5th Year January 19, 1976 Number

Caltach Circus Sots 4 ShowsThe California Institute of Technology's Office of Public

Events will present a special bicentennial edition of the CaltechFamily Circus in Beckman Auditorium, Pasadena, on Saturday, Jan.31st and Sunday, Feb. 1st. Produced and directed by Tom Lehmansince its initial production in | frame was designed and construc-

ted by the Institute to supportthe aerial acts. In addition,the Beckman staff has created122 costumes and 13 floats forthe three production numbers.

Although more Caltech stu-dents and personnel participatein the Caltech Family Circus

(Continued on Page 8)

1970, the annual event has hadturnaway crowds for most perfor-mances.

Revenue from the circus isshared with the Caltech GleeClubs and the Caltech Wind En-semble, providing a major sourceof income for their various ac-tivities. A special rigging

A VAILABLE FOR LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS

HOLLYWOOD ELEPHANTSContact

JUDY JACOBSKAYESuite 519 • 1680 North Vine Street • Hollywood. California • 90028

Area Code 213*462-6001 __

January 19, 1976

A Lion's Share of Attention . . .Displaying excellent classroom manners, Duchess, a 200-pound lion,leans forward with an attentiveness few students in the room canmatch. Maybe she's so eager to learn because she's only 15 monthsold and trying to please her owner, Phil Engelauf, sitting beside her.Engelauf brought his pet with him to a lecture at the CaliforniaInstitute of Technology at Pasadena from his home in Riverside, Calif.

u Uorld of MagicJan. 19 Safford, Ariz.

22 Coolidge24 Sierra Vista

Royal Lipizzan ShowJan. 21-22 Tampa, Fla.

Sports ShowJan. 24-Feb. 1 Philadelphia

You can keep up on thelatest in show newsand routes for just$12.00 a year.

Subscribe now to Cir-cus Report (a copyevery week.

Write totDon Marcks525 Oak St.El Cerrito, Ca.94530

January 19, 1976 Page 3

Show DateA magic/variety show has

been announced for Thursday,Feb. 5th at Walnut Creek (Calif)The program is scheduled for 8p.m. at Del Valley High School.

Acts to be featured aret

Dellasandro - magic/illusionsLinda Phillips - ventriloquistMr. Flame - fire eater

WHITEY BLACK will manageKing Bros. Circus for its 1975season.

AL DAWLEY and wife held an"open house" for New Years Evewith some 85 guests attending.They'll be at the Palmetto (Fl|Fair Jan. 19-24.

WILLY LENZ and his chimpshave been wintering in Michigan.

WANTEDFor my collection - any materialabout the art of pick-pocketingas entertainment.

PHILIP DIRK VAN TREUREN2467 Deauville StreetSan Diego, Calif. 92139

HOLIDAY SHOWA "Christmas Magic Show",

produced by Ken Griffin, playedseveral Central Pennsylvaniadates for various sponsors justprior to the Holiday Season. Thedates included: State College,Hazelton, Harrisburg, Reading'.

On the program were:

Ken Griffin - magicGuiseppe, the clown - fire eat'gKen Griffin - illusionsEntrance of Santa Claus

AVAILABLEFOR CIRCUSES, PARKS, FAIRS, ETC.

>* The Lang FamilyAcrobatic Act (6) on 5 ft. high trampoletteJuggling DuoAmerica's most hilarious Chimpanzee Act with

original routines

Acts can be booked as a unit or individual acts

Contact!

ERV LANG1623 Saemann Ave., Sheboygan, Wise. - 53081

Phone: (414) 452-6567

Page 4 The Circus Report

MERLE EVANS and ARTHURFIEDLER will be guest conduc-tors at the "Parade of Stars ofthe Podium" (Feb. 6-7) at Moorehead, Minn.

CLIFFORD KRUEGER, formerlywith the Seils-Sterling Circusside show, has been a WisconsinLegislature since 1946.

TOM and POM POM DONOHO haveleft the Polack Bros. Circusand are presently residing inTexas.

DOC HENDERSON, RBBB vet,suffered a broken arm, whileloading show horses at Venice(Fla.) early this month.

ELVIN BALE, aerialist, suf-fered a broken collar bone whenhe was recently squeezed betweensome RBBB horses.

BELLE VUE CIRCUSto Jan 31 Manchester, Eng.

HUBERT CASTLE CIRCUSJan. 22 Grand Rapids, Mich.

CIRCUS VARGASJan. 22-26 Petaluma, Calif.

COLE ALL STAR TV CIRCUSJan. 20 Herndon, Pa.

21 Shamokin22 Berwick23 Enroute24 Montgomery

CALTECH'SBECKMAN AUDITORIUM

So. Michigan (below Del Mar)Pasadena. Ca. - Free ParkingSATURDAY, JANUARY 31 — 1PM 4 8PMSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 — 2PM & 6PM

Colt*<h Faculty Committ««

en Programs prvMnrt

ALL NEWBICENTENNIAL

EDITION

FAMILY FUR

CIRCUSSPONGE PLUNGE IRON JAW

TEETERBOARD AERIAL BALLETCLOWNS UNICYCLES MAGIC

LION ELEPHANT BEARHANGING PERCH JUGGLERS

ONE-FINGER STAND CALLIOPEwith a 25-PIECE CIRCUS BAND

[3- PRODUCTION NUMBERS -3]

TWO HOURS of CIRCUS THRILLSADULT $3 - CHILD (under 13) $2

Tickets by mail from CaltechTickets (332-92), Pasadena,CA 91125. In person from 332So. Michigan, Pasadena andall So. Calif, area agencies.

TOMMY HANNEFORD CIRCUSJan. 19-25 Cleveland, Ohio

January 19, 1976 Page 5

BILLY BARTON- * * *

MERLE EVANS and EMMETT KELLY, ST., will perform for theSarasota Band Concert on Feb. 22, a benefit for the Ki-wanis Foundation. BONNIE BALE'S wedding was postponed at

the last minute - the day beforeit was scheduled. ARTHUR KAYART,who for years toured an aerialact called THE COSMOS, is now doing a high wire act in a lionskin. The new act is known asKING ARTHUR and the LION.

Ringling Notes: URSALA BOTT-CHER's bears, just over fromEurope, are having difficulty ad-justing to their new environmentand ELVIN BALE was injured whenhe was squeezed between two hor-ses and will be out of the showat least six weeks.

DATELINE NEW YORK: The DailyNews carried a full page storyon the Bjeljakov bear and teet-erboard act on tour in the U. S.with the Soviet Circus. Those ofyou planning to see the hit OffBroadway Show, "Let My PeopleCome," forget it. City officialspadlocked the Village Gate, whewthe musical is playing, due tobuilding violations, piled upsince 1972.

ROYAL HANNEFORD will playthree weeks of Canadian dates inMay for IAN GARDEN under theGarden Aegis, while that showfulfills commitments stateside.HERBIE WEBER makes his annualpilgramage to SID KELLNER'sGreat London when it treks out

it was scheduled to take

in April. In the meantime hewill play Sports Shows and theCincinnati Shrine date. The SIDMOORE family are currently inthe New York area. LOUIS STERN'sPolack show has Salt Lake CityShrine date back on its agenda.

Outspoken GEE GEE ENGESSERagrees with my Critique on MUDSHOW. "The more I read," shetold me, "the madder I got." ANI-TA KEPPO bought a trailer andwill travel single-0 this seasonalthough the sisters are keepingthe act together - thru April atleast.

The finish trick of theFRAUENSTEINS, where the femalemember lands on a teeterboard,and a knife on the other end iscatapaulted thru the air and im-beds itself in an object on thehead of the male partner (who isstanding on a rolling globe),could be one hell of a headache!

CARLA WALLENDA, whose swaypole shattered when it fell dur-ing a set-up, has constructed anew one and will be climbing itsoon. I don't usually broadcastwho iry "spies" are but there isone in the Wallenda clan whoseinitial is (Jenny). TOMMY HANNE-

(Continued on Page 10)

Page The Circus Report^

Wedding BellsCircus weddings got off to

an early start Jan. 5th with abeautiful ceremony in Sarasota'sSt. Martha's Roman CatholicChurch where Klara Valla Bertini

daughter of the late Joseph,andKlara Valla Bertini, became thebride of Leo Mascitto. A recep-tion and dinner was held at theCafe Prague for 90 relatives andfriends.

Many first families of thecircus (retired and working)were present for this gala af-fair. Among them were Veno Bero-sini, uncle of the bride whogave her away; Josephine Berosi-ni, and husband Alex Konyot anddaughter Tina; the Coronas; theRezacs; Ava Corona Williams anddaughters; Mrs. Olga Godfrey andfamily; the Tino Zoppe's (Olgawas Maid of Honor and daughterAlida was flower girl); the Hen-ry Strazan Bertini family; theTommy Hannefords and mother; theIan Garden family; Frank Dailey;the Rudolph Youngs; the ElliottCampbells; Catrina Zacchini; theNovatnys; the Stepaneks; theSwarez family; the Amandes; theRobertsons; the Kleppo family;

Show ActsActs appearing at the Old

Chicago Mall between Jan. 4 andJan. 6th were:

Mario Alberti, the CrazySailors, Mr. Bell, Loreli, JohnnyLuxem, The Burketts, The Walters;The Kellys, Antonucci's chimps,Cleo, Veno Venito, Miss Cheri,Arwoods Dogs, Ms. April, Tony fi.Chris, Stagg McMann.

RINGLING-BARNUM - Blue UnitJan. 21-27 Miami Beach, Fla.

SOVIET CIRCUSJan. 21-25 Chicago, 111.

American Freedom TrainJan. 19-20 San Juan Cap. Cal

22 Yuma, Ariz24 Phoenix

Black Watch ShowJan. 19 Hershey, Pa.

20 Pittsburg22-25 New York, N.Y.

Kramien's Magic CapadesJan. 19 Douglas, Ariz.

21 Casa Grande24 Roswell, N.M.

the Terry Troffers.

The bride is a performerwith considerable versatility,and the groom is leader of Gar-den Bros. Circus band. The newly-weds left for Canada Jan. 12thafter a short honeymoon to Key

..Cliff Glottbach

January 19, 1976 Page 7

a way of life by DAVE DAVIS

The Jerusalem Temple Shrine Circus at New Orleans was an im-pressive show with many name performers. But I would be remiss ifI did not comment on one act - namely, the RocK Smith Flyers.

Over the years I have seen a number of top acts, but;thisgroup is truly outstanding for they are a real professional four-some, who from the moment they appear on the circus floor untilthey leave, walk tall and proud, perform in a clean cut manner,and thus are a treat to watch.

The act was originally con-ceived and developed by DaveSmith and his wife Jeannie. Achamp gymnast in high school andcollege, Dave left a fine teach-ing career at the high schoollevel to join with Russell Rock,another teacher, to form the Rock-Smith Flyers some six years ago.They both were forced to sellmost of their worldly possession*to obtain funds for the purchaseof their equipment.

During their first year inthe circus they performed withCirco Atayade in Mexico City,where they were awarded a trophyfor their outstahding act. Fol-lowing this they performed allover the U.S. and in foreigncountries as well. About a yearago, Rusty and his wife decidedto try other vocations and thusreturned home, but Dave and Jeannie stayed with the circus.

What a pleasant surprise itwas to find Dave in his faroilarrole as catcher for his new part-ner, young Greg Friel - who wasdeveloped by Dave following hisdeparture from high school. Dur-

ing his school years he was thesecond person to perform thequadruple somersault - and isone of three in the world whohave accomplished this feat.

After two years with Ring-ling, Greg joined the Rock SmithFlyers. Soon after he found abeautiful model in Dayton, Ohio,and married Debbie and settleddown to serious flying, whileDebbie joined the act.

The act includes Greg doinga twisting 1^ somersault, a fulltwisting 2\ and a 3̂ . Jeannieperforms a beautiful double, aglorious split and togetherJeannie and Debbie execute animpeccible passing leap.

The final night of the NewOrleans date the entire act wastruly perfection up to the J>\.The announcer played it up, fol-lowed by a fanfare and a hushfell over the crowd. In his firstattempt Greg fell to the net, af-ter a second time he asked theaudience if they wanted him totry again - they did, and he ob-liged, but again he missed. On

(Continued on Page 9)

Page 8 The Circus Report

CALTECH CIRCUS (Continued)than any other event on campus,the show also boasts a stronglineup of international circusartists.

This year's program will be:Tracy Heaston - pre-show calli-

ope concertCome-in clowns - Tim Hall, Mark

Yerkes, Rick BurnesNational AnthemThe Circus on Parade - grand

entry led by Caltech's big25 piece band (Jim Rotter isdirector).

Miss Astra - sponge plungeBruno, the "Gentle Ben" bear

presented by Ron OxleyThe Circus ClownsThe Willettys - jugglingSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs

walkaroundAurora (Bambi Burnes)- iron jawThe Great Mayo (Bill Patterson)

illusionsRuss Saunders Trio - teeterb'rdAmerican Jubilee - aerial ballet

with Miss Bonnie, Kim, Becky— Intermission —

The Cycledelic Cyclists - cyclesNeil, trained lion - Ron OxleyThe Circus ClownsThe Vandeburgts - hanging perchThe Circus ClownsKen Wilier - one finger standTiki and Kari Jones - elephantCoronation of Mother Goose-specGrand Finale

Chuck Burnes is the announ-cer and Doug Lyon serves as tal-ent coordinator.

CIRCUS ACTSActs currently appearing

with the Belle Vue Circus, atManchester, England, are«-

Michael Freeman - mixed animalsThe Four Biarges - jugglersLeigh Marsh's PoodlesDuo Heleus - perch poleJacko Fossett & Co. - comedyHeinz Weidner - sway poleGolgojews - Cossack ridersBig & Little - clown comedyThe Bruksons - high wireCircus elephantsDiabolo - high wireThe Bertinis - unicycles/bikesGrand Finale - Entire company

He's Doing BetterAfter spending 125 days in

the hospital this past year, JimKalivoda, of Berwyn, 111., iswell on the road to recovery. Hehopes to be up and around in tirefor the 1976 circus season.

Jim suffered an Amebic andulcerative colitis attack andfor a two week period around La-bor Day it was nip-and-tuck.

You can send cards to himat: 1509 South Clinton Ave.,Berwyn, Illinois - 60402.

NOW AVAILABLEExperienced Elephant Man

SCOTT W. RIDDLE

Phonei (213) 257-19055177 Maison Ave.

Los Angeles, Cal. - 90041

January 19, 1976 Page 9

Added NotesThe Spanish Boys Circus re-

cently jumped 600 miles fromSydney (Australia) to Melbournefor an engagement.

Also playing at Melbourneis Perry Bros. Combined Circus,set up at a shopping center.

Circus Royale is playing atPerth, where aerialist Frank Gasser is recovering from a brokenhand.

Sole's Circus is playing atthe Gold Coast area and drawinggood crowds despite heavy rains.

S A V Eorr TOUR

TICKET !

Xu

u£2

IQ.CO

0

ATTACH COUPONTO TICKET ORDER

Not valid with any other ticket offer.One coupon required for each ticket.

JAKE MILLS, former opera-tor of the Mills Bros. Circus,died early this month in Miami(Fla.)(No other immediate de-tails were available).

CARL SOLT (81) famous cir-cus aerialist, died at Peru, Incon Jan. 1st. Solt attended hisfirst circus at the age of sixand by the time he was 9 yearsold he was working professional-ly with Mystic Morgan. In 1915,he joined the Aldefer Show, thenwent to Mighty Haag, and workedin Vaudeville. At one time hehad three acts with Hagenbeck-Wallace. He also worked for var-ious Shrine and other shows.Survivors include a sister, Mrs.Leo Figel, of Fort Wayne, Ind.

A WAY OF LIFE (Continued)

the fifth try his execution wasperfect and all pandemoniumburst forth, with everyone ontheir feet yelling and many amisty eye.

Later 1 was informed thatthis was the first time Greg hadfallen in over four weeks. He isvery consistent in completingthe incredible 3% somersault.

Dave and Co. will be offthe road for a short time whilehe finishes constructing a newcannon, which will feature thetwo men in the sensational Friel-Smith Cannon Ball production.

Page 10 The Circus Report

BILLY BARTON (Continued)

FORD phoned in to say that hehad his new production built andready to roll prior to the NewYear, but then found there wasn'tenough room and had to buy another semi! It's been reported thata show known for its 3 show dayschedules is now issuing con-tracts calling for 4 shows a dayIf other producers follow suitacts will have to unionize toprotect themselves.

The Garden Brothers, Ian,Dick and Bill, got together withtheir families in Florida overthe holidays. It's an annualevent. Pat Anthony will playdates for SAM POLACK. I predictthat a major scandal involvingsome important Shrine datescould break before the year isout.

Yours truly*s biog, now be-ing compiled by KATHY GOFORTH,will be called - what else, Mr.Sensation and will dwell on in-timate details of his life knownonly to show biz insiders.

For Nostalgia Buffs« WhenRichard Bros. Circus expired inthe mountains of Tennessee, anenterprising family came uponthe scene, exhumed the remainsand created Mills Bros. Circus.Later, this equipment was soldto Sid Kellner and became, firstJames Bros., and finally theGreat London Circus, still inoperation.

One day we look around to

New Tears PartyThe four younger members of

the Lang Family (Trampolette,acrobats) entertained on NewYear's Day by staging a magicshow for members of the familyand their families. The show,presented at Sheboygan, Wise.,was performed with the aid ofDon Hertel, husband of Mary-Jo(Lang) Hertel, a former memberof the Lang Troupe.

A collection was taken anddonated to Charity, as it hasbeen for the past three years.This year's donation went to theSheboygan Humane Society.

The children are: VickieLang (12); Robbie (8); Susan (6)and David (2). They are the chil-dren of Jane and Robert Lang andgrandchildren of Florence andErvin Lang, of Erv's Chimp Act.

Lee SpainnPony & Elephant Act

PLEASE CONTACT ME AT ONCE!

Preperably by letter! I need toget in touch with you!

JOHN LEWIS - Lewis Bros. CircusBox G, Bridgeport, Ala. - 35740

discover those kids, who wereONLY kids, have suddenly becomethe New Generation, all grown upand recognizable. I don't knowabout YOU but the shock damnnear annihilates me!

See you down the road, luvs.

The Circus Report

"Oliver" and "Guessing Games" ...by BILLY BARTONChapter TWO unfolds in the Saga of Manhattan Lawyer MICHEAL

MILLER's "missing-link", or creature, who is now named "Oliver".Suspense is being accelerated for Oliver's introduction to the

press in a "few weeks". Seemsmore line a scene out of KINGKONG all the time, and one can'thelp but be reminded of old P.T.Barnum's publicity gimmicks whenhe unveiled Tom Thumb, Jumbo orJenny Lind.

Additional data releasedstates that Oliver NEVER walkson all fours and, when he obser-ves humans sitting and conver-sing he is apt to join in..Onlyhe doesn't talk, he "warbles,"which probably makes as muchsense as most conversations any-way.

The unidentified animal actfrom whom Oliver was purchasedfor $8000 is stationed some-where in upper New York State.

Soviet ShowThe program presented by

the Soviet Circus features:-

Reznikovs - aerial rocketBernadskiys - acrobatsMaja Rubtzova - jugglerPolina Chernega - trained dogsKostjuks - perch actTamara Simonenko - hula hoopsAbakarovs - wire walkingViktor and Evgenij - trapezeBjeljakovs and bears - acrobatsStepan Denisov - tigersGalina Rotman - parallel web-rop«Angelina Monastriskaja - illusnsAnatoly Osipov - strong manMokovskii & Rotman - clownsM*rdenovs - Cossask ridersEpilogue - finalp

GENEVTEVE LERCHE, formershow girl on Downie, Harris Br..Gentry, Robinson, etc., spentthe holidays in Texas, then vis-ited friends in Kansas.

VELMA LOWRY has extra cop-ies of the books "Gus, theGreat" and "The Fabulous Show-man" she'd like to trade. Writeher at: 206 North Douglas, Se-dan, Kansas - 67361.

That narrows the guessing-gamedown a bit. Any of you animalpeople getting warm?