Tag Archives: circus flora

Upcoming Family Friendly Performances

Photo above: Scrap Arts Music, by Anneke Janissen.

Experience the magic of live theater with your family this Fall and Winter! Musicals, favorite books brought to the stage, acrobats, circus performers, a world famous symphony, truly unique percussionists, and more are ready to inspire and entertain you. Also be on the lookout for a vivid demonstration of what a whole lot of practice, perseverance, and passion can create.

OCTOBER 2014

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
A Dallas Children’s Theater Company Production
October 10-12, 2014
Florissant Civic Center Theatre, 1 James J. Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $7

Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill ten-year-old: normal Mom and Dad, normal little brother, normal life. That’s just the problem… for Stanley, life is too normal. He wants to travel the world, do something amazing, something no one’s ever seen before. Careful what you wish for, Stanley! One night, the bulletin board on the wall above Stanley’s bed comes loose and falls right on top of Stanley. The next morning, Stanley Lambchop wakes up flat. Not just a little flat… really, REALLY flat! In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley, the ultimate exchange student, scours the globe for a solution to his unusual problem. He’s stamped, posted, and canceled from Hollywood to France to Honolulu and beyond. And whether he’s thwarting a robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, or “hanging ten” off the coast of Hawaii, Stanley is closing in on his goal of being a three-dimensional boy once more. Approximate run time is one hour.

NOVEMBER 2014

Stella, Queen of the Snow 
A Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia Production
November 22-23, 2014
COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis
Tickets $14 to $18

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, creator of Guess How Much I Love You… (COCA, 2013) and Treasured Stories by Eric Carle (COCA, 2012), has joined forces with popular Stella and Sam author Marie-Louise Gay in a new stage adaption of the beloved storybook, designed especially for young children integrating imaginative puppetry and striking scenic effects. Stella, Queen of the Snow is a delightful romp in the snow with Stella and Sam as they discover the world of winter together. Approximate run time is one hour.

Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type
A Theatreworks USA Production
November 23-29, 2014
Florissant Civic Center Theatre, 1 James J. Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $5.25

“Cows that type? Hens on strike! Whoever heard of such a thing!” Farmer Brown cries. When his granddaughter Jenny comes for a visit, Farmer Brown declared the farm a “tech-free zone.” He confiscates her laptop in the cold barn along with the shivering cows who use her computer to type messages requesting blankets. “No way,” replies Farmer Brown. “No blankets!” So the cows go on strike and the chickens join them in solidarity. No blankets: no milk, no eggs! Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals’ demands? Will Jenny get her computer back? Find out in a hilariously “mooooo-ving” new musical about negotiation and compromise. Based on the Caldecott Honor book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin. Approximate run time is one hour.

DECEMBER 2014

annie

Annie
National Touring Production
December 2-7, 2014
The Fabulous Fox Theatre
527 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis
Tickets $25 to $75

Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of Annie will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin, Annie includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Approximate run time is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

National Acrobats of China
Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 2 and 8 pm
Lindenwood J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts
2300 West Clay Street, Saint Charles
Tickets $29.50 to $59.50

The entire family is sure to enjoy this colorful and acrobatic adventure. Direct from Beijing, The National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1951 and has been one of the most acclaimed acrobatic troupes in China. Over several generations, the company has developed many unique acrobatic acts like “Global Motorcycling,” “Kicking Bowls to Heads on High Unicycles,” “Russian Bars in Chinese Traditional Style,” “Chinese Poles in Shaolin Style,” “Diving through Moving Hoops,” “Aerial Bungee Tumblings,” and “Aerial Tissue Flowers.” These acts have been praised by Chinese and foreign audiences for decades. Approximate run time is two hours.

Bah! Humbug!
The Imaginary Theatre Company
of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
December 13-23, 2014
Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School
530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves
Tickets $7 (Tickets go on sale October 1, 2014.)

Mr. Scrooge throws his TV remote at ghosts while Bob Cratchit works inside the ATM in this hilarious modern update of a beloved holiday classic. Travel with the three spirits on a journey through past, present, and future as old Ebenezer learns the joys of kindness and giving. Can Christmas be saved for the Cratchits? You’ll find out in this musical romp that is sure to put a smile on the “Scroogiest” of faces. Adapted from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Approximate run time is 45 minutes.

circusflora_slso

Circus Flora: A Winter Fable
St. Louis Symphony
December 13-14, 2014
Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard
Tickets $25 to $65

Circus Flora joins the St. Louis Symphony in high-wire holiday fun for the family. A Winter Fable is a classic fairy tale with an edge of romance and deceit. Circus Flora imagines a strange and wonderful world, in which the pairing of symphony and the circus arts is only the beginning of the magic you will experience. See your favorites including the gravity-defying Flying Wallendas and much, much, more. It’s Christmas, with a circus twist! Approximate run time is one hour and 50 minutes.

Pixar in Concert
St. Louis Symphony
December 27-28, 2014
Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard
Tickets $30 to $65

Watch as all your favorite characters come to life on the big screen as the St. Louis Symphony performs music from 14 Pixar films including Toy Story, Brave, Cars, Monsters, Inc., and more. Fun for both the young, and the young at heart! Steven Jarvi, conductor. Approximate run time is two hours.

JANUARY 2015
LillyLilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
An Omaha Theatre Company Production
January 16-18, 2015
Florissant Civic Center Theatre, 1 James J. Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $7

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. When he confiscates her prized possession, a purple plastic purse that plays music, joy turns to misery. Lilly, who is used to being the brightest and loudest mouse around, will also have to get used to sharing the spotlight with her new baby brother in this charming adaptation of Kevin Henkes’s award-winning children’s book. Gripped with anger after losing her purse, Lilly draws a mean portrait of Mr. Slinger and hides it in his book bag. When she gets her purse back and opens it outside of school, she finds a surprising note: “Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow will be better.” Suddenly wracked with guilt, Lilly sets out to make up with her teacher, but villainous bicycle-riding bullies, a spotlight-stealing baby brother, and the dreaded “uncooperative chair” will test our heroine’s resolve. Approximate run time is one hour.

StevenJarvi

The Science of Sound and the Art of Noise
St. Louis Symphony
Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 3 pm
Powell Hall, 718 North Grand Boulevard
Tickets $12 to $19

Maestro Steven Jarvi and a special guest will lead demonstrations of sound waves and sound creation in the various instruments of the orchestra. Featured works include Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Beethoven’s The Creatures of Prometheus Overture, selections from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and more! Approximate run time is 45 minutes.

BARTÓK, Romanian Folk Dances
BEETHOVEN, The Creatures of Prometheus Overture
COPLAND, Fanfare for the Common Man
MENDELSSOHN, Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream
BRITTEN, Playful Pizzicato from Simple Symphony
BEETHOVEN, Fourth Movement from Symphony No. 7 in A major

Photo: Conductor Steven Jarvi, by David Bickley.

munykids

The Muny Kids: Broadway Here I Come
Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 11 am
Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis
Tickets $5 to $12

The talented Muny kids and teens take you on a musical journey to the “Great White Way” with favorite Broadway songs, old and new. The Muny is a St. Louis institution, bringing musical theater to life every summer for over 90 years. Approximate run time is one hour.

MARCH 2015

Scrap Arts Music 
Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11 am
Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd, St. Louis
Tickets $12 

Take some old bike parts, shiny construction salvage, PVC pipes, and other recycled odds and ends. Add five hyperactive hipsters and a dozen drumsticks, and the result is a dizzying barrage of beats. Vancouver-based ensemble Scrap Arts Music bounces around on stage with a combination of gymnastic agility and percussive drive. They alternate between hitting, moving, and bowing their instruments. The choreography is intricate and eye-catching! Approximate run time is one hour.

The Science of the Circus

ScienceoftheCircusDo you have circus fans in your family? Circus Flora and the Academy of Science St. Louis present “The Science of the Circus” on Saturday, April 12, 12:30 to 2 pm, at Bumbershoot Aerial Arts. This fun and interactive event demonstrates the science behind exciting circus acts. From 12:30 to 1 pm, guests can participate in hands-on activities including juggling, discovering the neuroscience of card tricks, and trying mini-experiments exploring force, momentum, and balance. The performance portion of the event begins at 1 pm and features a narrator discussing concepts of body movement and mechanics while aerialists demonstrate on different types of apparatuses. This unique and engaging event is free, open to the public, and perfect for children and adults of all ages. Free parking is available next to the building.

Also a reminder, tickets for Circus Flora’s stellar summer performances are on sale now. Reserve your seat today!

Photo: Academy of Science – St. Louis

St. Louis Symphony & Circus Flora

Circus Flora performers including the high-wire walking Flying Wallendas, the St. Louis Arches, foot jugglers, and trained house cats join the world renowned St. Louis Symphony in holiday performances, December 14-16 at Powell Hall.

The concerts are based on Dylan Thomas‘s poem, “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” Alastair Willis conducts this entertaining concert with a circus twist. The performance is approximately two hours long with one intermission.

Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7 pm
Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 7 pm
Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2 pm
Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis
Tickets $35 to $80

For more information or to purchase tickets by phone, call 314.534.1700.

Parking and directions to Powell Hall.

Photo: St. Louis Symphony



Circus Flora Art Contest

Do you and your children love experiencing Circus Flora? Kids in preschool through 12th grade are invited to draw, paint, collage, or photograph Circus Flora for a chance to be exhibited at the Sheldon Art Galleries. Over 40 works will be chosen. The first place winner’s artwork will be featured in the Sheldon Art Galleries Fall exhibit brochure and poster and will receive a prize basket filled with art supplies. Second and third place winners will receive a gift certificate to Blick Art Materials. Artwork in all media are encouraged.

Haven’t seen this year’s Circus Flora production yet? The Wizard: Merlin & the Legends of King Arthur, runs from through June 24. Tickets are still available.

Judges of the art contest are Artistic Director and Producer of Circus Flora, Ivor David Balding; Circus Flora performers, Katherine and Alexandre Sasha Nevidonski; and the Director of the Sheldon Art Galleries, Olivia Lahs-Gonzales.

Submission Guidelines

* FIRST DEADLINE! Contact Rebecca Gunter, Sheldon Gallery Coordinator and Education Manager, to notify her of intent to participate at rgunter@thesheldon.org by June 24, 2012.

* Submissions are due to The Sheldon Art Galleries by August 1, 2012 and should be mailed or delivered by appointment to: The Sheldon Art Galleries, 3648 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, 63108.

* Works on paper should be no more than 16 x 20 inches.

* Sculptural entries should be first submitted by images on a CD and delivery of actual sculptures should be arranged with Rebecca Gunter.

Circus Flora Art Contest Submission Form

Circus Resources from the Sheldon and Circus Flora


Family arts events, June 5 & 10

Here are four family friendly (and free!) arts events upcoming in St. Louis that you won’t want to miss.

1. CAM (Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis)
3750 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis
Tuesday, June 5 at 9 am: Stroller Tour of the galleries, FREE, complimentary refreshments.

2. CAM (Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis)
3750 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis

Tuesday, June 5 at 10 am: Play Date, FREE, artist led activities for kids, storytelling, music workshops, complimentary refreshments, and more.

UPDATED! 3. Citygarden
9th and Market Streets in downtown St. Louis
Tuesday, June 5, 12:15 to 12:45 pm: Circus Flora artists perform a special lunchtime show throughout the park. Bertini Troupe on unicycles, Luciano’s Pound Puppies, the St. Louis Arches, and Shayna Swanson are featured. FREE.

4. Laumeier Sculpture Park
12580 Rott Road, St. Louis
Sunday, June 10, noon to 5 pm, FREE: PNC Arts Alive Discover Laumeier Festival. Enjoy tours, arts activities, music, food, artist demonstrations, and more.

Photo: CAM

Circus Flora’s “Little Top” perfect for the squirmy set

Jam packed into one hour, Circus Flora presents a delightfully entertaining performance designed for the irregular attention spans of most toddlers and preschoolers. The “Little Top” shows (on Wednesday mornings at 10 am) are abbreviated versions of Circus Flora’s full length 25th anniversary production and also highlight a great deal of acrobatics and animals doing humorous and amazing feats.

We went to the show this morning and brought my four-year old daughter. After consuming some heavily salted boxed circus popcorn, she settled into her front-row side box seat and grabbed onto her Dad’s leg. Then her eyes popped wide open. There were miniature horses and donkeys, enormous and comedic horses, juggling, dogs running around on their hind legs (and front legs for that matter–that was just whacky), a woman demonstrating her abs of steel on a very, very high rope, a family riding bicycles on the high wire, the St. Louis Arches (a youth circus performance troupe) flipping all over the place, a rooster, a sweet and wry clown, a mystical narrator, beautiful music, and plenty of outstretched ta-da arms to get the audience cheering. I also loved how engaging all the performers in Circus Flora are. During the end of show bows, my daughter covered her ears because the tent got pretty loud. One of the performers smiled at her and covered his ears too. Compared to last year’s “Little Top” Circus Flora production, this one is much tighter in continuity, cleaner in technique, and a lot more daring.

If you want a little wow, a little magic, or a little inspiration for you and your child this summer, get your tickets to a “Little Top” Circus Flora show soon. Only two performances of the special one hour production remain: Wednesday, June 15 at 10 am and Wednesday, June 22 at 10 am. The “Little Top” shows are $8 to $18 per person. Children ages 2 and younger do not require a ticket, however, must be seated on an adult’s lap.

How to buy Circus Flora tickets
About the circus stars
Some tips about your visit from my earlier post
Directions to the show

Circus Flora, a little magic for your soul

Are you a fan of the Tiger Lillies, Tom Waits, Krzysztof Kieslowski, the accordion, whimsy, and um, face paint? Or, do you just like a little no brainer entertainment, sawdust, laughter, animal antics, and popcorn? Then here’s something for you. I mean, for your child.

St. Louis’s very own nonprofit, unique one-ring circus, Circus Flora, opens its summer show on June 2. Tickets for these delightful performances are on sale now. Celebrating their 25th Season, Circus Flora gives you heartfelt twisting acrobatics, humorous clowns, amazing “choreographed” animals, solid music performances, rope and ribbon dancing, and maybe a little bit of inspiration, among other circus thrills. Circus Flora isn’t exactly about the utmost precision in performance, but there is a genuine, mysterious, magical, and memorable quality about this company.

This year’s production, “Vagabond Adventures,” reunites Circus Flora favorites: the Flying Wallendas, the St. Louis Arches, the Flying Pages, and the famous clown, Giovanni Zoppé as Nino, along with several new acts.

Tickets start at $8 and shows run June 2 through June 26. Children under 2 are free when seated on an adult lap.

Some tips:

1. If you’re bringing a child under the age of 5, consider the Wednesday at 10 am performances. These are one hour shows and cost considerably less.

2. If you don’t mind sitting up close, try one of the side box seats. They are less expensive than the center boxes but since the show is essentially in the round, you don’t really miss much in terms of sightlines. Your child will be amazed at watching dogs and other animals run around the ring right in front of them.

3. If you have allergies to dust, fur, or hay, etc… take your Nasonex or SOMETHING before the show. The tent is air conditioned but the animals and performers stir up a lot of allergens.

4. If you are one of those types who prefers to drive round and round for free parking, arrive early! There is a nearby paid lot as well.

5. In case your child is wondering, yes… there are port-a-potties. Bring your hand sanitizer.

6. Last year, there were pony rides adjacent to the tent. Bring your camera (and your cash).

7. There is NO photography allowed inside the tent during the performances.

Photos: Scott Raffe