Kelly-Miller Circus featuring 5 new acts this year

LACONIA — The Kelly Miller Circus was a popular attraction when it stopped here last year, selling out four of its six shows and nearing capacity for the other two. This year, an additional show has been added to the schedule and to ensure that audience members are just as pleased this year, each show will feature five new acts as well as favorites from last year.

Jim Royal, general manager of the Oklahoma-based circus, said the new acts add oohs, ahhs and gasps to the show. "Gasps are very important in a circus," he said.

The Duo Delara, a pair of female trapeze artists, is one of the new acts Royal said is keeping audience members on the edge of their seat. They perform what is known as an "aerial cradle act," in which one partner hangs upside-down from the trapeze and supports the other artist as she performs tricks. "A very interesting and thrilling act. It has a surprise ending that has people gasping," Royal said.

A new production number, "Pirates of the Kellybean," features Peruvian acrobat Fridman Torales as he balances atop a series of rolling cylinders. "It's pretty hair-raising," said Royal. The number also features sword-fighting, knife-throwing, dog stunts and an aerial ballet, "all in a pirate motif."

The Fusco Gauchos, exuberant Argentinean entertainers, put on an act that includes acrobatics, juggling, dancing and music. The "Enchanting Miss Rebecca" is another new act, said Royal. She'll provide more aerial excitement. Royal said, "It's a nail-biting routine on the trapeze. She's not biting her nails, but the audience is."

Animal trainer Mike Rice is back with his camels. This year, though, his herd includes a lone zebra who fits right in despite his stripes. "Fortunately, he likes the camels. They're quite pal-ey, he got the right zebra for the act," said Royal.

"It was a great show last year," said Royal, inviting one and all to see the circus's new additions. "It's a lot of fun, two hours, jam-packed, and under the tent."

The Kelly Miller Circus will be in town from July 6 through 8. The big top will again be set up at Memorial Park in the South End. Advance tickets are available at several local businesses, including The Daily Sun office at 1127 Union Avenue. The advance price is $10 per adult or $6 per child. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $15 for adults or $7 for children.

"Ticket sales are going very well," reported Drew Seneca, a member of the Laconia Main Street Initiative, the local organization that is sponsoring the event. The Main Street Initiative, a non-profit that works to promote downtown activities, will earn revenue for each ticket that is sold. Seneca encouraged interested parties to purchase their tickets in advance to realize substantial savings.

"We hope to sell them all out," Seneca said, recalling the popularity of last year's shows. "We're getting excited as it gets closer and closer to circus time. To be honest, I enjoy it as much as the kids do."