I was invited to the Circus Juventas show on August 3rd and enjoyed it immensely.  These children are SO talented.  The show may have been an amateur circus, but it definitely rivaled Cirque du Soleil.  The acrobatics were truly amazing.  The story was creative and interesting.  The stunts definitely kept us on the edge of our seats for the entire performance.  Some scenes had so many different things going on, we weren't sure which group of stars to watch.  Of course, that just made us want to come back for another show so we could see more.  I could watch these kids all day long.  This show had so much energy and it was contagious.  They got the audience interacting by clapping along while they did stunts.  It was a very energetic and fun show.  If you haven't yet seen a performance by Circus Juventas, I would highly recommend checking it out.  

Circus Juventas, North America’s largest youth circus, is working hard on their all-new summer production, Showdown. A rip-roarin’ cast of over 70 advanced level performers under the direction of Artistic Director Betty Butler, the creative team, and coaches are performing for sold out audiences.

This Wild West adventure begins with a dramatic scene in the depths of a gold mine, followed by somersaulting outlaws, lasso-twirling cowboys, aerial spinning Dance Hall belles, and the most ornery prospectors ever to set foot in a saloon. Meet famous Wild West characters including Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kidd, Johnny Ringo, Black Bart, Lillie Langtry and many more legendary names. Patrons will be amazed by the fearless feats of aerialists, a blazing spiral wheel of fire, a tension-filled 7-man pyramid on thehigh wire (Circus Juventas is only the second youth circus in history to perform this feat) and the most calamitous bank heist/parkour extravaganza on the popular wall trampoline ever staged under the Big Top. Showdown will also feature other traditional circus acts including slapstick clowning under the direction of award-winning Bello Nock, energy-filled teeterboards, and the popular Russian swing.  

Tickets for most Showdown performances are still available (don’t wait too long) through Ticketworks at www.ticketworks.com or 612-343-3390 or by calling the Circus Juventas box office at 651-699-8229. All seats are reserved.

Tickets range from $13.50 - $30.00 per person.  

Circus Juventas’ summer shows, featuring the school’s advanced students, are elaborate spectacles in the tradition of Cirque du Soleil.  Circus Juventas productions represent the best of contemporary circus arts, combining evocative music, extraordinary sets and costumes, and stunning theatricality, dance and athletic artistry with a global flair.  This year’s show is sponsored by Cirque du Soleil, Clear Channel Outdoor, Minnesota State Arts Board, Target, Star Tribune, Starbucks, Noodles & Company, Ariat, McCarthy/Bjorkland Foundation and Ruehling Associates.

SHOWDOWN PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 2 @ 1pm – (pre-sold school show)

Friday, August 3 @ 7pm – OPENING NIGHT

Saturday, August 4 @ 1pm (ASL/AD performance) & 7pm

Sunday, August 5 @ 1pm

Wednesday, August 8 @ 1pm (pre-sold school show)

Thursday, August 9 @ 1pm (pre-sold school show) & 7pm

Friday, August 10 @ 1 pm & 7pm

Saturday, August 11 @ 1pm & 7pm

Sunday, August 12 @ 1pm

Wednesday, August 15 @ 1pm (pre-sold school show)

Thursday, August 16 @ 7pm

Friday, August 17 @ 7pm

Saturday, August 18 @ 1pm & 7pm

Sunday, August 19 @ 1pm & 7pm – CLOSING PERFORMANCE

 About Circus Juventas

Circus Juventas, celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, is a non-profit youth performing arts circus school based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Circus Juventas offers an array of circus arts training and performance opportunities to children and youth up to age 22. Its mission is to inspire artistry and self-confidence through a multi-cultural circus arts experience.  Students learn acrobatics, balance, aerial techniques, juggling and theatrical skills in a safe and noncompetitive environment. The focus is on discipline, hard work, and mentor and peer relationships.