Circus Vargas to turn the lights low for new “iLUMINOUS” show
Workers set up the Circus Vargas big top for their new show “iLUMINOUS” on the 700 block of Front St. in Burbank on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. The show opens Thursday and runs for two weeks.
Crews were busy Tuesday afternoon raising the blue-and-yellow tent for Circus Vargas next to the Golden State (5) Freeway near the Burbank Boulevard exit.
Acrobats, aerialists, contortionists, magicians and motorcyclists look to wow crowds during their stint in Burbank from Thursday through May 23. Known for not repeating productions, Circus Vargas will be presenting its new show called “iLUMINOUS.”
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Performers will wear costumes with special lighting effects to make them look like they are glowing in the dark. Some of the acts will be done with barely any lights on.
One act will spin an illuminated cube in the dark while, in another act, a pair of glow-in-the-dark motorcyclists will zip around a 16-foot spherical cage while avoiding a performer standing in the center.
“It tells a story of a family that is stuck in technology,” said Jon Weiss, host of the pre-show performance, where he interacts with the audience and gives them a chance to be a part of the show. “It’s about telling people to put their cellphones down and to spend time with their family.”
Weiss, who has been in the circus industry for over 35 years and has worked for Circus Vargas for nine years, said this year’s performance theme aligns with the circus’ mission of encouraging audience members to go low-tech every once in a while and enjoy their family’s company.
In an era when many people get their entertainment through a smartphone or their media-streaming service of choice, the circus is a place where the audience can go back to a simpler time and enjoy family-oriented entertainment through live acts, Weiss said.
With his wife performing with him during the pre-show and his daughter demonstrating her contortion skills during the main act, Weiss said he is fortunate to spend time with his family while they are touring.
He said he hopes families in the audience get to experience that type of connection he has with his family by watching him, his family and the rest of the acts.
“We want them to come here and know us,” he said. “We want it to be a family experience. I think about it all the time when I perform.”
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What: Circus Vargas
Where: 777 N. Front St., Burbank
When: May 12 through 23
Admission: $15 to 35 for general seating, $35 to 70 for reserved ringside seats
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Anthony Clark Carpio, anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com
Twitter: @acocarpio
