Friday, May 07, 2010
Thursday, May 06, 2010
ATTENTION: COLONEL JOHN HERRIOTT...
What's all this is hear about you having a wealth of Bobo Barnett stories??? Cut lose and swing brother, swing! We're all ears!!!THE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB CIRCUS: Disneyland
Photos and information courtesy of davelandweb.com
When The Mickey Mouse Club wrapped up filming of the first season, the Mouseketeers remaining with the show were sent to perform in 2 huge circus tents on the fringe of Fantasyland (between the Motor Boat Cruise dock and the Fantasyland Autopia). Opening November 25, 1955, they gave two 75 min. performances a day, including Christmas and New Year’s.
Ted DeWayne, whose acrobatic troupe performed on the Mickey Mouse Club's first Circus Day episode, coordinated the circus acts, while the shows were staged by Hal Adelquist. Jimmie Dodd was the Ringmaster, Roy Williams the Strongman, and Bob Amsberry played Bob-O the Clown. The Mouseketeers (and some of their moms) performed in a variety of roles, including clowns, “wild” animals, aerialists, and took part in the grand parade.
Walt Disney loved circuses but unfortunately, guests preferred to see the other more unique attractions. There were a few amusing (and not so amusing) mishaps associated with the circus: llamas escaped and ran down Main Street, spitting at guests; a black panther bit the paw off of another animal (their cages were too close together) in front of a live—and horrified—audience; one aerialist’s top came undone as she literally flew through the air and couldn't grab it, before the poor bare-breasted beauty had to clasp hands with the man catching her on the other trapeze.
On January 8, 1956 the circus closed from lack of attendance. At some point, the Gil Gray Circus was affiliated with the Disneyland MMC Circus; whether it was from the inception or whether they filled in after the MMC Circus left is unclear. From Feb. 19, 1956—Sept. 7, 1956, Prof. George J. Keller and his Ferocious Felines performed in the tents that eventually found their way out to Holidayland.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
MARTIN SHORT QUOTE
"All you're trying to do in an improvisation is get as much material as possible for the editing room."
~Martin Short
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
ANDREA MARTIN: Quote
"Take classes, work with other actors, create your own material, and stop blaming your agent. You can change how people see you. It all lies with you, but that takes a lot of work, and it's endless. Yes, I believe in luck. Some people are luckier than others. I've worked hard, but I've also been fortunate."
- Andrea Martin
Monday, May 03, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Saturday, May 01, 2010
ICHOF: Thank You!
Thank you all who opened your heart and wallet to help keep the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center in good standing. We always knew clowns were gifted and giving, and when asked you rose to the occasion. We will post a total as soon as we get official numbers. Knowing we have such support in such far flung corners of this world makes everything we are trying to do so important and worthwhile. Thank you all again and Happy First of May!
-Greg DeSanto and the Board of Directors of the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center
ICHOF: Special Announcement!
ENTER LAUGHING!
Baraboo’s International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center Opens For Funny Business On Friday, May 21, 2010
Baraboo, WI (April 29, 2010) -- The world’s foremost organization dedicated to the preservation of the art, craft and history of clowning will open its doors in Baraboo on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 10 am.
The International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center is located at 102 4th Avenue in historic Downtown Baraboo, the city that gave birth to Ringling Bros. Circus.
“Over the past four months we've been involved in the happy task of sorting and cataloguing the world's largest archive of clown artifacts,” says Greg DeSanto, Executive Director of the Hall. “From the cash box built by August Ringling for his sons’ very first circus performance to the scrapbooks of legendary circus clowns such as Poodles Hanneford, Mark Anthony, the Sherman Brothers to authentic vaudeville contracts, personal effects, costumes, props and correspondence of some of the greatest funnymen on earth, it is our honor and privilege to preserve this priceless resource.”
“The clowns who left their professional lives in our care loved their work and their careers, opening their hearts to audiences on a daily basis. We are extremely excited to be able to share these artifacts and the fascinating stories behind them.”
In addition to the priceless archives, visitors will see a clowning “Wall of Fame,” honoring the exceptional group of international funny folk who have been enshrined in the Hall.
“The ICHOF has been embraced by the Baraboo community in every sense of the word,” DeSanto adds. “Without the support of downtown businesses, local government officials, circus fans and enthusiasts and friends, this opening would have never happened.”
The Clown Hall of Fame will be open six days a week from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for children and seniors. Rates for groups are also available. For further information, call (608-355-0321) or visit the Hall’s website at www.theclownmuseum.com
“We are honored to join the Circus World Museum and the Al Ringling Theater as key spokes in Baraboo’s celebrated wheel of circus history,” DeSanto concludes. “We look forward to welcoming you to the legends of laughter.”
The International Clown Hall of Fame & Research Center is located at 102 4th Avenue in historic Downtown Baraboo, the city that gave birth to Ringling Bros. Circus.
“Over the past four months we've been involved in the happy task of sorting and cataloguing the world's largest archive of clown artifacts,” says Greg DeSanto, Executive Director of the Hall. “From the cash box built by August Ringling for his sons’ very first circus performance to the scrapbooks of legendary circus clowns such as Poodles Hanneford, Mark Anthony, the Sherman Brothers to authentic vaudeville contracts, personal effects, costumes, props and correspondence of some of the greatest funnymen on earth, it is our honor and privilege to preserve this priceless resource.”
“The clowns who left their professional lives in our care loved their work and their careers, opening their hearts to audiences on a daily basis. We are extremely excited to be able to share these artifacts and the fascinating stories behind them.”
In addition to the priceless archives, visitors will see a clowning “Wall of Fame,” honoring the exceptional group of international funny folk who have been enshrined in the Hall.
“The ICHOF has been embraced by the Baraboo community in every sense of the word,” DeSanto adds. “Without the support of downtown businesses, local government officials, circus fans and enthusiasts and friends, this opening would have never happened.”
The Clown Hall of Fame will be open six days a week from 10am to 5pm. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for children and seniors. Rates for groups are also available. For further information, call (608-355-0321) or visit the Hall’s website at www.theclownmuseum.com
“We are honored to join the Circus World Museum and the Al Ringling Theater as key spokes in Baraboo’s celebrated wheel of circus history,” DeSanto concludes. “We look forward to welcoming you to the legends of laughter.”
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