Super American Circus displays daredevil acts, stunts

MANILA, Philippines — A different kind of entertainment delighted local fans this holiday season when the Hawaii and Florida-based Super American Circus performed here in the Philippines.

The modern, one-ring circus displayed never-before-seen acts that awed both young and old audiences

The Newport Performing Arts Theater, a venue for concerts, theater plays and musicals at Newport World Resorts, was recently transformed into an amazing circus arena that became the locale for the performances of the troupe.

Nearly two dozen artists — acrobats, aerialists, ballerinas, contortionists, jugglers, singers and dancers — performed unbelievable, daredevil stunts that were well-received by the crowd.

Surprisingly, the Super American Circus is “animal-free,” unlike other circus shows in the past that boasted elephants, tigers, lions, even seals in their entourage…

“Our slogan is people performing for people,” insisted original ringmaster Cornell “Tuffy” Nicholas, who came to Manila to introduce the circus. Today, Alexander Knapp took over the circus as present-day ringmaster.

The Sky Ryder, that exhibited jaw-dropping motorcycle stunts, immediately started the show 200 feet above the ground, with the riders doing somersaults above everyone’s head and performing incredible balance.

An aerial ballerina was gracefully hanging on the ledge below the motorcycle with no harness, but merely a leg strap while performing. The audience inevitably craned their necks to see every amazing beat above the ground.

The seven-member Valencia family from Argentina sent the audience into a frenzy with their cowboy acts. The present members are the eighth-generation circus family.

NBA half-time superstar George fascinated everyone with his balancing act, while a lady did a dazzling display of aerial dancing expertise hanging only with her ponytailed balancing act.

Magical, quick-change act spotlighted the impressive juggling team of Igor and Tatiana. The lady amazingly changed her outfits in only a matter of seconds. There were also jugglers who never missed a beat while shuffling the neon-colored pins.

Four ballerinas did a stirring aerial ballet with beautiful, live music provided by a violin virtuoso.

Circus jester Henry entertained the crowd before the circus started. He exhibited funny antics between the acts and managed to get active participation from the audience, like when he attempted to ride a super tiny bicycle, perhaps only about five inches in height — successfully.

A huge contraption was mounted onstage by a dozen men during intermission. That turned out to be the Sky Wheel, that ushered in the second part of the presentation.

In the Sky Wheel, performer Enrique displayed a daring feat moving inside the wheel and more fearless, moving circular outside with no harness.

For the final act, three daring motorcycle riders entered the cage of steel for the Globe of Danger act. The riders did amazing stunts upside down, side by side while continuously moving inside.

After the Manila performances of the Super American Circus conclude on Jan. 8, the entourage will perform in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Ilocos Norte.

The Super American Circus unveiled a two-hour presentation staged by Global Entertainment Productions. Local producers are Johanan Soyangco and Edwin Chiong, managing director of SGE Production.

It has been more than a decade since local audiences witnessed an American circus entourage, that was why the acts were well-received and well-applauded by young and old alike.

The circus troupe did a curtain call at the end of the circus performance and they were given a standing ovation by the crowd. The cast generously extended a meet-and-greet after the show, complete with photo opportunities.