Aerial aquatic circus spectacle opens

PANAMA CITY BEACH — A mermaid spins on a sliver of fabric high above a fountain. Coco the Clown from Argentina circles the big-top on the world's smallest bicycle. Contortionists perform atop an 8-foot coat rack.

The juggling Fusco Twins demonstrate the talents that landed them in the Guinness Book of World Records. And "Vertacali," an Italian acrobat, sings while upside-down.

These are just a few of the visions promised when Cirque Italia brings its unique traveling circus and "Aquatic Spectacular" to Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway in Panama City Beach next week. The production, based in Sarasota, includes aerial acrobats, dancing, hand balancing, contortion, stunt riders on BMX and roller skates, and much more, featuring cast from Italy, Brazil, Romania, Bulgaria and other countries.

"Many people dream of visiting Europe one day and immersing themselves into the culture," said a Cirque Italian spokesperson in a news release. "In less than one week, you will have the chance to experience a traditional event enjoyed in every village, town and city across the 'Old World.' A genuine European traveling circus with a unique feature never done before in America."

In addition to gathering circus performers from around the world for this year’s production, the circus is traveling with a 35,000-gallon "water stage" over which many of the acts will perform. This 40-foot Broadway-style circular stage is 4 feet deep. During the show, audience members will be surprised when the lid lifts up 35 feet in the air while a curtain of rain and fountains dance along with the performances.

The two-hour show is presented under a white-and-blue big-top tent that is 110 feet in circumference and soars 70 feet in the air, and "every seat is so close you'll think you are in the circus," according to promotional materials. Founder Manuel Rebecchi's late aunt, Moira Orfei, ran one of the largest circus shows in Europe. Rebecchi reportedly got the idea to make his circus an "aquatic spectacular" one day when he was drinking a bottle of water.

The show requires synchronized and cutting-edge technology in addition to amazing feats of acrobatic skill. The magical combination creates an entertainment experience like most audiences have never seen before. Close seating provides a level of intimacy that makes the performances more interactive, as well. Audience members feel like they're part of the show.

Performers are recruited from around the world and include former Olympic athletes, dancing stars, circus families and extreme sports enthusiasts. That diversity of background contributes to the fresh experience of the show, promoters said.

"If you read the papers, or watch the news, you might think the traveling entertainment industry is dead," said Tim Orris, media representative with Cirque Entertainment. "You would be wrong!"

As a touring circus, everything must be meticulously reconstructed at every gig — from the tent to the seating to the stage and water tank. It takes about three days to transform an empty lot into a showcase, according to reports. It all results in an experience that promoters say is closer to the elegance of circuses in Old Europe than the carnival-like circuses often seen in middle America. 

"Everyone involved is dedicated to every detail to ensure our guests enjoy every moment," promoters said. "Nothing is impossible if you believe in what you do and have passion! All of our staff have passion for their job and for our fans."

Promoters called the 360 LaserMan act "a truly magical illusion," as the performer manipulates "blades" of laser light right in front of your eyes. "Watch the laws of physics crumble when the performer actually 'holds' a beam of light in his hand, splits it into two, then bends them and spins them around like a lightsaber," promoters said. "He even throws the beams over your head, up into the tent."

The kid-friendly Cirque Italia has been preparing for this year's tour for more than five years of consolidation, rigorous casting, and more than 1,000 performances nationwide, promoters said. The show travels for 48 weeks of each year.

"Cirque Italia also contributes to the modernization of the performing arts and the circus industry by abiding by a strict animal-free policy," promoters said. "The company takes a leading stance in offering quality entertainment beyond the use of animals."

The performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 23 and 24; and 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26.  Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 45 minutes before the show begins.

Ticket prices range from $10 to $50, depending on age and seating area; there will also be a $5 parking fee. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at CirqueItalia.com/tickets, or by calling 941-704-8572.

What: A traveling circus of acrobatic performers incorporating aquatic elements under a big-top. Production combines acrobatics, dance, contortion and high-performance BMX and roller-skating.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 23 and 24; shows at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26

Where: Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach

Tickets: $10 to $50, depending on age and seating area; $5 parking fee

Advance Tickets and Details: Online at CirqueItalia.com/tickets, or call 941-704-8572

Cirque Italia