presents
Circus Vargas 2022 by Alex Smith
The Late Laura Weiss with Husband John Weiss
C
*This particular show I reviewed opened with the sad announcement that longtime performer, Vargas ensemble family member and friend, Laura Weiss, succumbed to her cancer earlier in the day. Laura and her husband, John, also a performer, raised their family on the show and were very impactful in shaping its presentation during the revamping stages in 2007 and 2008. A seasoned professional, she performed on many shows including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Producer Katya Quiroga shared their loss with the audience prior to the opening and dedicated the performance to her.
ircus Vargas returned to Southern California in late August to complete the final stretch of their 2022 run. After enduring a brutal, record breaking heat wave in the high desert town of Palmdale, they headed to one of their longtime Inland Empire locations, Arcadia. This year’s theme is the “Circus Vargas Express” and they lived up to this figuratively as they rumbled into town landing a nationwide spot on the FOX NFL pre-game intro with action highlights of their show infused with the NFL. The Vargas name was not mentioned but it’s still a testa- ment to the high production value they con- tinue to achieve. In the post Ringling/Covid era, as the new circus norms are “minis” (bare bone presentations of several acts at a fair or park), it’s so encouraging to see a full production aligned with the word “circus." The small midway has been upgraded
with new banners, awnings and festival lights, much to the de- light of the current patrons who seek to place their current outing to the circus on social media. Concession items were very good and I’m sure patrons appreciate it. Hip to the times, it should be noted Vargas as well as other shows in the outdoor amusement business embrace this rather than ignore because if ever there was a beautiful backdrop for a family outing it’s the night shot of a clean, well-lit carnival or circus midway. The modern pop- culture term here is “interactive experience” …. isn’t that what carnivals and circuses have always done? I guess if it doesn’t pop up on Instagram, it did not happen… kudos to Vargas for invest- ing in those minor details in providing the best gram shots. This year’s edition is truly one of the best in years. Quite an accomplishment in these times. So much of today’s presen- tations rely on well-timed and choreographed performances which feature solid production numbers. The days of “winging it” with a half-cocked SPEC are over and Vargas delivers with their troupe of 30 plus in upscale costumes under equally costly theatrical lights backed by carefully arranged music. Many new acts are displayed in the program with the stand- out being The Faltyny Family from the Czech Republic. Emile, Vlasta, and their children Emile Jr., Emily, and Adriana, who
represent the 6th generation of this vener- able circus family, sparkle in all their turns. Their 5-person juggling act is reminiscent of those 3-ring juggling displays featur- ing the Osmani Sisters that were a staple of Vargas in its heyday. The Faltynys are an impressive novelty to modern crowds who haven’t been exposed to large troupe juggling acts recently. Emile Sr.’s ladder bal- ance routine also includes a metallic cube balance and a perch pole with an added variation. His wife, Vlasta’s hula-hoop rou- tine is solid. Having been featured in Circus Sarasota, Big Apple, and Circus Circus, this is their first California run. Hence, they’ve been used for media coverage on promo- tions numerous times this season. Homegrown talent from The Flying
Tabares, Marinelli Brothers Patrick and Josue also impress on their custom double
wheel of death. The rigging itself, suspended 30-feet off the ground, is standard but what these pro daredevils do is not. All wheel acts are not created equal and both young men push the limits inside and outside with numerous rotations and maneu- vers on the massive spinning apparatus. Patrick appeared to sustain a minor hand injury while performing and let’s hope while going the distance they stay safe. The wheel looks great in the intimate, one-ring setting and they make the most of it
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NOVEMBER 2022 | OABA ShowTime Magazine 27
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