BRATTLEBORO — The New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) announces the 16th annual Circus Spectacular, a flagship fundraising event that brings world-class entertainment to Southern Vermont for one weekend only, March 7 and 8. This year’s production celebrates 16 years of wonder, featuring an all-star lineup of international and local talent.
This year’s event is highlighted by a “circus reunion” as NECCA welcomes special Guest Ringmaster Eric Micheal Gillett, renowned as the singing Ringmaster for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Gillett shared that 3 ring stage with NECCA co-founder Serenity Smith Forchion, who began her professional career with Ringling in 1990. Gillett, who is also a cabaret singer, actor, and director of an edition of the Big Apple Circus, will be joined by Bellows Falls native and also a former Ringling clown Troy Wunderle, presenting his new comedy magic routine.
Adding to the full roster of top tier aerial and acrobatic acts, is a last-minute addition: Joel Baker. An accomplished acrobat and clown, Baker just to signed to become the new lead clown for Cirque du Soleil’s Alegrîa. He will perform his signature blend of clowning and acrobatics at the Circus Spectacular — in the traditions of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin — before jetting off to join the international circus tour.
“Joel Baker’s last minute addition to our lineup is indicative of the talent pool we now have in Brattleboro,” said NECCA’s Managing Director Elena Day in a news release. “He made Brattleboro his home base a few years ago to be closer to a vibrant circle of circus folks, and built an adorable tiny home he comes back to when not on tour.” Day, who also moved to Brattleboro after years as a clown character on Cirque du Soleil, is excited to see his act on the NECCA stage before he jets off to be a circus superstar. “Joel is an accomplished acrobat as well as a clown,” says Day, “and he mixes the two to hilarious effect in the traditions of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.”
The Circus Spectacular, held in NECCA’s Trapezium training facility on Town Crier Drive, will also feature high-flying and dazzling acts from performers based in Colorado, Georgia, Chicago, Boston, and Montreal, showcasing acts such as swinging trapeze, hula hoops, hair suspension, juggling, aerial hoop, and duo pole.
Forchion, now the producing director at NECCA, notes, “… this is an important annual event as the money raised helps directly fund programs and financial aid.” Every ticket sold supports NECCA’s mission to provide inclusive and financially accessible circus arts training for all ages, from the Silver Circus (60+) to pre-professional youth programs.
For the weekend of the Circus Spectacular, the Trapezium is transformed into a circus theater — chairs get set up on risers, extra equipment is moved out to make way for theatrical lighting, a 35-foot tall black curtain gets pulled up to create a stage backdrop nearly 80 feet long. After four shows, the space returns to its role as an educational center.
Showtimes for both days are 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15-$50 at www.CircusSchool.org. For more information, call 802-254-9780.
Support for Circus Spectacular and NECCA comes from Brattleboro Savings & Loan, Holiday Inn Express, The Porch, Back Roads Granola, Minuteman Press, Brattleboro Veterinary Clinic, Berkley & Veller Greenwood Country Realtors, Reuter Foundation Repair, Fenton Family Dealerships, Brattleboro Tire, and Brattleboro Portable Storage, with media support from The Reformer and Great Eastern Radio.
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