5th Year May 17, 1976 Number 20 /V. O. Shrine Date Set Contracts were signed last al Hanneford Circus, calling for lem Temple's annual Shrine Circus appear in the Louisiana city for Ideas Sought Circus Fans, Historians and Model Builders are being asked for suggestions in the develop- ment of story ideas for Ringling- Barnum's 1977 circus press kit and program book. All contributions will be (Continued on Page 21) week by Glenn Parkins, of the Roy- that show to produce the Jerusa- in New Orleans. The circus will six days (Nov. 22-27) and will be presenting virtually the same big program that was produced by Tom- my Hanneford for several major Shrine clubs early this year. At the same time it was an- nounced that the show's Florida offices have been expanded to a suite of three offices. This will provide facilities for Glenn Par- Continued on Page 20) AVAILABLE FOP LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS HOLLYWOOD ELEPHANTS Contact JUDY JACOBS KAYE Suite 519 • 1680 North Vine Street • Hollywood, California • 90028 Area Code 213* 462-6001
Transcript
5th Year May 17, 1976 Number 20
/V. O. Shrine Date SetContracts were signed last
al Hanneford Circus, calling forlem Temple's annual Shrine Circusappear in the Louisiana city for
Ideas SoughtCircus Fans, Historians and
Model Builders are being askedfor suggestions in the develop-ment of story ideas for Ringling-Barnum's 1977 circus press kitand program book.
All contributions will be
(Continued on Page 21)
week by Glenn Parkins, of the Roy-that show to produce the Jerusa-in New Orleans. The circus will
six days (Nov. 22-27) and will bepresenting virtually the same bigprogram that was produced by Tom-my Hanneford for several majorShrine clubs early this year.
At the same time it was an-nounced that the show's Floridaoffices have been expanded to asuite of three offices. This willprovide facilities for Glenn Par-
Continued on Page 20)
AVAILABLE FOP LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS
HOLLYWOOD ELEPHANTSContact
JUDY JACOBS KAYESuite 519 • 1680 North Vine Street • Hollywood, California • 90028
Area Code 213* 462-6001
Page 2 The Circus Report
Truck BurnsA loss of key equipment was
suffered by Lewis Bros. Circus,when the light plant, containingtwo generators and a large amountof electrical material burned tothe ground at Villa Rica (Ga) onApril 30th.
The incident occurred whilethe show truck was enroute fromCedar Bluff (Ala) to Villa Rica.Cause of the blaze was blamed onsparks from the truck's mufflerigniting at the fuel tank.
. Hal Haviland
AW?ournCFA Pat Bissonette served as
a chauffer to get Royal HannefordCircus coveralls to the laundro-mat. That's show biz!
The Baroness Von Frost's My-stical World of Magic, with MikeNaughton, Dorian and Janice Blakedid two shows on May 1st at theMunicipal Auditorium at Charles-ton, S. C.
Early reports on Circus Gal-axy are very impressive.
When Clyde Bros. Circusplays South Bend (Ind) they'll bein an old downtown vaude house.The dates are: June 12-13.
Mike Naughton
WANTED: Small ponies for a mini-Liberty Act. PRICE MUST BE RIGHTWrite: Hal Haviland, P. 0. Box1222; Landover, Md. 20785
Sam Polack SHOWRain washed out the first
day of Sam Polack's three day en-gagement at Columbia (SC) April30-May 2. Show was set up in anopen arena with an uncoveredgrandstand. High winds, sprinklesand threatening skies greeted the'three shows Saturday, with twomatinees on Sunday.
Appearing in Columbia were:Feller Boys and Do Do; Pam Ro-saires, dogs and chimps; The Vil-lams, juggling; DeMille, wire;Prince Najvez, aerial; Gossing'stigers; Jordanas, upside-downunicycle; Anderson's White HorseTroupe; Geronimo, sponge dive;Diano's elephants; Jericho's leapact and clowns Benaka, Chabiraand Mike Markling. John Asburyhandled music and Isabel Luvaswas the announcer.
Celeb MiteA champagne party topped
off a star studded Burbank (Cal)opening for Circus Vargas on Apr.23rd. Among those appearing inthe program and as honored guestswere: Edie Adams, Parley Baer,Dyann Cannon, Phil Chamberlain,Charo, Dick Clark, Gary Collins,Brandon Cruz, James Franciscus,Walt Freitas, Henry Gibson, Shir-ley Jones, Claudia Lamb, GeorgeMaharis, Dick McGinnes, Emil MeLaughlin, Rick Nelson, Helen Red-dy, Sally Struthers, Gordon WilesFlip Wilson, Betty White and AlanLudden.
May 17, 197- I ' a ,> .
S!'t(. 1A1. 10 i.l!'.' I Sair of itivster . perv.tl»s"walked" on the 4th da\ .the following, storv (M^ '
"Towards the end ol
K i l l . 1 . - kos-'!iS'..rh ( I ' - X . i s ) Ap! , 1 ^7 - A::t.f S h e w t i v e I ' . S . A . debacle when pe r fo rmersI n ctii interview w i t h pcrforinei I ' c t e i
..•(->!! pi eced toget h"r.the !~
•ivas
first week we were told paydaywould be on a Monday, the 8th dayin Coriroe, Texas. The money, wewere informed, went first to Day-ton and then back to the show.This made us skeptical, plus thefact that two acts on the show,for a couple of days, who had toleave (Jimmy Douglass and BaronVon Uhl) were paid in dollar bilkand quarters. We went along withthe deal anyway, but in Concroe,on Monday, the producer nevershowed. On top of that we heardthe backer had pulled out.
"The show was already up,
'The producer photn-d, want. -I ed 1 Oin Pettus and rue to move theshow to the next spot. Kit hi only
, $32.00 in the bank, an<l all thatequipment sitting thert , howcould we do that?"
"It was there that we left.Everybody disbanded. We had tohelp some of the people get outof town. We had overlooked theband, so everybody kicked in mon-ey to get the band out of town."
Other complications appar-ently contributed to the show'sTexas upset, chief among them be-ing a nut far beyond the gross-ing capacity of the small towns
tickets were being sold right anc being promoted. Tho nut was estileft. It was our best day. We j mated at $3̂ ,000 for performanceput on the matinee, but made sur-^ and $6,000 for staff, plus oper-one of oui people was in th" boxoffice controlling the money. Wehad a meeting after the show. Itwas decided that all people hold-ing gas bills would get theirgas money. At the end of thenight what was left was cut up.Each act, no matter how danypeople were in it, got $150.00,including movie star John Hroni-l i e l d . I t was then agreed wewould do the same tiling the nextda\ in Rosenburg. Upon arrival w«foTi'l out through the sponsorsthere was only '-.J2.00 in th.-bank. There was no sense in evenputting up the show.
a ting expenses.
In the wake of this massexodus by performers came the in-evitable rumors - one being thatpho:ie promotions continue forthe show in t: » Chicago area;another that the prod'n >«r is try-inj' to t i l l sor.io he.uilv promot-
it : Texas. All i.liis,is pure rumor and spe»—
ed spotshowever ,11 Kit i «ni.
w« iI M..-.SU !.,! «
1 i IM LI it
ar, •, t or
l I-uropean iinpor '. a-brought OVM especial
iowiiiie I'.^.A. !he\,i i AIM.'! ic-aii cot.iiterpai tsthe monent, without
con' r«n.-i s. ,B.
ROUTESBeatt. y—Cole Circus
Mav 17 Carlisle, Pa.18 Lancaster19 West Chester
20-31 PhiladelphiaBerosini 3-Ring Circus
M a > 14-20 Anniston, Ala.21 -23 Rome, Ga.
Hubert Castle CircusMav 17 Moose Jaw, Can.
18-1.9 Swi f t Current20-74 Calgary
Hubert- Cas tU> Show - No. 2M.v> 17-20 Thunder Bay.Ont
BILLY BARTON- , , BELIEVE IT OR NOT Italysupports 38 to 42 circusesin a country no larger
than the state of Florida. Milan, for example, playedhost to four circuses simultaneously, each doing excep-tional business. If it could only happen here!
DONNA WILSON and BILL BANNI-STER caught the finale of ClydeBros, in Atlanta, report seeingBobby Gibbs, The Geraldos, HaroldAlzana, Cleo Plunkett, The YoungTroupe, Ma Ho Pin, Pauline Dukeand the Ruckers. Donna and Billare doing their new cradle actwith Hoxie's Creat American.
FLYING SEGARAS set to go onPolack....SAL MURILLO opens withGarden-Johnson at the L.A. SportsArena May 21 or eleven days, tobe followed by two more cities.FAY ALEXANDER will be unit mana-ger....Am tol'1 that CELLA GAONAis recupperat np. from an attackof Hepatitis.
APOLOGIL. TO EDDY VENTURA:When the stor- on Feller Boys &Do Do's Littlf Rock (Ark) mishapwas phoned in a bad connectiongarbled the gtnder. It was EDDYVentura, not 1ETTY who was spot-ting Heinz wh n he took a spill.
ISABEL LLVAS announced theSam T. Polack Circus at Columbia(SC) when JIM?Y DOUGLASS, theshow announce! , was in Lincolnfor GRACE MAC INTOSH. OrganistJOHN ASBURY \. ncled the band for: <0>M BOOM BR01N1NG, who was alsoin Lincoln... LOLA (Dobritch) andEMIL GOETCHI isited son Emil,Jr.(De Mille) in Columbia....Alsoon the date wtre the VILLAMS,jugglers.
HOXIE TUCKER is still takingon too much of a workload despitedoctor's orders. Wish he'd takeit easy - he is too valuable ashowman to put his health in je-poardy SELLS & GRAY have beenusing an old square-end tent un-til a new top can be ordered....their new top was lost in a fire....GARDEN BROS, plays Trenton(NJ) under canvas.
It's true that the ALBERTOZOPPE Family will go to Italy inthe late fall to tour with LEON-IDA CASARTELLI's Circo Medrano.American acts now appearing withToni's Circo Americano includeGALLA SHAWN, FLYING GIBSONS andGUZMAN & MONIQUE. Eddie MurrilloJr. and wife, Lorredonna, haveconcessions on that show.
PETER LUVAS, arriving in Co-lumbia, found himself surroundedby acts wanting to know the "realstory" on SHOWTIME USA thatfloundered in troubled waters af-ter only 9 days on the roadTOMMY BENTLEY advises the Rudypromo in Cincy is doing well,ditto the Salt Lake City promounder the direction of HENRY BAR-RETT. Rudy will play only tendays starting late June, plussome spots in the fall, but afull tour looms for 1977.
(Continued on Page 24)
Page 6 The Circus Report
England's Tent Season StartsThe circus tenting season in England seems to start earlier
and earlier each year. Gerry Cottle's Circus was the first to openat Kings Cross (London) in February. The next show was Austen Bros,at Nottingham on March 1st. The owners of these two shows werepartners a couple of years ago,operating at Cottle & Austen.Noweach goes his seperate way andwhile neither were born in thebusiness (unlike most show ownersboth provide good traditionalcircus programs with "house" ani-mal acts and specialties comingfrom outside sources.
Chipperfield's Circus openedat Worcester on March 16; as us-ual good characteristic fare withplenty of animals, headed by DickChipperfield Jr's large group oflions, followed by his new groupof leopards and black panthers.Other animals include bears, ele-phants, horses, ponies, dogs,monkeys, snakes and crocodiles,all presented by members of thefamily. They also have severalanimal acts appearing with othershows.
Sir Robert Fossett's Circusopened in Yorkshire in late Mar.while Robert Bros, opened at Lea-mington Spa on Apr. 5. These twoshows, and Chipperfield's, areabout the same size and all puton good dependable programs. Allhave at least one good cage act,plus elephants, horses and tradi-tional circus acts.
Circus Hoffman has been inand out since Christmas and arenow in the West Midlands. Thesize of this show varies from one
year to the next. Not long agothey had a six pole tent and wereconsidered the largest show onour roads. But the departure ofthree of the five brothers toother branches of the entertain-ment industry has cut the showdown in size. It is an enterpris-ing operation. One year they hadan "Ice Circus", last year theyfeatured "The Planet of the Apes"and each year it is something new
James Bros, (cousins of theFossetts) is a small show with acouple of elephants and using fa-mily acts. Usually they play acoastal resort each year. GandeysCircus is operated by Philip Gan-dey, the youngest operator in thecountry (about 20, now). He tookover his father's small but popu-lar show two years ago and hasmaintained its popularity.
There are also several smallcircuses in England, often with adozen or less folks. Fossett Br. ,Apollo, Circus Markus, Sandows,Funtime Circus, all come withinthis category, and all are backon the orad. All are worth seeingif only to admire the pluck andingenuity of these proper circus"ohmies" who operate and appearin their tiny shows.
In these difficult times itis good to announce the appear-
(Continued on Page 17)
May 17, 1976 Page 7
HAPPYTIMEDOG AND PONY
Wants Working ManMust be at least 18 years of age and willing to work - youstart now and work thru November. Starting pay $80.00 perweek.
Bonus for each of the qualifications:
Stay Sober - No Hippy Hair No Drugs
Extra Bonus if you have a California Driver's License andan additional bonus if you have a California Class A License
Most of our stands are 1 to 2 weeks at thesame location, with some one nighters. Lotsof free time in the evening. All dates arein California.
P.S. If you feel you canqualify join as per route in"The Circus Report."
The Circus Report
Zacchini ShowA recent Nashville engage-
ment, played by the Eddie Zacchi-ni Circus featured the followingperformers.
Fay Alexander, Les Thinis,Anita Vargas, John Herriott Fam-ily, Brickie's Poodles, hernandeztroupe, Flying Lar-Rays, AquillarTroupe, Walter Patterson & Co.,Oscar CrisLiani's elephants, BobJohnson, Zacchini Cannon act, theVenturas, cradle and Zoppe'sSpace Odyssey. The show's announ-cer was Bill Borne.
Tribute PlansEarly this month the Rhode
Island Senate voted to commenor-ate the 150th anniversary of thekilling of the elephant "Betty."
A bronze tablet is to beplaced on the Chepachet Bridge inthe northwestern part of thestate marking the spot where the"melancholy and generally over-looked facet of early Rhode Is-land history" occurred.
The resolution notes thatthe elophant was touring New Eng-land on May 25, 1826, when shewas "needlessly" shot and killed.
MiscellaneousLewis Bros. Circus has been
pulling straw houses at everyperformance. Th«»y had just onebad day since they opened.
Hetzer TourJames Hetzer started his
circus tour at Oceana, W. Va., onApril 1st and toured through May4th. All spots were one day standswith the show set-up in highschool gyms. For the most partshows were presented in the morn-ings and afternoons, with some ofthe morning shows as early as8:30 a.m. Occassionally a 12 noonand 7:30 p.m. show was scheduled,in spots like Clarksburg.
Business was reported upover that of last year's tour.TheHetzer spring tour is an annualevent and the same towns are played each year.
The show line-up included:Gee Gee's uncaged cougar; Clowns(Billy and Jo Jo); Miss Carol'sEgyptian Fantasy (doves); TheGrimaldis, musical; clown hair-grower; Hetzi, vocalist, who wasalso the Ringmistress; Jo Jo, mu-sical act; Gee Gee's ponies; An-tonucci's chimps; Clowns; VenoBerosini, sword balance; Gee Geeand her elephants (3).
When the Grimaldis had toleave to fulfill previous commit-ments, Mario and Barbara Albertisjoined with their rolling globeand hand balancing acts.
ART WORK for letterheads, cards,envelopes, etc. designed justfor you. Wiitt.-: Beverly Allen,Box 91, Pixley, Calii. 93256 orPhoru-: (20<O 71}'- 3501
May 17, 1976
Hunt's CircusThe Hunt's Circus opened itsj
84th season at Browns Mills (N.Jion April 27th with two perform-ances. Despite the 38 degree tem-perature and bad winds they drewa full house for the matinee anda good half house that night.
This is a one ring show andcarries no side show. The circusis operated by Marsha Hunt andthe animals include: 8 dogs, se-veral ponies, 2 horses, a llamaand a young elephant named Dolly.
The program featured:-Lee Ann Stevens - trapezePizza and Popcorn - clownsMiss Teresa - trained llamaLee Ann Stevens - jugglingMiss Tina - Spanish webStevens Family - trained dogsCanestrelli Family - horses— Intermission —
Marsha Hunt - magic actMiss Stevens - poniesPizza and Popcorn - clownsMarsha Hunt - dish balancingMiss Tina - high rigged act
Hubler's ShowWhen H.j:.lt-i »s J n t M (.i
played Plymouth (MicK) May 1-2they provided an excellent showand drew full houses for everyperformance. Rickey, the clown,did come-in arid had a new bag oftricks. Music was expertly hand-led by Floi ine 01».>r .
The program featured:Opening spec - entire personnelFreddie Troupe - long leapsHarriett Beatty - African lionsIngrid & Walte - spinning platesRickey and Dondi - clownsMiss Dianne - Spanish webMiss Louise - doves (40)The Circus ClownsCanestrella Family - trampolineTanga - aerialistThe Houcs - jugglingThe Ortons - balancing laddersEddie & Eddie Co. - trapezeRickey and Dondi - clowningDorothy Kelly - elephants
Clarence Hastings
Miss Teresa with "Dolly" the newtrained elephant
Frank Hoopes
A Sincere Thanksto
Margaret Holter Bob Puiett Bob Mathcws, Jr.
Herbie Weber
My Father and friends who pushed me and had faith in me toachieve the goals planned. They know who they are.
And last, but not least Mac MacDonald
Without their help Henry Bros. Circus would not have beencreated. TV?-. !!er,ry
Page 10 The Circus Report
Anniversary TimeSylvester and Barbara Braun
and Frank and Bern ice Dean cele-brated their wedding anniversaryson the same date last month -April 26th. The Brauns had beenmarried 24 years, while the Deanswere celebrating their 41st yearof marriage.
Also celebrating a weddinganniversary last month were Chuckand Betty Chism, who were marriedon April 15th.
All three couples got to-gether and had an anniversarydinner on the "Queen Mary" atLong Beach, Calif.
Duluth ShowAppearing with the Kaye Cont.
Circus at Duluth (May 1-2) were:Spec - The Circus on ParadeMitzi's trampolineRandy & SlyviaJoyce Rice - jugglingThe Kaye Cont'l elephantsClowns - Dog PieGreat Arturo - single trapezeKathy's canine revu«?Clowns - The DentistThe Smaha Family - horses— Intermission —
The Four Flying RamosClowns - The Boxing MatchBaby Dolly, the elephantAnlalek's chimpsThe Desert CaravanGene Mendez - high wireThe Hernandez TroupePio and Tony Noci'. - »way polesH; 1.1 U- - entire personnel
Th«- show stall included:
mm SHOWThe 18th annual Northeast
Shrine Circus was produced by Ed-die Zacchini and presented atthe Monroe (La.) Civic Center. Atotal of 9,000 persons attendedthe three shows, which was com-peting against a star-studded CPTelethon, just across the street)and other local events.
It was a children's circusfor the most part, with thestrongest acts being the non-per-son performers. Cristiani's ele-phants topped the bill with theirgrace and polish.
Van Donwen's seals, Alley'sbears and Bill Brickie's poodleswere stand-out features. Barradafaced some wild lions and hisclosing trick, a lion sitting ona revolving platform, won heartyapplause.
Fay Alexander's comedy autoand the Zoppe 3001 Exploits inSpace were crowd pleasers. Mis-sing was the Zacchini cannon actwhich was announced earlier asa part of the show. There was adefinite shortage of clowns anddue to other bookings this repor-ter was unable to join the alley.
M. L. Dupont
Paul V. Kaye - producer/directorJudy Kaye - program directorJune Dewsbury - wardrobeJohn MacKaye - producing clown
with Mike Klucker, June Dews-bury and Koko Sprath.
May 17, 1975 Page 11
Show Visit ,by AL HOUSE
While vacationing in Florida I saw the Sells & Gray Circus atNew Smyrna Beach, its second day out (April 17). All of the trucksare well painted and the canvas is beautiful - all red, white andblue.
The big top privides threerings and has a unique device forrigging aerial acts which savestime and problems. Seats are thebleacher style, 9 rows high, allaround the tent. There is no bandbut the recorded music seems tocome across good and the soundsystem is a good one.
The performance was reportedin CR on May 10 -Page 6. It is anevenly balanced show, with manypeople working in several acts.Clowning is handled by John Blockand Jose Antonio, who are Europ-ean type clowns. Additional com-edy is provided by the Earls,with their Bonnie & Clyde number.He also serves as ringmaster. Thetwo elephants - Bessie and Topsy-are handled by Gary Thomas.
ART "Doc" MILLER recentlysuffered a heel injury requiringa cast. As a result he has beenforced to return home for restand recovery. Cards and letterscan be sent him at: Rte. 3 - Box323-C, Starke, Fla. - 32091.
CAROL STEBBING recently lostone of her tigers despite anaround the clock effort to savethe animal. She had raised itfrom a tiny cub.
The midway has a concessionstand, and pony ride on one side,with Henry Thompson's Side Showon the opposite side. Tickets forthe side show are 25c and 50c andbig show tickets are $3.00 and$2.00 (adults and children).
YOUR OFFICIAL
COSTUMER 'Everything from
uniforms and flags,to astronauts.
3748 Monroe RoadV Charlotte, North Carolina 282O5
SEND $2.00 FOR A COMPLETE CATALOG. '
Page 12 The Circus Report
From ChileYouth Circus"The 24th annual tour of
the Wenatchee Youth Circus isshaping up very well," says PaulPugh, show director. "Most of outdates are all signed, with just afew still to be confirmed."
This year the show will us«all new red and white canvas, newdressing tops, ring carpets andlots of new costumes. The bigshow band will offer both tradi-tional and new music, includingtwo marches and a waltz writtenby Barbara Taggart of Illinois.
Acting as Paul's assistantis Joe Anderson, a former YouthCircus performer and for the pastfour years he served as headcoach for the Peru Circus Festi-val. New to the circus this yearare four youngsters from Ashton'sCircus in Australia. They arehere for the summer with Mrs.Lorraine Grant, daughter of theAshtons.
Some 18 of the circus*alumni have been hired by Marri-ott's 'threat American" Park atSanta Clara, Calif. They will bepresenting a 45 minute circusprogram at the park four times aday, starting June 12 throughLabor Day.
The Community Center at Farm-ington, Mich., will hold a ClownSchool from June 28 to Aug. 3rd. THE NOVAKS (risley and footRickey, the Clown (Irv Romig) j jugglers from Holland) are tour-will be the instructor. Sessions | ing the U.S. and visiting as manywill be scheduled every Tuesday , American circuses as possible,and Thursday.
This is not a good year forcircuses in Chile, reports J. F.Dolphin, from Talcahuano. A com-bination of bad weather and infla-tion has cut down on attendance,he adds. Even some of the largeshows, which formerly only playedbig cities are now showing in anysmall town where they think theycan draw in a few dollars.
Salaries are low in Chileand expenses are high, as a resultthe average family has very littlemoney left over for entertainmentThere is still an elite class thatspends the summer months in thesouthern part of the state and asa result many shows head that wayduring vacation time.
In all there are 15 circusesin Chile and the people are greatcircus fans. However, as the costof living climbs some shows arebound to disappear.
The Circus Association ofChile is working to establish apermanent exhibit of the circusat Santiago. They would like toobtain posters, photos, etc. Any-one wishing to donate materialcan write to: J. Francis Dolphin,Casilla 6-D, Talcahuano, Chile.
May 17, 1976 Page 13
The recent Sphinx ShrineCircus at Hartford (Conn.) feat-ured the L. N. Fleckles Circus,which was in ahead of RBBB.
The program included:Overture - Al Youngman, directorSpec - Circus personnelKalmas - irola bolaMartin - jugglingLucky Bros. - knockaboutGuy Gossing - tigers (right hand
was injured in one show)The Pharoahs - aerial cradleClowns - Mike, Mustafa, KokoMile. Louise - dovesAerial Ballet - with Posset's
"Girl In the Moon"Eric Adams - chimpsThe Albanis - aerial motorcycleEddie & Eddie Co. - castingThe Swaying Stars - sway poles
— Intermission —Lamberty, Jr. - balancing
Show ActsActs currently appearing at
the Old Chicago Mall include:Saul Shafton, announcer; EmilHahn, bandmaster; Ginger Lee, webZamudio, head balance trap; Sla-ter, slack wire juggling; ReggieVan Young III; Cleo, the MeanLittle Kid, comedy; Slater's won-der dogs; Zamudio Duo, high wire;The Great Boros, sway pole.
Other entertainers include:Arwood's Dogs; The Kellys; Tony& Chris and Jack Kratt, banjo.
most every performance of theCarden-Johnson Circus at Spring-field (Mo.) on April 19-25. Theshow featured many three ringdisplays
Several new acts were fea-tured in the 2\ hour show, all ofwhich were well received. A greatdeal of applause greeted BettyWoods and her doves, for it wasa truly unique act.
The program included:Curt and Betty - high perch actBarradas - bearsTony Fagundas - camelsGlen Henry - poniesThe Staneks - balance poleDavid Conners, The Langs and Bob
Plies - juggling displayThe Circus clownsChris Plunkett - tight wireThe circus clownsGlen Henry, Ralph Ruckers and
Nolly Tate - dogsBob Plies & Dave Connor - unicydeJosalito - high wire— Intermission —
The Dells - flying actThe circus clownsThe Staneks - teeterboardRalph Ruckers - goatsThe Barredas chimpsThe circus clownsBob Plies, The Plunkett Family
and The Langs - trampolineBetty Woods - trained dovesThe circus clownsElephant banner ad announcementTony Fagundas - elephants (3)Johnny Luxem - Wheel of Destiny
B. Everett Eslinger
G M TourMost of the Sam T. Polack
show personnel visited the Georg€Matthews Circus at Birmingham(Ala) and while there attended asurprise birthday party for LeeMister. Among the visitors were:Sam and Gen Polack, Billy Barton;The Jordans, Bobby Davis, FellerBoys and Do Do, The Andersons,Chabira, Benaka and Mike Marking.
Staff on the G-M Circus in-cludes: Ed Russell, ringmaster;Lee Mister, cookhouse; WallyBickmore, mechanic; Jeff Wagner,canvas; Rick Brown, props; NickBengor, supt.; Glen McCloskey,24hour man and Herbie Weber, con-cessions.
The show program features:
Bicentennial Salute with CraigCarlson as Uncle Sam (on highstilts). Cliff Moresi, band.
Magana's African lions (7)Clowns -Davey Bros, and Gwen - jugging
in end rings - finish in thecenter ring
Miss Lu Ann - single trapezeClowns - The DentistBaldwin's ChimpsGreat Huberto - slide for lifeWai-Tims - risleyCraig Carlson - hand balancingUncle Heavy's Pork Chop Revue
— Intermission —The Flying Segaras (4)The ClownsLos Latinos - tightwireThe Patricks, Segara Trio and
The Orwyns - rola holaClowns - The WashwomanG-M Circus elephants
May 17, 1976 Page 15
When Patterson Bros. Circusplayed Adrian, Mich. (May 5-6)they worked in the local Armory.The program, with Jon Friday, asringmaster featured:-
Lynne Barker & Family - dogsRickey Romig and Les Brown - the
circus clownsThe Barrys - comedy trapezeClowns - Long Distance CallArmanda - rola bola acrobatics2 Anys from Zanesville - comedyLang's chimpsGloria's Busy B's - dogs, monkey
and a baboonMiller Bros. - aerial featureClowns - The Big ChickenThe Michaels - jugglingCircus ClownsGorge, the Gorilla
Circus Fans seen attendingthe circus included: Don and Mar-tha Smith, Hayes Ganiard andClarence Hastings.
Show StaffThe staff on Hoxie's Great
American Circus includes:
Bill Hill - general managerJoe Carabetta - office managerGeorge Reese - electricia^Rick Pasca - big top/animalsLes Moyer - mechanicMike McGuire - concessionsC. J. Matchett - 24 hour manChas. Moyer - announcer/band dir.Dave Miller - organistLes Moyer - drummer
Remember ?1 remember when Lu Grier put
up an elephant as security in apoker game. He won enough to movethe Campbell Bros. Cole Circus in
1913-The show was deep in the redand if Lu hadn't won at the pokergame the show would have folded.The next town brought good busi-ness and from there on the tourwas a good one. Tosky
Gorilla Suitsjjh Still only $435.00.
phinpMoms Everything from Animalfyffjn/rhJ/t Costumes, Clown Shoes//( w</vi^ to Mjnjature Cars
COSTUMES 3748MonroenoadCharlotte, North Carolina 282O5 V
SEND $2.00 FOR A COMPLETE CATALOG.
Page 16 The Circus Report
Hoxie's American Beauty by BILLY BARTON
With his Matser's Touch, Hoxie Tucker has done it again - thistime with the creation of Hoxie's Great American Circus, caught onApr. 28, at Sparta, Ga. It's picture post-card pretty with its"snow ball" red big top, awith two 20*s and a 40,
70 ftand its
blue and white sidewall. Inside,the quarter poles push throughblue circles with white stars.This show not only is new, itlooks and smells new. The marqueeis red, has "Welcome To The Cir-cus" in white letters across thefront, has a solid blue entrancecurtain, with a giant white "H"in its center.
Blue and white stringers en-circle the top, seats 1900. Allbally cloths, connections and curtains are red and white. Onering, red and white, is used,withtwo solid red stage cloths oneach side. The band trailer backsinto the tent and the organ setson a platform. Ridge cables andjiggers provide aerial acts witha full height of 32 ft. The bigshow tickets are $3.00 (adults)and $2.00 (children) no reserves.
The midway is also brightlypainted in red, white and blue.Two flashy semis front the sideshow - the only bad canvas on theshow and it is being replaced.Onthe midway is a mounted HimalayanMonster show, a concession trail-er, elephant ride and the tickettrailer. The Pit Show is 25c foreveryone. Side show is 75c-
Bandleader Charles Movei han-dles the side show, which is act-
ually a "zoo" housing a varietyof animals - camel, llama, monkeyelephants, donkey and caged wildanimals. Star of the side show isKongo, the Gorilla, who lives inan air-conditioned, glass frontedsemi. He is a fascinating crea-ture, easily as large as the fam-ed Mile. Toto, once on Ringling.The gorilla attracts large crowdsand generates excitement, as doesits twin Mongo, featured in theHoxie Bros. Circus.
A cookhouse is carried forthe workingmen, a small top, plusa cook wagon. Eleven pieces ofrolling stock, including a spoolwagon, transport the show.
Featured in the big show isthe Alberto Zoppe Family. In ad-dition to presenting his own actsAlberto is the equestrian direc-tor, and works a six pony drillbroken this past winter by JohnHerriott. Billy Gunga, supervis-es props, is a side show ticketseller and presents his acts.Mar-garet McGuire fronts the pit shou
Hoxie Tucker says that busi-ness for both shows is up to ex-pectations and he expects a ban-ner season for his two shows.TheHoxie show is headed for Illinoiswhile the Great American will gointo Long Island and that area.
May 17, 1976 Page 17
$500 RewardFor information leading to therecovery of a 31*, 1972 Holi-day Rambler Travel Trailer,Serial #5-72227123812, prev-viously in the possession ofRichard Freeman, AKA RichardSimpson, AKA Little Richard.
All Calls ConfidentialCall Collect:
TOM DODD (402) 345-7559
Acts appearing in the Hu-bert Castle Circus at its recentIndianapolis date were:
Tarzan Zerbini, wild ani-mals; aerial display with Wendy,Cello, Roberta, Jane, Sarah, Car-ey, Elizabeth, Deborah, featuringthe Saturnaires; Marhal camelsandllamas, Milonga's horses; JoAnn and Toma, and Charmaine'sPlaymates; display with Zavattas,Bisbinis, Martinez Duo, Sarazo-chil and the Marios; Five Rodri-ques, aerial bars; Dale Harney,illusions; Cline's elephants; Di-anos* elephants; Castle's ele-phants; Anita Vargas, slack wire;Mile. Jacqueline, rock ship; TheRock-Smith Flyers; Hall's MonkeysKassle's bears; Miamba's Baboons;Wilson's Pets; The Tabaks; LesFantasias; The Galambos; KarlLinares, poodles; Bucko, theMule; Lee Marx; Doris Trio; Ro-bertos; Drougettes; Cycling Wiz-ards; Roger Zoppe's Arabian Rid-ers; the Friel-Smith Cannon act.
ENGLAND'S CIRCUSES (Continued)
ance of two new British shows.Phil Enos, who hails from Ameri-ca, has started his own PhilEnos Circus, with family acts,plus acts from the McManus-Paulofamily. Phil has a "crazy car"and has appeared with Chipper-fields, Smarts and other shows.
The other show is the revivalof the Pinder Circus by membersof the original family, who havebeen with Fossetts, and who havelong wanted to get their name ontheir own show.
There are persistent rumorsthat Billy Smart's Circus will beon the road this year for an Au-tumn tour. Smarts have been offthe road since 1971, but havekept their name before the publicthrough TV and by having theiranimal acts appear on other showsTheir equipment has been kept inFirst Class condition and manyof their original personnel arekept employed at their SafariPark- Jack Niblett
WANYEDFamily Acts - doing 2 or morenumbers. Start in June for 5months work. Send photos andprice immediately to:
SILL'S BROS. CIRCUSP. 0. Box 217
Gibson, N. C. - 28343
Also want 300 ft. of sidewall7 to 8 ft. high.
Page 18 The Circus Report
THE HENNEBERRY FAMILY enter-tained a state meeting of theGrotto at Pekin (111.) where aspecial tribute was paid to Grot-to member PAUL ZALLEE (87) who isstill an active performer. At onetime he operated the 7.allee Bros.Circus.
TOMMY CLARK, former Beatty-Cole prop boss, worked conces-sions at the Fleckles show inHartford, Conn.
GERRY and KAYE SCHEIMAN vis-ited the Paul Kaye Circus at Ter-re Haute (Ind) and Gerry was putto work in the animal dept.
POM and TOM DONOHO have beerrehearsing a new two elephant actat San Antonio (Texas) which isbooked into a Georgia Park. Theanimals were trained by Mac MacDonald.
TONY FOSSETT debuts his newkangaroo act on the Hannefordshow during its Canadian tour.Atthe same time IRENE FOSSETT willdebut her chimp act.
AvailableAfter May 24th
Fort Circuses - Fairs -Stage Shows, etc.
Ringmaster - M.C.
AL DAWLEYP. 0. Box 5123
Sarasota, Fla. - 33579
Phone: (813) 958-2423
MARGY HENNEBERRY ROGERS,oldest daughter of the HenneberryFamily, recently chaperoned 52senior high school students fromBradford (111.) to Washington,DC.In addition to touring the capi-tol city, they visited the RBBBCircus.
The MAC KAYE DUO and YOKO 8,COOKIE (Clowns) did four weeks ofadvance work for Hoxie's GreatAmerican, then made the Duluthdate for Paul Kaye and have nowjoined Garden-Johnson Circus.
"The Bale Family"EI.V1N BALE and JEANFTTE WILLIAMS
The Worlds Most Fabulous Thrilling Acts With RBBB Circus
Col. E.T. Bale's Continental HorsesAt R h B B Ci r rus World - Hainos Ci ty , Fla.
I R E N E . , G L O R I A , N I T A arid B O N N I E - "BALE SISTERS"! :i;','. S"lioul Hoi s».-s- Now 0:. lour W i t h Show Time USA u n t i l July
May 17, 1976
BI6 JOHN STROMPage 19
During its recent CentralCalifornia dates the Big JohnStrong Circus was preparing forits extended eastern tour. Showpersonnel were busy painting andrenewing equipment and a signpainter was engaged in letteringand adding scroll trim to the bigshow trucks.
Increases in attendance werenoted, resulting in increasedbusiness for all departments. Theshow, which has been out sinceJanuary, moves smoothly and effi-cently under the direction ofgeneral supt. Wally Wallentin andNorman Davis, mechanic. Officeduties and program direction arehandled by Betty Wendany.
The show program featured:
Introduction of Big John StrongHeidi and Chris - aerial websDon Young - comedy dog/jugglingChris De Wayne - elephantThe Clowns - Boxing MatchJohn & Heidi - jugglingClowns - Balancing EggsBetty Wendany - pony drillSandy Strong - trained macawHeidi Wendany - swinging ladderClown on ladder— Color Book Pitch —Sandy & Chris - trained dogsClowns - The BalloonPrincess Omar - one finger standBicentennial Finale(The Michael Family acts werescheduled to join the show thisweek).
M & M SHOWThe program produced by the
M&M Circus for the SesostrisTemple Shrine Circus, at Lincoln(Nebr.) April 27-May 2 featured:
James Douglass - ringmasterWm. Browning - band leaderManuel Navarro - prop supt.
Gary Allen - Wild animalsRummel Duo - high aerial actTwo Torreanis - tight wireSenorita Carmen - tight wireThe Endres - pole actNavarro Family - unicyclesThe Carlos - bicycle actThe Johnsons - bear actThe Carlos - perch poleVictor Julian - dog revueCarmen del Molino, plus Raqueli-
ta, Susan, Carol, Esterlita,Jennifer, Ginny - aerialists
Los Obandos - high wireBarbara's mixed animal revueDon Philips & Co. - unicycleThe Staneks - teeterboardBarbara and Walt King - elephantThe Raijas - balancingThe Cassidys - rolling globesThe Flying Lar-Rays
.... C. C. Day
AGENT WANTEDWant Contracting AgentGood Money - Four Deals
Contact:
KEN GRIFFINIllusionist - Magician
6331 Hollywood Blvd - Ste.603Hollywood, Calif. - 90028
Page 20 The Circus Report
CFA SHOWThe Stebbing Royal European
Circus is currently playing thruNorthern Louisiana on its way tothe CFA Convention in Dallas.They have hit some unusually coldweather, but arr providing an ex-cellent show.
This is a great show and ismaking an impressive appearanceeverywhere. Certainly CFA memberswill enjoy the show and feel itwas an excellent choice for theirconvention.
M. L. Dupont
N. 0. Date signed (Continued)
kins, show executive; Ray Winder,public relations and producerTommy Hanneford.
The Hanneford Circus startedits Canadian tour on May 10th.Meanwhile Parkins is preparingspecial material on the show forpresentation at the Shrine Con-vention in Kansas City, in a moveto obtain additional engagementsfor next year.
Philip Morris has been visit-ing on the show, working out newcostume and production plans forthe 1977 season. In the meantimeDon Basham is directing the "Raz-zle Dazzle" and other numbers inthis year's program.
TH1. CIRCUS REPORT is publishedeach week by Don Marcks, 525 OakSt. , El Cerrito, Cal. 94530.
Si.: scr ip t ioh l iuu- : 512.00 tor HieM'dr; $6.00 foi six months.
That New ShowAdvance newspaper reports at
San Antonio (Texas) announced theLeague of Latin American Citizenswere sponsored the May 9th ap-pearance of the Lulac Circus inthat city. According to the news-paper accounts the show is pre-sented by Circus Galaxy, and isthe largest show of its kind onthe road today. Its program runstwo hours and 45 minutes and fea-tures some 100 performers.
Among the acts listed in anarticle about the show were: TheFlying Aztecas; The Ramos RidingAct; Oresto; Nino Santos; GaryJohnson; the Oscarian Troupe;The Bishops and many others.
Show prices were listed as$2.50 and $1.50, with tickets atthe door costing $3.50 and $2.50.
Thank you Raymond Fletcher foryour recent circus photo order
CIRCUS PHOTOSCVSTOM COLOR CIRCUS PHOTOS
Scenics, Stop-Action PerformanceShots, Lot V iews , Equ ipment ,
Band lliot.o.s. All in Full-Coloi .
Send $1 .OU 101 .1 b e a u t i f u l 5"x7"sanplo, p lus detailed l i s t ing .
JA.MKS D. KAL1VODACFA - CHS - CMB - Wl
150^ South C l i n t o n AvenueH « T W V I I , I 1 1 ::iois 60402
May 17, 1976 Page 21
Shrine Date A Put Down?Acts featured on the Kaye Ctlj
Circus at Terre Haute (Ind) forthe Apr. 9-11 engagement were:
Spec - Circus ParadeLorelei, Sergio, Bobby - trapeze jGary Brunke - African lions (8)The Jupiters - triple trapezeClowns - SharpshootersDon Phillips - unicycle/jugglingPiasoni - AcrobatMr. Bell - balancingClowns - The Yelling ContestPaul Kelly - the Kaye elephantsDorothy Kelly - elephantsBob and Rosa Gibbs - elephantsArturo - single trapeze, plus 4
web girls in displayClowns - Tug-of-WarLona Antalek, Katinka, Bob Gibbs
- trained dog numbersSensational Leighs - space wheel— Intermission —
The Flying Ramos TroupeClowns - Bridal photographAntalek*s chirpsDorothy Kelly - single elephantBob Gibbs - camel and ponyGene Mendez - high wirePatterson, Ranos and Piasoni -
trampoline numbersThe Pilatus - sway poleBicentennial Finale
.... Kaye Scheiman
During a recent shopping cen-ter engagement for Hoxie Bros.Circus, horse trainer Bradd Frankwas cleaning up after his animalswhen a family group paused to ad-mire the horses.
A girl of about 10 was tell-ing the others about the circus,what she had seen and the animalsShe commented that the man(Bradd)must be one of the circus perfor-mers.
At this point a smaller girlof about 6 years, interrupted andsaid, "He's not a circus perform--er, he's only a groom. A peformetwouldn't do this sort of work."
MiscellaneousSeveral members of the Great;
Y Circus recently visited Polack •Bros, and Circus Vargas at South-iern California dates this month. ,
IDEAS SOUGHT (Continued)carefully reviewed and may wellbecome a Ringling reality. Thoseoffering ideas will receive acopy of "Nation's Governors Sa-lute The Greatest Show on Earth"a compilation of letters from amajority of the country's chiefexecutives who have recently pen-ned comments regarding the circus(This is a collector's item asno other distribution is intend-ed for public release.)
All material (ideas or stor-ies) should be sent to Public Re-lations Dept., Ringling Bros, ancBarnum & Bailey Circus, 1015 -18th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.20036. AH material becomes theproperty of the circus and nonecan be returned.
Page 22 The Circus Report
With WES and FLORINE OLDER Billy Barton
WES OLER began his fairroute with only a few fairs. Thatwas several years ago. Now he hasa route of 14, starting in Low-ville, N.Y., on July 19th andclosing Oct. 16th at Orangeburg,
S.C. "When 1 took over thosefairs, some had budgets estab-lished twenty years ago," Wes in-formed CR. "I asked one Fair Pre-sident why the budget was neverincreased. 'No one ever asked meto,1 he said. That particularfair had a budget of a little ov-er $4000. Now it is up to $12,007*
Wes Oler's wife, Floirine,well-known organist, has playeddates for Rudy Bros., Jiubler,Zacchini and others. When Wes ison tour with his Fair Units,Florine "retires". "Often," shesays, "1 handle one fair whileWes is at another. Some of themoverlap."
"She's good at it, too!"Wes remarks proudly.
Asked if she ever plays thepiograms at fairs, Florine re-plied. "On only a handful. Mostof the fairs - at least the oneswe handle want Country and West-ern, so there is no program forme to play."
Wes interjects: "It; bothersme that so many f a i r s want onlyCountry-Western. Now, do.-i't getme wrong. 1 like Cou'iti y-W»>stern,but if they wa-n ! ' ! » M - < : r '• j.it'a,flag-pole sitters, or streakers,
that's what I'll give them. Nat-urally we're partial to our cir-cus friends. I've tried my dam-nest to sell at least one noveltyact to each fair but, lately,they're just not interested."
"At fair conventions,"Florine says, shaking her head,"the walls in our room are plas-tered with pictures of acts. Thecommittees go straight to thebooks with Country-Western enter-tainers. That's what they pick."
"And they're expensive!"says Wes.
The Olers did manage to sellsome circus attractions which in-clude Al Vidbel's combinationpackage of animal acts: elephantsponies, dressage horse, chimpsand doves, plus petting zoo; MissApril, high pole; Antonucci'schimps; The Commancheros (cradleand revolving ladder); AngelaWilnow and her braves; KoKo andKorki, clowns, and novelty enter-tainers Garray and Tomio and JimMatson.
"Illusionist Joe Smiley isvery popular with fair committeesHe's booked on most of our fairs....but not always with his act.Often he just MC's."
"He provides scenery, too,"interrupts Florine.
The Country-Western hnadlin-ers booked by Wes include: TheConway Twitty Show, the Cal Smith
(Continued on Page 25;
HOXIEIWOV J-wmG
CIRCUS
Page 23
Compiled by PAUL E. FITZPATRICK, MD
April 15, 1976 - Covington, Georgia
Fred Kitchen, bandmaster John Hall, Gen. Mgr.
Phil Chandler, Ringmaster
Bicentennial Salute • SpecFanfareAmerica on ParadeStars & Stripes ForeverRed, White and BlueYankee. Doodle Dandy
Michael • Cat act -Shaft ThemeTequilaBorn FreeLove Is A Many Splendored ThingKismetBig Cage Galop
Gary Henry - Egg BalanceNo Music
Comedy Car Act •Merry OldsmobileTake Me Home
Web Number - GraciellaGrand Old FlagKilling Me SoftlyLast Tango in ParisGo GalopDear HeartFascinationDear World
The Franks - horse act -It's Not Unusual
Chim Chim ChereeSpinning WheelStrike Up The Band
Family • high wire •Almana/aThe Breeze and IMr. Lucky ThemeExodus ThemeLa PalomaMr. Lucky ThemeZmgarella
Clown numberPopcorn, the Clown
ZoeAnna Roman RidingApacheWalk. Don't RunWm. Tell Overture
Diaz Sisters - unicycles -That's Entertainment.Zing Went My Heart SpringsSwaneeSomebody's Taking My PlaceBaby Face
The Franks - whips and ropes •Currito de LacurzEl Rancho GrandeButtons & BowsMagnificent Seven ThemeBonanza ThemeOklahoma
Jim and Linda • elephants •ElefanteBaby Elephant WalkJungle DrumsBurma PatrolTurkey in the StrawLady of FranceInt'l Vaudeville MarchNight TrainArrhP dP TruirnphPBeautiful Lady in BlueRcck-a-bye Babybchimivih Man tiStars and Stripes Forever
Clowns - Gary and PonyBeer Barrel Polka
Diaz Sisters • juggling -Mombo JamboBridge Over River Kwai
Gary and Popcorn - ClownsEl Cumbanchero
Flying Columbians • trapezeC'est Paree'Melody of WaltzesMerry Widow WaltzBelle of the BallVienna LifeWintersports Galop
Finale -This is My Country
Thank YouPHIL and FRANCINE SCHACT
Apollo Aerialistsfor your purchase of elephant
Baby Dondi , she's a dandy
"SA VE MONE> W: TH JOHNNY"
JOHNNY CANOLE
4fi^NE lOJndStrn.VI, ami Shores. f '<> 3. I J8•306' /010?06
Coincidental with the FAYALEXANDER story, concluding withthis issue, is the footnote thatwhen TRAPEZE premiered in NewYork City at the Capitol Theatre,RUGGERA (Zoppe) did her trapezeact above the theatre marquee.Ateach performance she was harras-sed by city police until she wasforced to discontinue the act, atwhich point Alberto Zoppe riggedup a "dummy" that sung on thetrapeze in her place.
On my recent visits to theG-M Circu* and Hoxie's Great Am-erican I found hospitality plus!Attended the birthday bash underthe big top for G-M Chef LEE MIS-TER, and SANDY and ALBERTO ZOPPE(on Hoxie), treated me to a greatmeal. Everywhere I went I foundraves for CR.
PAM ROSAIRE visited her sis-ter in Georgia between SAM POLACKdates DIANO's ELEPHANTS, JIM-MY DOUGLASS, currently with DixieBros....DAVID CHABIRA, clown, toCircus World in July....PABLO, aformer RBBB wild animal trainer,now with Circus Toni in Italy....Russian aerialist MARINA RADULES-CU "retired" because she was hav-ing recurring night-mares aboutfalling - a terrible experienceas any aerialist can tell you. Ican only hope a "rest" brings herout of it. It would be a shamefor this beautiful performer tobe sidelined.
GUY GOSSING was clawed dur-ing the Hartford run, but was OKby the Columbia date for Sam Po-
lack....ALFONSO MAGANA, clawed onthe G-M Circus, is recupperating,and JOSE BARRADA clawed this win-ter by a bear, is coming alongnicely.
Run, don't walk to see AL-FRED HITCHCOCK'S "Family Plot",the suspense Master's best inyears....The screenplay writer ofthe TOM MIX story, soon to befilmed, spent the entire springtour with SID KELLNER.
PRINCE NAJVEZ back at theONSTAGE DISCO in Long Island un-til May 29th....HUBLER will playthe June Lexington Shrine dateindoors. It's always been out-doors before....HOXIE BROS. CIR-CUS is using a frame a la theRingling show for its riggingacts. The high wire rigging isthe only act that goes up separ-ately.
WORLD OF ACCIDENTAL WITi MAEWEST having trouble with theswitchboard at her Ravensvioodapartment building, developed theproblem was rooted with t e L.A.Telephone Co. Mae stormed fromthe kitchenette, "They «ai,know what my number is!" she ex-ploded. "Now, how would I knowthat! I NEVER call myself!"
See you down the r . ivs.
PUNCH JACOB"? joins the LewisBros. Circus tlv week for theremainder of the season.
SEN. TED KEVNEDY and ds sonvisited the Beatty-Cole cus orMay 5th as guests of Frarii. MeClosky.
May 17, 1976 Pago 25
THE OLER INTERVIEW (Continued)
Show, Hee-Haw's Susan Ray, theJeannie Pruett show, the Edward-ians, the Jim Glaser show, Black-wood Singers, the Barbara Fair-child show, the Judy Lynn show,the Jim Ed Brown show, Jerry Clo-wer, the Florida Boys and theDixie Melody Boys.
New York State Fairs includeLowville, Westport, Malone, Mid-dletown, and Afton. North Caro-lina fairs: Hickory, FayettevilleWilson and Goldsboro. Orangeburg,S.C., two fairs in Indiana andone in Pennsylvania round out theschedule.
Florine seemed more interested in discussing their son, Phil,drummer with the Gatti-CharlesCircus; also their Lakeside homein Knox, Indiana. She pulled pic-tures of both to show CR. "Phil,"she beamed, "is the best showdrummer in the business! This ishis first season on his own.Look," and she pointed to a pic-ture of a baby, "I'm a grand-mother !"
We looked. And at pictures oftheir lovely home by a peacefullake to which the Olers were nowenroute. "I sure miss workingwith Phil," Florine sighs. "Heknows all the tempos, the old and'the new."
"Next time you work with him*,we said, "he'll be telling youwhat to do."
"And if he's right," remarksFlorine, gathering up her pic-tures, "I'll listen."
A Marked RouteA lew years bach, K<1 Reynolds
now CFA Public Relations Directorand family were off on a vacationfrom Ed's duties, then, as Asso-ciate Director of Press Informa-tion, CBS-TV. His brother Vin, along-time CFA member and a stal-wart of the Tom Thumb Tent, Nor-walk, Conn., was scheduled tojoin them a day later.
On arrival, Ed, wife Ruthand the kids found there was achange and better accommodationswere available; they grabbed 'em,but how could they inform Vin ofthe change? Phone calls producedno response. Then Ed had an idea.He bought a pad of plain whitepaper, a broad felt marker withred ink and some Scotch tape,then put in a busy evening.
Next morning, Vin arrived atthe turn-off junction, sort ofhalf-noticed a circus-style redarrow pointing right. It didn'treally register until several ar-rows later, when he asked himself"What kind of an idiot wouldroute a circus down a countryroad like this?"
A closer look disclosed thetriangle arrow tips were flankedby the letters "V R". He got themessage and followed the arrowsto t. hfir destination - a goodweek ol lishirig and itlaxar.ion.
Page 26 The Circus Report
Monday, May 3125 miles oast of Ca:nbr 5df>«-, Ot.io, and 25 miles west of Wheel-ing, K. Va., 1-70 3'. exit to Barnosville-Donnison, in the Vil-lage of Hendrv s^n:rg, at thr big Concert Building.
Huhdrt'ds ot old HxlO p.lossies of motion picture, carnival,radio, circ-us, etc-. - Hundreds of old Billboards, Calliope,Bandwa;on, W'.ite lops, Variety arid many more magazines. - Acase of old 35mm silent motion picture film. Old posters andwindow cards of various shows - Beautiful roll on magicianstablo - Fine collection of hard and soft cover books, includ-ing old theatrical catalogs. "This is a very rare find." Cir-cus trays, a must for your den - Dunningers Encyclopedia ofMagic - Iter.s too aur.erous Lo mention.
A buff of old show lore This sale is a must
THE SHOW ITEMS GO ON SALE AT 1 p.m. SHARP
ROUTESAmerican Freedom Tra in
May 18-20 Macon, Ga.21-27 At lan ta
Century 21 Shows - Blue I ' n i tMay'18-23 Chicago Hghts, 111
Century 21 Shows - Red UnitMay 19-Jun 5 S t . I .ouis , Mo.
James H. Drew ShowsMay 17-22 Oceana, W. Va.
Ice FolliesMay 19-30 Oak land , C a l i f .
Magic CapadesMay 17 St . Or.i , - . • . "t.ih
19 Po'-atel lo , Idaho
Prof . M i l l e r £. Co. (Ma,- . ;^May 11 U , t h \ . . 1 • , U.t .
1* Or :. i I . . i2*' \"- ' :• ;'.21 ' l i L . I iisJ1 . . • i .; .23 S.'Hil t Sir. Mai i « -
Almost everyone n-ads THE CIR-CUS REPORT, why don't you jointhem? It's only S12.00 lor thevt-ai- .
()j d.-r liom: D<v S.ijfks, 525 OahV . , I I i ' « - , 94530
("i i v Ridc«22 Hi 1 Isboro, Mo.
2 >-2'> HI>:.:K' Torre
i |> Top SMay 2D-25 Stevens Point, Wise,
May 17, 1976 pap,e 27
If You Care About Quality
k HannefordTo Produce YOUR Circus!
For liformation Contact
TOMMY HANNEFORDExecutive Producer in 1976 of
The AL SIRAT GROTTO CIRCUS - Cleveland, Ohio
MOSLEM TEMPLE SHRINE CIRCUS - Detroit, Michigan
HEJAZ SHRINE CIRCUS - Greenville, South Carolina(2 Years)
OMAR SHRINE CIRCUS - Charleston, South Carolina(6 Years)
Hanneford-A Circus Name of DistinctionFor Five Generations!
Page 1
Chapter Nine"From Flyer to Funny Man"
THE MAN with the jovial tramp face, the over-sizedtacky racoon coat, who drove the old tin-lizzie a-sputtering downthe track, would pass that way no more. Ernie Wiswell, one of theoriginators of the "funny ford" was dead.
His wife, Frieda, tried for afew seasons to continue the act,getting first one and then anotherto front it, while she remained ather post where she had always been- inside the body of the car.Either the front men didn't workout or else Frieda just tired oftrying. At any rate, in 1966, shesold the car to Fay Alexander.
Meanwhile Fay, over the yearshad broken in Bobby and DorothyYerkes, and his own wife, Rose,forming the Flying Alexanders. Theact had been featured on every ma-jor circus in the U.S. The castmembers changed from time-to-time,the act also changed, once as adouble wide with Dobritch featur-ing a very young Terry Cavaretta,but the name THE FLYING ALEXANDERShad become a stamp of flying excel-lence here at home and abroad.
"I couldn't fly forever,"says Fay, "so I bought the car. In1967 I tried it out on a few dates,It went over so well I booked itwith the Flying Act from then on. Icalled the new act "Al's Lemon-zeen."
Shoulder trouble had plaguedFay throughout his career. He first
dislocated his shoulder workingwith Ted DeWayne in the late for-ties. In 1974, during his veryfirst engagement of the season,Faydislocated his shoulder for thethird time. And, toward the end ofthat season, at the Raleigh, N.G.,State Fair, he broke the bicepmuscle in his right arm.
•That's it," Fay said, andloaded the rigging and Rosie andwent home to Sarasota.
The decision to abandon theflying act was firm. Perhaps itwas just as well. The comedy carwas less trouble than an act invol-ving other people. "Besides," saysFay, "it was easier to battle withRosie on the ground than it was inthe air."
They went off to play aChristmas show in Tampa. The actwas going great until Fay went in-to the box on the back of the carwhich, after an explosion, "hurls"Fay out of it and to the ground.
The bomb went off but thedoor stuck as Fay went through it,stopping his momentum. The leftshoulder, injured so often, wasbroken at last.
(Continued on rage 3)
Page
2Th
e S
tory
of
Fay
Ale
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Chapter Nine Page 3
Two days later, the arm un-attended to, Fay did the ChristmasParade at Disney World and fourweeks after that finally saw adoctor.
HI couldn't take the painany more and, believe me! I hadlearned to take a lot of pain!**
"Fella," the doctor inform-ed him. "There are so many thingswrong with your shoulder I don'tknow where to begin. You have a3/4 inch separation, three bonefractures, two bone spurs and ontop of that you have arthritis."
The doctor suggested an op-eration. Fay refused.
"Then your flying days arefinished."
car?'"You have to fly in a comedy
While Fay and Rosie were onthe road with the car in 1975 theshoulder healed. "All those doc-tors want to do is cut you up. I'dhave been finished years ago if Ihad let them do the things to methey wanted to do."
And to prove a point, Faymounted Donny Johnson's riggingand started to fly again. "I did apike forward, a drive somersault,and a pirouette back from both.Myarm felt great and so did ̂!"
- EPILOGUE -
It is 19/6. Mid-morning. TheShrine Circus s playing the fair-grounds coliseum in Detroit.
Fay Alexander is on the Fly-ing Dells' rigging, soaring likethe American Eagle. Televisioncameras are positioned on theground, around the net.
"Isn't he beautiful?" mur-murs a performer in admiration.
We look up. Fay is now inthe catch trap. Betty Woods leavesthe pedestal board, executes a per-fect double into Fay's hands.
Fay comes down, rolls outof the net. Rosie walks up to himwith a coat. "You know something,honey?...."
Fay looks at her.
"I always knew you couldmake it!" A hint of tears glisten-ed in the corner of her eyes.
