Ever seen a wife practice her plunger archery using a target that sits on top of her husband’s head – while he rides a giraffe unicycle? What about someone do a handstand on top of 10 chairs? Or been in the same room with a silver medalist winning juggler?
Well, that’s just some of what can be expected at Starburst! Flying Gravity Circus’s 2nd annual family-friendly circus extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 28 in the Auditorium of Pine Hill at High Mowing School.
After performing last year to a sold out crowd, Flying Gravity Circus Executive Director Jackie Davis has once again put together a collection of professional performers, friends and FGC alum to wow audiences of all ages. And, of course, Davis – the youth circus program founder – will be on stage herself.
While most of the shows that Flying Gravity puts on is centered around the work of the young performers, this annual fundraiser for the program is a chance to see what a start in the circus arts at a young age can lead to.
Master of ceremonies Tobin Renwick, half of the Wilton-based street performance The Red Trouser Show, is a founding member of Flying Gravity and with his partner David Graham was the headliner for last year’s inaugural show.
Plunger archery is just a snippet of what is expected from the husband and wife duo of Maya and Brent McCoy, better known for their Her Majesty’s Secret Circus Show. It’s a high energy trip to the streets and a dive into all things circus.
Davis describes special guest Alex the Jester as “a goof ball in the best sense of the word.”
Austin Smith, an International Juggling Association Festival silver medalist, will juggle anything – clubs, rings, balls – and he won’t be the only one.
“There will lots of juggling this year,” Davis said.
Dylan Biedrycki, a Flying Gravity alum and Circus Smirkus veteran, is the aforementioned act that will stack numerous chairs on one another, climb to the top and do a handstand.
“He grew up in our program,” Davis said.
Finn-Ann Cotton, a coach with Flying Gravity, is an aerialist and trapeze artist. Flying Gravity alums Sorrell Nielsen, who works exclusively on the tight wire, and Kira DiPietrantonio, a handstand contortion artist, will perform to help raise money for the program that got them started on their circus careers. Meghan McClure, the FGC Circus After School Program director and program alum, is set to show off her experienced juggling skills.
Davis, who was once a Walt Disney World mime, will fill the role of a clown for the evening. Add in a tumble track act, which includes an air filled mattress that takes up the whole stage, a human pyramid, FGC’s advanced Blue Troupe and the on stage antics of Renwick throughout the night, and this is what people must mean when they say the circus is coming to town.
For those who choose the VIP offering, there is a special treat in store – and not just a seat in the front rows as well as a champagne reception with hors d’oeuvres provided by Hilltop Cafe in Wilton. VIPs will also enjoy a live streamed visit with Kerren McKeeman, a Flying Gravity Circus founding member who is now a featured aerialist with Cirque du Soleil. From Las Vegas, McKeeman will provide a virtual backstage tour of the KÀ theatre, which has a moving stage, and will field questions.
For Davis, having it all happen on the Pine Hill auditorium stage adds a special piece to the event.
“We were founded on that stage. Pine Hill is the heart and soul of where we started,” Davis said.
Created out interest by a group of 10 students in the Pine Hill Hilltop Program, Flying Gravity was formed in 1999. Since then it has grown into a one-of-a-kind program for youth circus arts in the region and state.
“We’re really working to be known as New Hampshire’s premier youth circus company,” Davis said. “We’re the only thing like us in New Hampshire.”
With more events like Starburst, more exposure will be brought to what Flying Gravity does.
“We want to get ourselves out there more, do more events,” Davis said. “This is a super high energy event that excites people about what we do and it’s a look at what’s on the other end of the spectrum.”
And of course, the fundraising aspect allows them to offer after school programs and financial aid. Last year’s sellout was a pleasant surprise.
“This is an important part of our budget,” Davis said. “We had no way of knowing (if people would come), we were just throwing it out there.”
Flying Gravity families will make food for the concessions stand.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children with doors opening at 5 p.m. VIP Tickets are $60 for adults and doors open at 4 p.m. The show begins at 5:30 p.m. For tickets visit www.flyinggravitycircus.org or search Starburst on www.eventbrite.com.
For more information, call (603) 801-2825 or email gala@flyinggravitycircus.org.