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If you’ve never attended a big-top circus — one staged in a large tent versus the hard-tops previously presented at Blaisdell Arena — you must give the touring Modern American Circus a chance. It’s playing today and next weekend at Kapolei Field.
It’s "modern," meaning there’s no sawdust on the floor. Some acts are contemporary but the spirit is old-fashioned.
Cornell "Tuffy" Nicholas, born into a circus family (his dad was ringmaster with Ringling Bros., and his mom trained polar bears), is the traditional ringmaster.
"Sawdust is in our veins," he said of the circus lifestyle.
Sawmills are a vanishing species, and sawdust was vital especially when animal acts were under the big top. Since only humans are in this touring spectacle, there’s no sawdust.
Nicholas was 3 when he first donned a ringmaster’s outfit for a parade float. He was billed as the "youngest ringmaster," and he’s been a circus guy since.
"I put on the shiny suit; it’s fun," said Nicholas, who turns 57 on Oct. 10.
He also is producer of "Aloha Live," the cirque-meets-Polynesia derivation poolside at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel.
What he loves about the modern circus are the old-fashioned elements (announcer/ringmaster and the clowns) plus updated twists (a modern sound system and comfortable seating) ‘neath the red-and-yellow big top. "And this one is the best I’ve produced," he said.
Part of the spectacle is watching the tents go up and down. On Molokai the community turned out to help.
The circus runs nearly two hours, with intermission. Thrills include three motorcycles racing in a globe cage, with the wife of the main rider standing amid the roar and twirls of the cycles.
The Modern American Circus continues Friday to Sept. 29 in Kapolei, at the corner of Farrington Highway and Fort Barrett Road, then moves to central Honolulu at 555 South St. Oct. 4 through 6, with a third site at Aloha Stadium from Oct. 11 to 13 and Oct. 18 and 19. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 4 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $26 for ages 13 and older, $16 for kids ages 4 to 12, and free for little ones on laps. The family package is priced at $84 for two adults and three children. The circuit includes tours to Hilo, Kona, Maui and Kauai. Visit modernamericancircus.com …
HERE ‘N’ THERE: Pianist Kit Samson will be the featured pianist with the Aaron Aranita Band at this year’s Star-Advertiser ‘Ilima Awards Oct. 14 at Diamond Head Theatre. With health issues (arthritis in his knees), it’s a task for him to organize his usual Sound Advice. The Aranita Band will feature singer Dana Land, bassist John Kolivas, guitarist David Yamasaki and drummer Peter Factora. …
Peter Dillingham, a veteran steel guitarist who recorded four albums with producer Keith Haugen in the ’80s and ’90s,died Sept. 12 at his Big Island ranch. He started performing on the steel guitar at age 13 in Kakaako with the likes of Elmer Lee, Jake Keli‘ikoa and Gabby Pahinui, and likely had been a man of steel longer than anyone else. He was 92 when he died; private graveside services will be Monday at Oahu Cemetery. Condolences to his ohana. …
Entrepreneur Jack Cione vividly remembers Japanese entertainer Reiko Douglas, who died Sept. 9 in Los Angeles. "She performed at the old Forbidden City and was known for ‘Mac the Knife,’" in her inimitable accented and fractured English. …
MAUI NO KA OI:Maui-based filmmaker-director-TV host Kenneth K. Martinez Burgmaier is directing and producing a film on jazz master and Grammy winner Wayne Shorter, 80, who was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at Kennedy Center last week. The event also paid tribute to the late George Duke.
Burgmaier also will produce a TV special and film on the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition at the Smithsonian Institute, drawing 14 saxophonists.
Burgmaier’s Jazz Alley TV/HawaiiONTV.com production company was selected for the task. He is marking his 23rd year of TV broadcasting in the islands. …
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