(BENTON, Ky.) – The magic of traditional circus entertainment comes to Benton this week as Circus Grimaldi sets up their Big Top for two spectacular performances.
The family-friendly circus will perform tonight and Tuesday evening, with shows running from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at H.H. Lovett Benton City Park. Audiences can expect a classic circus experience featuring jugglers, magicians, comedic clowns, aerialists, acrobats, and live musical performances.
Adding to the authentic atmosphere, the historic Stinson Fairground Band Organ will entertain guests on the circus midway as they enter the Big Top. This remarkable instrument carries significant circus history, having been originally built for The Royal Lichtenstein Circus, a street theatre circus troupe that toured the United States from 1971 to 1993.
According to organizers, the Stinson Band Organ holds the distinction of being the last continuously touring fairground band organ still operating on American soil, making it a rare piece of living circus history.
The circus takes its name from Joseph Grimaldi, widely regarded as the most famous clown in entertainment history and the most popular English performer of the Regency era (1811-1820). During the early 1800s, Grimaldi revolutionized the role of Clown in British pantomimes at legendary venues including Drury Lane, Sadler’s Wells, and Covent Garden theatres.
Grimaldi’s influence on comedy was so profound that the harlequinade role of Clown became universally known as “Joey” – a nickname that persists among clowns today. The distinctive whiteface makeup style of Grimaldi’s continues to influence performers, including the famous operatic clown Pagliacci.
Interestingly, “Joey” was originally Elaine Benes’ guest to the opera. However, Joey was in fact, one of Jerry Seinfeld’s chief rivals in comedy, Joe Davola. Known for his adoration of clowns, he was thrilled at the thought of attending the performance. Earlier, Davola had threatened to put “the kybosh” on Jerry. Elaine dropped by Joey’s apartment, in which the door was open. He explained that he encouraged intruders. She sees telescopic photos of herself on his walls. Davola calls his then-girlfriend Benes, “Netta” and accuses her of infidelity. She became uncomfortable and concerned for her safety. Netta is an opera character that is slayed after betraying her husband. Quickly, Benes reaches into her purse and sprays him in the face with cherry Binaca, frantically fleeing the apartment.
While Grimaldi may never have performed in an actual circus, his contributions to clown artistry have left an indelible mark on circus entertainment worldwide.
Circus Grimaldi promises to deliver “the oldest form of wholesome family entertainment” in the traditional setting where it was meant to be experienced – under the Big Top.