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Client News: Fly School Circus Arts Presents Grand Finale Trapeze Show During PIFA

Fly School Circus Arts presents a high-flying grand finale to their participation in the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). Tonight and tomorrow night, Fly School presents two first ever flying trapeze shows within the boundaries of Center City. "Daringly High" performances will take place on Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26, 2013 at 8:00 PM in the University of the Arts Parking Lot on Broad Street (between Spruce and Pine streets, across from the Kimmel Center). Professional faculty and advanced students will present works that celebrate a moment in time dating back to 1965 when model Jean Shrimpton helped change the face of women’s fashion and challenged female roles in society. Announced performers include Fly School Director Mary Kelly Rayel, Caitlyn Larsson, Donovan Chandler and Christine Landon. All professional performers will do tricks and exhibit skills without a safety harness as they fly 25 feet in the air. Admission is $10.00 at the gate for a spot inside the parking lot. Best viewing spots are expected to go early, and tickets are first come, first served until they sell out. Trapeze shows come hot on the heels of dozens of sold-out classes during the 2013 PIFA. As of today, all trapeze classes are sold out through closing day. Over 750 adults and children have come to enjoy trapeze lessons that celebrate empowerment, confidence and freedom found in doing the unexpected. 

Fly School celebrates the “If You Had a Time Machine…” theme by jetting back to October 30th, 1965, when model Jean Shrimpton shocked the Australian  establishment by attending Derby Day, a significant horse racing event in Melbourne, wearing a mini dress with a considerably higher hemline than was acceptable in Australian society. In doing so, she brought global attention to the fashion revolution already underway in Europe, one that was changing the landscape of women's fashion from one of maternal imitation to one of individuality, empowerment, and youthful domination.

Each performance will showcase both the incredible talent and skills of the Fly School staff and the hard earned accomplishments of their students. The student performance will present a variety of skill levels and achievements, demonstrating how Flying Trapeze can enrich and empower the lives of all people. Fly School staff will take it to the next level with a traditional flying trapeze performance where they will astound audiences with professional skill, style, grace, and beauty!

For more information on Fly School, visit www.flyschoolcircusarts.com and follow @flyschoolcircus.

Big congratulations go out to Fly School -  All classes are now sold out! Join the trapeze fun during tonight's first ever show. 

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Client News: Flying Trapeze Lessons Soar Daringly High During PIFA 2013

Fly School Circus Arts returns to the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) with “Daringly High” outdoor flying trapeze lessons and performances. Adults and children (ages 6 and up) are invited to celebrate the empowerment, confidence and freedom found in doing the unexpected.  Flying trapeze lessons run daily from Thursday, March 28 through Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 9:00am, 11:30am, 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Outdoor rigging, reaching 25 feet in the air, will be set up in the University of the Arts empty parking lot between Spruce and Pine streets. Each two hour class is geared to the individual, the first time student or the seasoned returning flyer. Fly School will end the festival on a high note with performances on Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26, 2013, at 8:00pm. For “Daringly High” inspiration, Fly School time travelled to 1965 when model Jean Shrimpton helped change the face of women’s fashion and challenged female roles in society.  Class reservations are on sale now for $55 each at the Kimmel Center Box Office, by calling (215) 546-PIFA or by visiting www.pifa.org.  Performance tickets and pricing will be announced in April at www.flyschoolcircusarts.com and on Twitter at @flyschoolcircus.

Fly School celebrates the “If You Had a Time Machine…” theme by jetting back to October 30th, 1965, when model Jean Shrimpton shocked the Australian establishment by attending Derby Day, a significant horse racing event in Melbourne, wearing a mini dress with a considerably higher hemline than was acceptable in Australian society. In doing so, she brought global attention to the fashion revolution already underway in Europe, one that was changing the landscape of women's fashion from one of maternal imitation to one of individuality, empowerment, and youthful domination.

“Daringly High encourages you to overcome challenges, fly in the face of limitations and try something you never thought possible,” said Fly School Circus Arts Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel. “In our classes we constantly strive to give our students the feeling that they are rising above their own perceived limitations and others expectations. Our trained instructors provide a motivating and inspirational atmosphere where you can tap into your inner courage, sense of trust and attention to detail.”

During lessons, students of various ages and abilities will soar through the air on a full-scale flying rig.  Students will learn all the techniques of this art form – including take-off from the platform, the swing, the transfer to the catcher, and the drop to the net.  Classes are open to students six years old and up. The weight limit is 250 lbs. All participants will be fully harnessed in the air. Some weather conditions may be a cause for rescheduling by the instructors. Cancellation is at the discretion of the instructors.  Rescheduling, ticket exchanges and refunds will be handled by the Kimmel Center box office.

Flying trapeze lessons are $55 for a two-hour lesson.  Reservations are available at the Kimmel Center Box Office, by calling (215) 546-PIFA or by visiting www.pifa.org. 

Pricing and details for flying trapeze performances will be announced in early April at www.flyschoolcircusarts.com and on Twitter by following @flyschoolcircus.

About Fly School Circus Arts

Fly School Circus Arts provides outdoor flying trapeze lessons in beautiful Northern Bucks County, May through June and August through October of each year.  Since its founding in 2008, Fly School Circus Arts has trained more than 500 students from Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and New Jersey. In 2008, Fly School worked with Cirque Du Jour to bring flying trapeze lessons to Camp Quality, a nationally recognized Oncology camp in Arkansas.  Since 2009, Fly School has participated in intensive aerial week at Circus Arts Camp in Westchester, NY.  In 2011, Fly School partnered with the Kimmel Center to bring flying trapeze lessons to Center City Philadelphia during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). Fly School Circus Arts will return to the 2013 PIFA with flying trapeze lessons and first-ever flying trapeze performances.

 

Fly School Circus Arts was founded by Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel, who graduated from Ithaca College with a B.A. in Theater. Rayel is also an alumna of the former Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Clown College.  In her 20+ years of experience, she has taught and performed for Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, Club Med and Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, among others. Performing opportunities have taken her to Puerto Rico, Mexico and all over the southern United States.  In 1998, Rayel moved back to her native Bucks County, where she began teaching gymnastics, from pre-school to coaching competitive teams. In addition to her work with Fly School Circus Arts, Rayel performs through several professional entertainment companies.

 

About PIFA

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) is a month-long, city-wide arts festival that is presented by the Kimmel Center between Thursday, March 28 and April 27, 2013.  Fifty arts and cultural organizations will present multi-disciplinary artistic interpretations of new works, classical performances and exhibits.  Each project is designed to showcase innovation, collaboration and creativity. The 2013 thematic focus, “If You Had a Time Machine…” takes audiences on a journey through time to experience the convergence of art, culture and history in artistic interpretations of great, defining moments that continue to influence society today.  The inaugural 2011 PIFA, which paid homage to the artistic energy of Paris 1910-1920, attracted over 404,600 visitors to the festival’s core 135 events and 196,000 visitors to the closing Street Fair. For information, please visit www.pifa.org.

It’s Time to Fly! Flying Trapeze Spring Season Opens in Bucks County

Fly through the air with the greatest of ease... Get your feet off the ground on the flying trapeze...With the spring comes a chance to soar 25 feet above the ground on the flying trapeze.   Northern Bucks County provides a beautiful backdrop for learning to swing in the open air as Fly School Circus Arts opens their 4th Spring season on Saturday, May 5, 2012.   Opening day lessons are a special price of only $45 (down from $55 per person). What a great deal!

“Flying trapeze lessons are a great activity that develops inner courage, trust, attention to detail and a sense of accomplishment,” said Fly School Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel. “Trained instructors provide a motivating and inspirational atmosphere where students can open their mind and challenge their body.”

Last year, I did just that -- I challenged my body, mind and expectations not once, but twice!

 The first time I flew in Center City, soaring through the buildings on Broad Street as part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts.  I always enjoy challenging myself with new and different activities -- and the trapeze seemed like the ultimate adventure.  During the lessons, I went up four times and learned everything from the take-off, to the swing, to basic positions, to the drop.  My start was a little shaky, just watch the funny video!  However, by my fourth and final time  I improved my technique enough to get caught by the catcher. What a thrill!  As soon as my feet touched the ground, I thought, "I want to do it again!"  

My second chance came when I took a group of friends for a fall day in Bucks County.  Before the pumpkin picking and cider sampling, we went to Fly School for a group lesson.  I started mentally practicing the entire week leading up to the lessons.  I also started stretching my legs, as I wanted the perfect Facebook profile picture (LOL).  When I set foot on the board, I was psyched and ready.  This time when they said "Hop" I hopped right into the air and flew like a bird.   The only thing that could have made it better was a fun pair of colorful, quirky circus socks!  (I had to leave something fun for 2012 didn't I?!)

This year, I plan on getting in on the high-flying action once more.   The Spring season runs May 5 to the end of June, although Mary Kelly hopes they might unofficially open earlier.  Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Fly School Circus Arts runs lessons out of Lions Camp Kirby, 1735 Narrows Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972. Information, schedules, and booking are available by visiting www.flyschoolcircusarts.com or calling (215) 262-7353.  

Tip: On your way to Lions Camp Kirby, check out the great shopping, food and other tourism attractions that beautiful Bucks County has to offer.  

PR Campaign Wins Award from Public Relations Society of America, Philly Chapter

The campaign I developed for Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) was honored with a first place "Pepperpot" award from the Public Relations Society of America, Philly Chapter.  The event-led public relations campaign was developed for PSCA to promote circus arts activities during the Philadelphia area during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts.  The award was presented during a ceremony at the Franklin Institute in front of more than 100 public relations and business professionals.   

Acceptance Video: 

Acknowledgements: 

Thank you to the PSCA staff, contractors,  performers, volunteers and all partnering groups and consultants that helped execute the campaign.  A special thanks goes out to Fly School Circus Arts and Executive Director Mary Kelly Rayel, Nina Zucker Public Relations, The Kimmel Center, Ticket Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation,  PIFA staff, Ed Salvato, and Sarah Fergus.

Situation Analysis/Intro Summary from Award Application:

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts transformed itself into the Philadelphia region’s center of circus arts through an event-led campaign during the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). PSCA grew from being a one-year old,Germantown-based school to become the high-flying star of a month-long international festival celebrating Paris 1911-1920.PSCA brought the circus from Germantown to the region – and the world – through two high-profile events. “The GreenFairy Cabaret” and “Fly City” were created to develop new audiences, increase interest and awareness in circus arts, buildname recognition and generate revenue. PSCA also achieved these goals by providing performers and resources for othercircus-inspired festival events. PSCA utilized primary and secondary research to develop the events and the campaign topromote them, which included partnerships, media relations and social media. As a result, PSCA achieved all objectives,including selling 1,043 tickets for “Green Fairy” and 641 tickets for “Fly City” lessons, exposing 11,634 people first-handto circus arts, generating millions of media impressions as a result of 10 newspaper articles and image features, 4 televisionstories, 2 radio stories, 48 blog posts and 53 online calendar listings. PSCA increased mailing lists by 546 individuals,attracted 612 new Facebook followers and increased website visitors by 42%. PSCA’s campaign generated at least 120stories and listings for PIFA itself.

Evaluation Summary from Award Application: 

PSCA successfully launched and met all objectives of the event-led public relations campaign. PSCA sponsored two mainevents and participated in four additional events. “Green Fairy” sold out all six performances to 1,043 people, includingextra seating added by the venue. The show generated XX over goal. Despite a rainy month producing cancelledclasses, “Fly City” attracted 641 students and generated XX net profit. In total, PSCA exposed 11,634 people to circusarts, including more than 2,700 traditional arts patrons. Additionally, PSCA developed first-time relations with at least threearts organizations, and received mentions in 16 stories with prominent arts organizations. PSCA increased brand awarenessand positioned itself as the region’s center for circus arts through event coverage in 15 major media outlets (10 newspaper,5 television and 1 radio). Additionally, PSCA secured coverage in 48 blog posts and 53 online calendars. PSCA createdfestival buzz by securing 120 media mentions. PSCA’s social media growth included a 612 person increase on Facebook.PSCA increased website traffic by 42%. PSCA, and partner FSCA, received many benefits from an increased interest incircus arts. PSCA attracted 55 new students, up from 11 in 2010. Demand for classes grew, as 35 new classes were added.PSCA generated 427 ticket sales from post-PIFA performances (Fringe and Circus Soiree), with three shows in the future.FSCA attracted 20 new students that took their first lesson at PIFA. Additionally, 39 fall sessions have been sold to studentsfrom PIFA, and 12 students from PIFA purchased new six-session class cards.

"Phantastical" Circus Wedding Proposal

Friday night's sold out shows of "Phantastical Phanatical" featured some amazing aerial feats -- as well as a few surprises. PSCA Operations Manager finished her performance and found Chris O'Neil waiting below to ask for her hand in marriage!  Congrats to Kitsie and Chris on their engagement!  

Theatre Alliance Presents a Lunchtime Treat for Circus Lovers

Today, from 11:30am - 1:30pm, Philadelphia Theatre Alliance will host "Casting Couch," at the Comcast Center outdoor plaza, 1701 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA.  At 12:30pm, John Jarboe will serve as the celebrity theater host, interviewing contestants and onlookers.  Jarboe represents Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.  He will use the couch to promote PSCA, and the upcoming, "The Green Fairy Cabaret," in which he is the emcee.  "The Green Fairy Cabaret" is presented as part of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival/ Philly Fringe.

About the Casting Couch

The Philly Theatre Casting Couch, now in its second touring season, uses a talk show format to engage theatre fans in conversations with celebrity interviewers about what theatre means to them.  Imagine seeing a red couch parked in the middle of a plaza or a park – or even on a street corner -  with a Philadelphia theatre celebrity is sitting there comfortably chatting with an average Joe/Jane (our contestants) about the magic of theatre!  The Theatre Alliance stages these couch appearances to find out what our audiences get from their experiences at the theatre.  Each interview is considered an audition for a PSA that we will cast out of clips from the day’s videotaped interviews which will then be posted on YouTube.  Contestants also get entered into a ticket giveaway contest.   It is a lot of fun, and a great way to meet your audience and build a little buzz for your show.

Top PIFA Picks for World-Class Street Fair

The month-long Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) come to a triumphant close today with a “tres grande”celebration on Broad Street today, Saturday, April 30, 2011, with an all-day free French-themed Street Fair.  PIFA will transform Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts into a Parisian boulevard complete with local restaurants and merchants selling unique tastes and wares, outdoor café tables and chairs, a grassy park with activities including a walk-through maze for children, AND a giant Ferris Wheel!   Some of the stars of the festival - the region's circus arts organizations - will be on hand to wrap up a month of sold out successes!  

The event will run from 11am until 8:30pm, with opportunities to enjoy and participate in countless fun, cultural and some once-in-a-lifetime activities with no gate charge. Two stages – at Pine Street and Sansom Street -- will offer non-stop music throughout the day, featuring virtually every genre of global sound. Headlined by the spectacular and electrifying Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, whose multi-ethnic beat will hit the Pine Street Stage at 6pm, the musical feast also includes Watcha Clan, whose spiritual sound melds African, Berber, and Arabic Gnawatrance music to hip-hop, Balkan brass and Sephardic folk, on the Sansom Street Stage at 4:45pm,Nicole Atkins, a North Jersey-bred singer/ songwriter who is quickly becoming an indie music darling on the Pine Street Stage at 4:15pm, and niche musical talent ranging from AfricanSoukous wonder Diblo Dibala toDrummers with Attitude (DWA) -- a diverse group of student drummers and dancers from Bristol Township middle and high schools.

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) will be on hand with a display in the University of the Arts parking lot.  PSCA and Fly School Circus Arts will run "Fly City" flying trapeze lessons five times during the festival - although all lessons are now sold out!  PSCA is also proud to announce that some of the street performers are PSCA's very own teachers and performers! Give and Take Jugglers - which include PSCA performers and teachers - will be on hand to wow the crowds. 

(Photo Courtesy of Fly School Circus Arts)

MY PIFA STREET FESTIVAL PICKS:

TOP PICK:
The event culminates with a breathtakingly spectacular performance by world-renowned French “Celestial Art” troupe La CompagnieTranse Express. Making their East Coast debut, these extraordinary aerial artists will perform their signature routine, never before seen in the region, as they are lifted 150 feet in the air by a giant crane, accompanied by lights and pyrotechnics just as the sun is setting.

PINE STREET STAGE
PhillyBloco | 12pm – 1pm
www.phillybloco.com/

Modeled after the blocos of Rio de Janeiro, with their large percussion sections and harmonic/vocal accompaniment, PhillyBloco is comprised of twelve drummers, electric guitar, bass guitar, vocals, horn section, accordion and Brazilian dancers, who perform a raucous mash-up of SAMBA, FUNK, REGGAE and more made popular by both Brazilian and non-Brazilian artists including: Olodum, Timbalada, Monobloco, Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder.

The Thermals | 2:45pm – 3:45pm
www.thethermals.com

An indie/alternative/post-pop-punk rock band from Portland, Oregon, The Thermals, over the course of seven years and four LP's have tackled a variety of life subjects from religion and politics to death with no small amount of passion and fervor, irreverently running roughshod over such issues with a level of moxie and gusto the likes of which the post/punk/pop/power community had never before seen. Now, for their fifth LP, The Thermals have battled (and perhaps even conquered!) the deepest and darkest of all popular art themes- love.

SANSOM STREET STAGE
*In front of the Sansom Stage the UArts Bucket Drummers will perform at 11am to get crowds energized!

 Hot Club of Philadelphia featuring Denise King | 11:30am – 12:15pm

http://hotclubphilly.com/
http://www.myspace.com/deniseking

Established at the end of 2001 by guitarist Barry Wahrhaftig, and violinist Mark Campiglia, Hot Club of Philadelphia is an acoustic jazz quartet, dedicated to playing and preserving the music ofDjango Reinhardt, while adding their own style to the process. Performing with them is Philadelphia jazz vocalist Denise King who has recently been splitting her time between Philadelphia and Paris, France.

ON THE TRAMPOLINE

 Flippin Out | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM; 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM; 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
http://flippenout.com/

This amazing new show features top athletes from North America, including Olympic Medalists, performing against the transparent wall –running up, flipping and twisting off a clear wall and platform, as well as traditional snowboards, skis, triple flips, and twists and heights of 25 feet or higher.

AT THE AMIPITHEATER 

Goowins Balloowins | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
http://www.goowinsballoowins.com/

Enjoy a truly unique performance by madcap balloon artist Allynn Gooen, who fills the stage with his extraordinary balloon creations while leading the stories of Snow White and the Eight Dwarfs, The Wizard Of

Oz, The Story Of Purim, and others, in which children from the audience become the stars. Traditionally, clowns and magicians twist balloons into creatures for kids, but Gooen uses balloons to turn the kids into creatures, capturing the imagination of children and adults alike. In addition to his own television show, Gooen has appeared on Nickelodeon, Shining Time Station, Fred Penner'sPlace, and at countless theatres and festivals around the world, creating an unforgettable show with a bang, a twist, and a POP!

Give and Take Juggling | 1:30 PM– 2:10 PM, 5:30 PM – 6:10 PM
http://jugglers.com/

Both highly interactive and captivating for all ages, The Spirit of Chautauqua, The Variety of Vaudeville: The Give & Take Show will surprise and please with its impressive juggling, comedy, and lots of audience participation. Using an antique calliope, traditions from vaudeville, circus arts, theater, and live music, they create a lively and wholesome show that feels fresh and contemporary.

IN THE GARDEN

 The Living Fountain | Special Appearances from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
http://www.thelivinggarden.com/thefountain/

A statue of a beautiful woman transforms herself with magical elegance into a living fountain. Delicate jets of water appear from her fingertips as a shimmering halo cascades from the crown of her head in this beautifully choreographed display. Indoors or outdoors The Fountain makes for a truly enchanting experience.  

The full slate of PIFA programming can be accessed on www.pifa.org and at theKimmel Center Box Office.

 

Media Personalities Take to the Skies to Promote Circus Arts in the Philadelphia Region

It is the home stretch for "Fly City" and the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA). "Fly City" started to sell out all of its time slots each day - so more classes have been added!  As a final promotional push, we organized a massive publicity blitz on electronic media, radio, television and newspaper.  Our goal was promote PIFA, "Fly City," and the two presenting groups (Philadelphia School of Circus Arts and Fly School Circus Arts), but also create elevated interest in the Philadelphia region's circus arts activities.  Check out the great pieces below, including video of private media lessons by WMMR, Daily News and KYW 1060. 

* NBC 10/ NBC10! Show
NBC 10! Show and Justin Pizzi joined us today on location to broadcast the early morning classes and showcase a demonstration.  Watch the video below: 

* Philadelphia Daily News
On April 22, 2011 Jenice Armstrong took a swing at PIFA by taking her own private lesson with Fly School Circus Arts Director Mary Kelly Rayel.  Check out the full-page photograph, cover box, two-page article and related circus story at the following link: 

Fly City:  
http://articles.philly.com/2011-04-22/entertainment/29463315_1_swing-trapeze-cirque-du-soleil

Circus Arts and PIFA: 
http://articles.philly.com/2011-04-22/entertainment/29463317_1_la-compagnie-transe-express-dominique-jando-circus-aficionados

Video: 

* YELP Weekly Newsletter
On April 20, 2011, YELPers got a big dose of "Fly City" as Philadelphia School of Circus Arts sponsored the YELP newsletter in a marketing partnership.  Check out the photos and stories below:

http://www.yelp.com/weekly?editorial_id=bnTuOc0SYnfT6yJOK9rkWw 

* Daily Candy
On April 21, 2011, Daily Candy presented their "Best of PIFA" guide with a "sweet" top billing for "Fly City."  Check out the story below: 

 http://dailycandy.com/philadelphia/article/101082/A-Guide-to-the-Philadelphia-International-Festival-of-the-Arts

* KYW 1060/ CBS 3
On April 19, 2011, KYW Newsradio 1060 reporter Karin Phillips dared to try the flying trapeze! Her adventure is detailed below: 

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/04/19/a-daring-reporter-on-a-flying-trapeze/

* WMMR
On April 18, 2011, Marisa and Angela from "Preston and Steve" took to the air in a high flying adventure that they shared on the WMMR website.  View the clip below:

* Q102/ Mix 106
On April 15, 2011, Nicole Michalik, aka Nik the Web Chick, from Q102/Mix 106 (and as seen on "Biggest Looser) learned a few new tricks during her lesson.  Check out her video: 

 

"Fly City" is presented by Philadelphia School of Circus Arts and Fly School Circus Arts as part of PIFA. Lessons run daily between 9am - 9pm, until May 1, 2011.   New lesson times have been added to the final weekend. On Saturday, April 30, 2011 "Fly City" be open, with a special table by Philadelphia School of Circus Arts from 1pm -8pm.   For more information, visit www.flycitytrapeze.com or call (215) 546-PIFA.

 

Opening Night: Green Fairy Dazzles and Delights!

After nearly a year of promoting circus arts during the Philadadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), it was finally time to see my efforts pay off!  

Last night, "The Green Fairy Cabaret" opened to a sold out audience at the Hamilton Garden of the Kimmel Center.   The show initially was going to seat 125 persons -- and those tickets flew out the door several days before the curtain would fall.  After PSCA moved in to the Kimmel, more seats were added bringing the count for each show to 175.  We launched a concise yet aggressive campaign to sell the new tickets, and as of today, all pre-sale tickets are sold out. A limited number of tickets are being released each night -- and they have instantly sold out at the door.   

The show itself was spectacular (spectacular)!  It is one thing to work with the crew to promote the "theory" of a show, write up descriptions, organize photo shoots, and do press interviews -- but it was another thing to  experience the beautiful artistry in the show firsthand -- from the breathtaking skills exhibited by the performers, to the wit exhibited by the emcee, to the original music that set the tone and background. 

Emcee John Jarboe couldn't have been a more perfect "Green Fairy."  He invited the audience to join him on his journey with humor, darkness of the period, and skill.  He also wrote the script that framed the performances, and brought along his amazing pipes.  Eric Michaels created the score for the show. This was the first time PSCA performed to original music created just for a production. The music was at times hauntingly beautiful -- perfectly transporting the audience back to 1900s Paris. While all the performers were spectacular, one performance in particular stuck out to me, as I haven't ever seen the skill in person. Kitsie Lundell and Harley Newton took to the aerial ladder, and I don't exaggerate when I say I literally couldn't take my eyes off them! I,  of course, was impressed by their routine itself -- it had such emotion and artistry.  But as someone who likes to personally challenge physical boundaries, I especially enjoyed their ability to convey that emotion within the context of the physically challenging apparatus, while suspending in mid-air.  Each of them had to be aware of the others positions and movements in such a precise manner.  They both had to balance on the ladder in sync to not just the music, but with each other. The images they created are something I won't be able to shake out of my head anytime soon, nor would I want to. 

As stated above, pre-sale tickets are sold out, but rush tickets might be available at the door each night starting at 8-9pm.  The show runs today at Noon and 10pm, and tomorrow at Noon and 10pm. 

You can also still "get your circus on" during "Fly City."  Earlier in the month, "Fly City" took flight in the University of the Arts parking lot.  Since opening day, members of the media have taken their own lessons and covered the event, including reporters from CBS3, Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Gay News, Philly Broadcaster, Frugal Philly Mom,  Q102 and Mix 106 -- with more to come from NBC 10, Preston and Steve, others.  Classes have been filling up with more than a dozen selling out already.  

For more information about "Fly City," visit www.flycitytrapeze.com or call (215) 546-PIFA.  For more information about other performances by PSCA, visit www.phillycircus.com.