Circus Vargas embarks on a brand new epic adventure under the big top. Debuting their innovative new production at Del Mar Fairgrounds before moving on to Mission Bay, National City and Escondido, Circus Vargas will divide performances between the four San Diego locations from Jan. 19 through March 13, with a special matinee and evening show added on Monday, Feb. 20 for President’s Day. The show Goggles, gears, and gadgets set the stage for Circus Vargas’ retro-futuristic production, Steam Cirque! Join them on a journey of fantastic proportions where children of all ages will marvel at the wacky and wonderful cast of characters that come alive in this exciting steampunk, science fiction fantasy inspired circus odyssey. Arrive 45 minutes early for an entertaining, interactive pre-show celebration, where kids can create their own magic under the big top, learning circus skills such as juggling, balancing and more. Meet and mingle with the entire cast after each performance. Capture the fun by posing for pics or selfies with your favorite cast members, all part of an unforgettable Circus Vargas experience. The storyline An eccentric group of adventure seekers stumble upon a traveling circus in an imaginary Victorian city, far, far-away. Steam Cirque’s peculiar protagonist, part magician-part inventor, attempts to industrialize the circus by incorporating his steam powered mechanical contraptions into the ordinary, typical circus rigging, filling the big top with new, imaginative acrobatic apparatus for the artists to perform their acts. Creative inspiration Husband and wife team Nelson and Katya Quiroga’s inspiration for this year’s production came to them over a casual dinner with friends. While reminiscing of traveling, their many adventures and how fast time has passed, Nelson remarked suddenly that he’d felt as if he’d been “Around the World in 80 days!” referring to a novel from French author Jules Verne’s collection, “Voyages Extraordinaire.” That comment and the subsequent conversation that followed morphed into hours of story telling. “It’s been quite the journey,” says Katya. “Sometimes we don’t even believe it ourselves.” Steam Cirque is inspired by adventure, colored by imagination and brought to life by the cast of Circus Vargas. General admission tickets are $22 to $32 for children and $27 to $37 for adults. Reserved ringside seating is $52 to $67 for children and $57 to $72 for adults. For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Circus Vargas
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
When: Thursdays 7:30 p.m. (Jan. 19 – opening night), Fridays 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturdays 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m., Sundays 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., Mondays 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays – no performances, Wednesdays 7 p.m. Circus Vargas
Where: Mission Bay Park, 1101 Sea World Drive.
When: Thursday 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 2 – opening night), 7 p.m. (Feb. 9) Fridays 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturdays 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m., Sundays 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., Mondays 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays – no performances, Wednesdays 7 p.m. Info: www.circusvargas.com.