real attraction here are the acts, not the atmosphere, and the performers provide a wide range of athletic daredevilry, all of which is thoroughly engaging.

Terry Crane's amazing work on an aerial rope set the bar high, as he repeatedly pulled his way toward the ceiling, carefully winding the rope around his body at the peak, before letting it unravel with balletic grace as he tumbled downward. Alesya Gulevich displayed her charms with a hula hoop demonstration that demanded immense concentration on her part. I lost count of how many ended up on her lithe frame by the end. As a first act finale, you can't beat The Flying Wallendas, an act that's been thrilling audiences with their high wire shenanigans for nearly a hundred years.

Horse riding was also on the bill, and a number of variations on the equestrian arts were featured. Sasha Nevidonski performed an aerial ballet with his horse Mammut, that was as impressive visually as it was physically. The Ianna Spirit Riders segment gave a group of young girls the chance to show off their skills at balancing on top of these thundering beasts, while Omar Chinibekov and The Riders of the Ring displayed the intensity that's required to perform their own particular brand of trick riding.

The St. Louis Arches delivered a cheerfully peppy series of acrobatic stunts that delighted the youngsters in attendance. But, it was Johnny Peers' Muttville Comix, a motley collection of the most adorable trained dogs you've ever seen, that really got the crowd roaring. And, I'd be remiss in my duties if I didn't mention Nino the clown and his playfully silly antics. The Flying Pages closed the action with a trapeze act that managed to generate plenty of "oohs" and "ahs", as the members flew through the air with controlled abandon.

What impressed me the most was the level of trust that's needed to insure that the performers are working in a safe environment. When you're standing on top of a horse who's running at a full gallop, one slip could leave you paralyzed. And, when you're leaping in the air from one trapeze to the next, you have to hope the net was put up properly. So, this is an operation that really relies on everyone doing their job, and it's a credit to them all that it comes off so smoothly.

Circus Flora's production of Medrano continues through June 21, 2009 in the Grand Center, under the big top.

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