Big Apple Circus Presents Another Fine Show

 By Gene Jones, Director New York , New York

 

The Big Apple Circus triumphantly made its third annual return to Lincoln Center this past Christmas season with a larger, more polished production than ever.

 

The show has consistently presented en­joyable performances for the past few years, especially from a juggler's point of view. Main attractions have included Michael Moschen, Koma Zuru, and the entertaining passing routine of Paul Binder and Michael Christensen.

 

This year was no exception, with Francis Brunn as featured headline attraction. Combining a style of ageless grace and in­tensity with breathtaking skill, Brunn consistently evoked standing ovations from enthusiastic crowds.

 

Looking for something to work on? How about trying his finish trick -

1) spin two rings on your right arm,

2) spin two rings on your right leg,

3) juggle three rings with your left hand,

4) balance a ball on a headpiece on your forehead,

5) hold a mouthpiece with a ball spinning on it, and

6) spin a ball on your right hand index finger!

 

Brunn's hard-working assistant, Natalie Enterline, also performed an original solo piece, a stunning three minute hat and cane manipulation routine including many of the acrobatic moves which won her numerous international baton trophies a few years ago.

 

Other acts of note were tightwire specialist Luis Munoz, elegant high trapeze artist Heidi Herriott, and teeter­board team The Wozniaks. Closing the show in their standard blaze of glory were the world-renowned Flying Gaonas.

 

Artistic director Paul Binder has much to be proud of. Over the past few years, he has created one of the highest quality one-ring circuses anywhere. Binder himself handles ringmaster duties with dignity, class, and affection for the performers. He was aptly aided by the very lively arrangements of the Big Apple Band, which seems to sound better every year.

 

It appears that the Big Apple Circus has earned itself a permanent Christmas season home at Lincoln Center , and most deservedly so. It has been a long, complicated struggle to arrive at such a position of prominence.