© Jose Leon Photography
The curtain opens on Circus 1903 - The Golden Age of Circus Tuesday evening and will remain at the Knight Theater through Sunday.
As we anxiously await opening night - how about some more fun facts about the show?!
Did you know...
-Over 1,200 performers were seen by the casting director who flew over 130,000 miles on 48 flights to find the very best circus artists from around the world.
-The puppets you see in Circus 1903 are all hand-operated. There are no animatronic or powered elements at all, and they are supported just by the puppeteers. They work through ingenuity, human beings, new versions of traditional designs, and your imagination!
Queenie (pictured above) will be the talk of the Queen City when she makes her grand entrance alongside her young son, Peanut.
More on the mother of the moment (from the New York Post):
Birthplace: London
Gestation: About a year in the making
Measurements: 5¹/₂ feet wide, 10¹/₂ feet high at the shoulder, and more than 16 feet long. Her ears are 4 feet long.
Skin: Several layers of fabric mesh the puppeteers can see through. The outer surface is gray and brown; beneath it, a mix of pink, blue and green reflect light and together suggests an elephant’s hide.
Tusks: 2 feet long and made of a dense foam called Plastazote, coated with layers of lacquer and resin so they reflect the light, like ivory.
Puppeteers needed to operate her: Four; one each for the front legs, back legs, head and trunk.
Weight: Not exactly clear. “But it’s a good workout for the puppeteers,” said designer Mervyn Millar.
Here's some more behind the scenes footage of Queenie:
You don't want to miss out on this show that promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
Catch Circus 1903 at the Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts May 2-7.
Tickets available here.