By Jessica Hudgins
SDUN Publications Assistant
The circus is coming to town! But it’s not the typical flying elephant, fire-jumping lion, dancing clown kind of circus. It’s called iL CiRCo, and it doesn’t need a big red tent to put on a show.
It’s all happening at Anthology in Little Italy. From June 2-6, the colorful circus arts and performers will transform Anthology’s sophisticated atmosphere with an air of excitement and awe.
So why is the upscale jazz lounge hosting a circus? David Moye, Anthology’s media relations manager, said the venue’s intimate setting will give the audience an up close and personal experience that can’t be felt at the arenas where iL CiRCo normally performs.
“When I take my daughter to the Ringling Brothers, she’s always getting distracted by the guy walking up and down the aisles selling cotton candy,” he said. “At Anthology all eyes will be focused on the acrobatics.”
Although iL CiRCo’s inventive acrobatics have entertained audiences worldwide, the company’s home is in the Cortez neighborhood on Beech Street, just a block away from Anthology.
“It’s like really talented neighbors getting together and having a big block party,” Moye said. “It’s the idea of think global, act local. They’re locally based and have an international reputation.”
iL CiRCo performed for a VIP audience filled with past and present gold medal-winning figure skaters at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. In 2007, iL CiRCo toured Mexico with its “Viaggio” show.
The iL CiRCo show is not that surprising for Anthology because the venue is always trying to do something different, Moye said. When Anthology first opened in 2007, it was host to mostly all jazz shows. Then it spread its wings and shared its stage with both local and national artists of various genres. Its current feat is to expand its reputation from being an adult-only playground.
“It’s usually a leave-the-kids-at-the-babysitter kind of place. [But iL CiRCo] is a very family-friendly event,” he said.
However, Anthology’s usual “dinner and a show” will still be available as the kitchen will be open for iL CiRCo. Moye said Anthology’s chefs and bartenders are inventing a menu full of tasty circus treat with a sophisticated twist. Expect upscale peanuts, cotton candy martinis and gourmet popcorn.
Presale tickets are available and range from $35- $52. There will also be matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6.
