MAY 2019 | SARASOTA SCENE 61
The long gig—eight weeks this year—also makes the
Summer Circus Spectacular desirable. For performers without
local connections, CAC houses them at Sun N Fun Resort.
There they can relax by the pool after each of their 80 or so
shows—or head to the beach.
“And we have great audiences here because it’s such a
circus community,” says Graves. “The people really, really
appreciate them.”
The acts bring their own music and costumes. This year’s
lineup (still in progress at press time) includes several
performers familiar to TV viewers and fans of Circus Sarasota.
Cuban born Carlos Rodriguez Diaz—Rokardy—graduated
from the island’s National Circus in 1995 and has toured
from Norway to Vietnam, bringing his hand balancing act
to season 9 of America’s Got Talent. This summer Rokardy
will raise adrenaline levels in the Historic Asolo Theater
by balancing on a precarious stack of chairs, a stunt he
originated for Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba at Disneyworld.
Another America’s Got Talent alum, Alesya Gulevich
tangoes with hula hoops. Born in southern Russia to a
“noted aerialist” (mom) and a “famous clown” (dad), she was
tumbling by age 5 and unicycling at 12. Three times she’s set
the Guinness Book record for spinning the most hula hoops
simultaneously.
Another circus nomad from Russia, Kirill Rebkovits excels at
rolla bolla, seesawing on a teetering tower of planks over
cylinders. “It’s incredibly exciting and scary,” says Graves. She
reports that Rebkovits is currently training for American Ninja
Warrior.
This year’s clowns, Slappy & Monday, will provide the laughs
alongside the gasps.
In addition to the Summer Circus Spectacular, CAC is running
its usual one- and two-week summer camps, where kids can
sample different circus disciplines. Who knows who might rise
one day to the high wire?
Camper or not, every kid can dream big at the Summer
Circus Spectacular.
“This is an affordable way for the entire family to enjoy
a world-class circus performance in the intimate Historic
Asolo Theater,” says CEO Reis. “To enjoy an authentic circus
performance on the grounds of the historic Ringling estate is
quite special and unique to Sarasota!”
The Summer Circus Spectacular takes place at the Historic
Asolo Theater at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota).
Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays,
and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets for preview
shows, June 11-14, are just $12; for the remainder of the run
tickets are $16/adults, $12/children 12 and under.
Alesya Gulavich