Circus Smirkus: Beautiful, Clown-Free Fun

by Julie Brooks

Circus Smirkus, a traveling Vermont-based youth circus, opened under their European-style Big Top last night at Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich. There will be only six more shows through Thursday, and since I give this show an "A" for family entertainment, I would urge you to get tickets now.

Aerialists at Smirkus

Balancing act

Hula dancers

Troupers

Smirkus is a real gem--their relatively small Big Top allows fantastic, up-close views from any seat, and kids are allowed to sit on the floor ringside.  I would advise getting to the show about 45 minutes early so kids can get a seat ringside if they wish.    The troupe consists of 32 youths, around ages 14 - 20, including an adorable 3 -year-old.  The Smirkos, as they call themselves, perform around New England in the summer months.   They learn their skills at the Smirkus summer camp, which anyone can attend. 

Besides combining refined aesthetics and pure fun, what makes this circus so appealing in that there are no smelly animals and no scary clowns.  Some of the troupers wear a clown nose occasionally and some have clownish eye makeup on sometimes, but there are no full-blown pancake faces or fright wigs  to scare clown-ophobic children or adults.   One of my children is outright afraid of clowns (like Kramer on Seinfeld) and the other one is deeply suspicious, and both loved Smirkus, so it must be concluded that this act is certified clown-free. Once the show began, the tent flaps were opened and the venue was well-ventilated. The concessions were reasonably priced.

Smirkus is really a very beautiful performance overlaying down-home fun that is appealing  to kids and adults alike.    In a nutshell, it's the Three Stooges meet Cirque du Soleil.   This year's show, "Tropical Vacation" is two hours (there is an intermission) of island-themed magic.  The troupers perform an amazing variety of stunts, from juggling, hoop-tossing, hula dancing, trapeze acts involving rings and long streamers, unicycles, ball-balancing, giant yo -yo handling, and much more.    The troupers are energetic, upbeat, and their wardrobe is at once silly and arresting.  The music is an energizing, eclectic mix of reggae, flamenco, salsa, and other south-of-the-border styles, all punctuated with a live drum and other percussion effects.      Over the years, Smirkus artistic directors have worked with many Russian circus directors and the European influence is quite evident.     I noticed that all kids from age 3 up were enthralled, as was I.   I plan to make Circus Smirkus an annual family event.

Circus Smirkus' "Tropical Vacation" is playing July 31, Aug 1, 2, 3 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs). Showtimes: 7 PM (Mon)2 & 7 PM (Tues & Wed)11 AM & 4 PM (Thurs).

Click here to purchase tickets.