LOS BRIZIOS: Ringling, 1969

Photos courtesy of Raffele de Ritis and Julie Clown




Because I just can't get enough of soap gags lately here are the Brizios on Ringling from 1969...

The host of this special was Arthur Godfrey, who tended towards "verbal diarrhea" when unchecked.

JACKO FOSSETT: Billy Smart's Circus, 1972

Jacko Fossett with "Little Billy" Merchant on Billy Smart's Circus in 1972.

The beautiful Ringmistress in this clip is the still beautiful Ms. Yasmine Smart, one of the stars of this season's Big Apple Circus.


For more information on Mr. Fossett, please click the title of this post.

BLINKO IN ITALY

Photos courtesy of Raffaele de Ritis

Illustrating a previous point about unlicensed use of American circus clowns' images on European circus posters here is Ernie "Blinko" Burch who spent many years on Ringling, the Shrine circuit and at Circus Circus in Las Vegas, NV advertising Citta di Roma...



If Ernie got a penny for every time someone used his image to advertise a show that he didn't appear on he'd have earned 100% what he ever did actually performing at the shows that he did over his long career.

CLOWN ALLEY: Ringling, 1942

Some of the members of the 1942 Clown Alley of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Although it's a great picture, I wonder why Ringling continued to use a photo of Felix Adler that looks nothing at all like Felix's well known face?

But then again, they used photos of Lou Jacobs in whiteface well into the 1960s.

CLOWN ALLEY: Sells-Floto, 1932

This is taken from a Edward J. Kelty photo of the clowns of the Sells-Floto Circus in South Ozone Park, June 6th, 1932. If I had to take a guess, I'd say that the tall whiteface in the center is Chester "Bobo" Barnett. The person to his left and the other person to the far left of that row look to be the Hanlon brothers. Two to the right of Bobo is Otto Griebling. At the far right of that row is a clown who turns up in many Ringling photos of that era (sometimes wearing chicken feet) but I don't have his name.


Otto Griebling in an alternate makeup.


Paul Jerome in tramp makeup.

TANGO DES FRATELLINI: Lynne Kamerlin

And now for a bit of culture...the Fratellinis' theme Tango des Fratellini by Darius Milhaudas as performed by pianist Lynn Kamerlin at the Beethoven Memorial, Vienna April 19th 2007.

CHARLIE RIVEL Black & White

I really love the atmospheric qualities of many of the pre-war European circus clown photos. There such are great photographs of artists like Grock, Rivel and the Fratellinis that make wonderful use of lights, darks and shadows and that all but disappears with the post-war rush to color photography.



And as an extra added bonus, here are some program pages of Charlie from the op-art/pop-art 1960s.

LOU JACOBS: Ringling, circa 1940s

For more information on "Papa Lou" (especially for those circus producers out there among you who might be interested in legally licensing his distinctive and copyrighted likeness from here on in), please click the title of this post.

CLOWN ALLEY: Barnum & Bailey's Tour of Europe, 1897 thru 1901

Photos courtesy of Bill Strong

PETER PITOFSKY: Underpants Dance

Yesterday clownalley.net almost doubled it's average number of hits from last month.

In celebration here is Peter Pitofsky (in black Chuck Taylors) and Wolfi rehearsing for a Teatro Zinzanni underwear party.

"Lederhosen, glockenspiel; lederhosen, glockenspiel... jacques chirac!!!"

When sung to the tune of Funniculi Funnicula, I really think that just about says it all.

PETER PITOFSKY

In an effort to help dispel some of the lingering sadness over yesterday's anniversary here are Clown College graduates and former Ringling clowns Peter Pitofsky and (below) Mike Smith.

MIKE SMITH: The Big Red One

Link submitted by Joel Heidtman


The first of a trilogy.

Please click the title of this post to view the website of the Three Rivers Resort in Koosia, Idaho.

When making a reservation, remember to tell Mike and Lara that you are interested in the "Big Red One Getaway Weekend" package.

CESLEE CONKLING: December 6, 1965 - January 13, 1994

December 6, 1965 - January 13, 1994

A Graduate of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College Class of 1991, Ceslee was a clown on the Blue Unit from 1992-1994. Loved by everyone, she died tragically when the Blue Unit circus train derailed outside of Lakeland, Florida on the morning of January 13, 1994. Always helpful and concerned for her friends, Ceslee was killed enroute through the train to alert everyone of a broken wheel on the Clown Car. Always helpful, always concerned; that was our Ceslee.

~ Joel Heidtman



Photos and comments courtesy of Greg DeSanto

Fourteen years have passed.

I get busy with life and stuff and only when I take the moment to stop and look do I see it. I dig through albums of photo's, looking for publicity pictures for the next gig. And then I see her. The memories are still very fresh, the pain just under the surface. We took everything for granted. Never think the end is near. The last thing I remember her saying to me in St. Pete on load out before the train run was to make me promise to watch her track gag in Orlando. Give her some new bits.



Then its over...



It was the defining moment for me...the one thing that changed everything
forever. Nothing would ever be the same. The show, the clowns, my life. The
whole thing about 'never growing up"...changed. We lost something. The show
continued but it never quite felt the same. People were very kind, the show
opened a day late in Orlando, and the routine began again. Props to be set,
clown alley to be spotted. The dry cleaning came back and costumes were collected.
All but one.

That was the saddest moment out of ten years of touring.

To see her costume hanging by itself on a rack backstage... knowing.

The physical hurts healed, but the emotional ones linger. What happened that January morning made me a different person, I pray a better person.

I remember with a smile a pretty clown who loved to fall...



-------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Ceslee,

I am not sure if you will receive this, as it is uncertain whether or not e-mail can reach all the way to heaven. But I'll try.

Things have changed, but probably not as much as you would think. Many of your friends are still on the Show, many have left, and many have decided that they didn't get quite enough of the life that we all so passionately love and have returned for more.

The Clowns on both shows are doing well. The Red Unit is hard at work in Winter Quarters on yet another incredible show, and the Blue Show Clowns are enjoying a rest before heading back out onto the Road. I assure you that they are up to the same old buffoonery in the Alley, and the No-Talent Talent Show and the Hot Dog Eating Contest continue to be highlights of both routes.

Technology has changed the Circus quite a bit. Most of the Clowns now have cellular phones, and I have to tell you, it is kind of strange to be in Clown Alley and hear a phone ringing! Also, Circus Management is on this computer network called the Internet, so any information regarding the Show is e-mailed to the Corporate Offices daily. Not a good idea to be late for the Show.

As you can imagine, most of the familiar things have not changed at all. Clowns still put off that makeup order, then scramble trying to find clown white. Early PR appointments still abound, and it is harder than ever to squeeze a few comps out of the Promoter. The frantic pace backstage minutes before opening night remains, and, of course, audiences around the country continue to be mesmerized by the splendor of The Greatest Show on Earth. That, dear friend, will never change.

My, how we miss you. I have seen your parents several times, and I know that they miss you more than you can possibly imagine. You name is spoken fondly, with laughter and tears, every single day. That as well, dear friend, will never change.

A few years ago I rode the Circus Train through that area of immense suffering in Lakeland. I wanted to avoid the trip altogether and drive, but I decided to take the train and find what I was seeking. Standing on the vestibule in the early morning fog, I recognized the location and returned to my room. Clutching the Bible that I have had for more than twenty years, I sat alone, overcome with emotion, in the privacy of my room as the train crawled through Lakeland. Then I found what I had so desperately needed for a long time; peace.

Gone, but not forgotten, you are loved. Rest well.

Your friend,

Joel Heidtman
December 6, 2000

For the New York Times account of the events of January 13, 1994, please click the title of this post.

BOZO THE CLOWN: Frank Avruch Out of Makeup

Frank Avruch, star of Boston's WHDH-TV long-running Bozo's Big Top which from 1965 to 1967 was taped for national syndication to U.S. TV markets that were not producing their own local Bozo shows.

The second boxed set of 30 episodes of those programs is now available on DVD.

To find out more about the Bozo character and it's various international incarnations, please click the title of this post.

CIRCO KRON: Poster

American circus clowns may not always receive the utmost respect from our European counterparts but European producers certainly have a long history of using our pictures on their posters.

Add to the long list of European circus posters featuring the likenesses of Lou Jacobs, Ernie Burch and/or Harry Dann this Circo Kron poster featuring some rather interesting adaptions of the Ringling program headshots of (top to bottom) Gene Lewis, Albert White and Paul Jung.

I myself just found out that my headshot was recently broadcast during the commercial bumpers of a Chinese television variety show over the holidays. I'm extremely honored and dutifully proud to now be part of this long tradition of overseas producers using our likenesses with neither consent nor compensation.

Because, after all, we are just clowns.

DAVID LARIBLE: Vanity Fair

Photos and comments courtesy of Raffaele de Ritis


Some unusual pictures from Gianluigi Di Napoli, "Vanity Fair" photographer, who is working on a picture book about David Larible.





David in a fourth or fifth call after the finale.

REX 'BOXCAR" YOUNG

Photo courtesy of Greg DeSanto


A promotional flyer for Rex "Boxcar" Young, a fixture on the Shrine circuit for many years.

I've obliterated the phone number because I think that it's still Rex's number, although there is no machine and I've never been able to get anyone to pick up.

Anyone know if Rex is still around and, if so, how he's doing?

CLOWN ALLEY: The Big Apple Circus 1996/97

Photo courtesy of Greg DeSanto


Barry "Grandma" Lubin and Greg DeSanto on the Big Apple Circus during the second act soap gag (the first in Big Apple's history) during their 1997 production, The Medicine Show.

Besides attending a taping of the WGN Bozo Super Sunday show and meeting Robin Eurich, Jim La and Cynthia Tegemeyer, watching this show is what inspired me to attend the 1997 Ringling Clown College audition.

So blame them ;)

BUMPSY ANTHONY

PAT VALDO?

A photograph of a clown that is purported to be Pat Valdo on Ringling in the 1920s.

I'm not so sure.

In the other photos I've seen of Valdo he's had a much thinner face and much better makeup.

MONTE CARLO 2008: The Martini Family

Photos courtesy of Raffaele de Ritis




Ask and you shall receive...

From Raffaele de Ritis

The Martini are a relatively recent classic musical entree from the French family Massot. I think it exists after no more than 7 years or so. David, the auguste at the left of the picture, is also a nice reprise clown.

Not to be confused with the Martini-Llata, a Spanish musical entree from the late 70s.

MONTE CARLO 2008

The 32nd annual Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo will take place January 17th - 27th, 2008 and Raffaele de Ritis was kind enough to send me information on the comedy acts in this year's competition.

There is one more act listed, the Martini Family of musical clowns, about which I have not been able to find any information.

MONTE CARLO 2008: Barry "Grandma" Lubin

To watch video of Mr. Lubin receiving the 2007 Lou Jacobs Lifetime Achievement Award please click the title of this post.

MONTE CARLO 2008: Donimo

Learn more about Donimo by clicking the title of this post.

MONTE CARLO 2008: Scott and Muriel

Learn more about Scott and Muriel by clicking the title of this post.

CHARLIE RIVEL: Maria Callas Entree; Eurovision Song Contest, 1973

Charlie Rivel as "Carlotta Rivelo" assisted by his son Juanito (of the Charlivels) during an interval at the 1973 Eurovision Song Contest.


From Raffaele de Ritis...

It's great to share such a gem. The straight man is Juanito and yes, he was one of the Chalrivels. They were one of the greatest act ever.

This "diva" act was the entree Charlie performed the most when he started to work as a soloist, after WWII.

CHUCK SIDLOW NEWS!

I saw this posted the other day on The Clown College onelist and thought that it was important to share with everyone.


From Cowboy Mike Keever...


Calling all clowns who care...that we are very lucky to have one of our best American Circus Clowns still with us.

Chuck Sidlow and his lovely wife Noriko were driving home from work late on New Year's Eve when their car was struck head on by a drunk driver.

We all love Chuck. He has touched so many lives. I have never known anyone who ever met Chuck to ever say (even many years later)..."Chuck, Chucko, Chuck Sidlow...no I don't remember him." Chuck is truly one of a kind. "Unbrerievable!" Thank God they are home, but they are banged up and bruised and of course pretty shook up. I spoke with him tonight.

I would like to ask as many of you as I am sending this out to...to please send Chuck (& Noriko) a card, a whoopie cushion, a coloring book & crayons, a goofy toy, a gag gift, some candy, a copy of an old photo would be great!!!!!! Send him some money if you want.... this is going to be a costly recovery I am sure!

Mostly though....let's all give him a big hug, as our friend Mr. Steve Smith would so lovingly say!!!!! Let's let this X-tra Special friend of ours know that we love him and are glad that he's still here!!!!!!!
I don't know if he wants me to give out his address so let's do it this way....please send your cards and gifts ASAP to...


Chuck Sidlow
c/o Circus Sarasota
8251 15th St. E Suite B
Sarasota, FL 34243

COCO & CO. : Bertram Mills Circus at Olympia, Circa 1940s

Nicolai "Coco" Poliakoff and friends (including Percy Huxter, The Francescos and Alby Austin) at the Bertram Mills Circus at Olympia, circa 1940s.

COCO'S CRAZY COLORISTS: Coco & Co. Ringling 1961

Michael "Coco" Polakovs performing COCO'S CRAZY COLORISTS on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 1961.

COCO'S CRAZY COLORISTS: Coco & Co. Sarasota Showfolks Circus 1983

Michael "Coco" Polakovs and Co. performing COCO'S CRAZY COLORISTS at Robarts Arena (3000 Ringling Blvd.) as part of the 1983 edition of the Showfolks Circus in Sarasota, FL.

COCO'S CRAZY COLORISTS: Coco Jr, 1980s

Coco Jr. (Graham Coco? Graham's son?) on what looks like Allan C. Hill's Great American Circus in the 1980s.

Making this possibly the last great clown gag to appear in a three ring tented American circus.

GREG DESANTO: More on Recreating Coco's Crazy Colorists on Ringling, 1988/89

Photos courtesy of Greg DeSanto


Kevin "Nasty" Thompson giving Greg DeSanto a face full of soap.


Future Blue Unit Boss Clown Jeff Schott, future Amazing Race contestant Al Rios and Greg DeSanto.

NY GOOFS Winter Workshop and Intensive

The NY Goofs

present

Winter Workshop Southwest: Dallas, TX February 1-3, 2008
Winter Intensive NYC: New York, NY February 15-17, 2008


Details for New York:
February 15-17, 2008
with
Dick Monday & Tiffany Riley
joined by Jeff Gordon (le Clown Gordoon)
Seth Bloom & Christina Gelsone (Full Bloom Theatre)

Jeff Gordon has been performing as a clown for nearly 30 years. He has performed all over the world, including serious stints under the tent of the Big Apple Circus; on Broadway with Bill Irwin; as a member of the Big Apple Clown Care unit in hospitals all over New York City, on cruise ships, and in movies, theatres, and other venues. Utilizing circus skills, audience participation, improvisation and puppetry, Gordoon brings joy and laughter to all of his audience members. His one man show is called Fools Foolin', and finishes with his signature act, where the clown blows billowing rolls of toilet paper high up into the air with the use of a powerful leafblower. This act has since been appropriated by many clowns all over the world.

Seth Bloom is the co-creator of The Acrobuffos, founder of Full Bloom Theatre, co-founder of Split Knuckle Theatre, and the International Artistic Director for the Mobile Mini Circus for Children, headquartered in Kabul, Afghanistan. Seth brings to his expertise his education at the London International School of Performing Arts (MFA), the Dell' Arte School of Physical Theatre, Wesleyan University, and the Ringling Brothers Clown College (BFA--bachelor of fun arts). He has worked--performing, directing, and/or teaching-- in Afghanistan, Argentina, Japan, Canada, China, England, Romania, Scotland, and the USA.

Christina Gelsone is the co-creator of The Acrobuffos, co-founder of Fool's Academy, and a member of Bond Street Theater. As a non-verbal clown and street performer, Christina has performed in festivals in Singapore, Albania, Scotland, Japan, Holland, France, Venezuela, Portugal, and Greece. She has performed and taught extensively in areas of post-conflict, including Kosovo, Serbia, Macedonia, and Afghanistan. She is a graduate of Princeton University and the Dell' Arte School of Physical Theatre and is a former faculty member of Adelphi University.


Details for Dallas TX:
February 1-3, 2008
Dick Monday & Tiffany Riley
joined by Jeff Smithson direct from the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut!

His bio:
Jeff Smithson plays for life. He has brought Improv to business professionals through corporate coaching with Performance of a Lifetime, and performed with both the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Program and the NY Goofs in over a dozen hospitals and on a multitude of stages over the past 10 years. With a B.A. in Religion and certificates from Ringling Clown College and Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theater, Jeff integrates compassion and creativity into each moment. He has run various workshops for Health Care Professionals including the first New England Child Life Professionals Conference and various Hospice and Caregivers Retreats. Jeff supervises the Central New England portion of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s Hospital Outreach Program. He currently resides with his wife and 16-pound cat in Connecticut.

Both workshops will be Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Feel free to reply to this email with any questions you may have! Or check our website for details:
www.nygoofs.com
phone: 212.591.0028

Thanks for supporting The NY Goofs and Slappy & Monday's Foundation for Laughter! And please feel free to pass this info along to anyone you think might benefit!

To visit the NY goofs website, please click the title of this post.

SUNDAY MORNING ART GALLERY: Walter Galetti

A TALE OF TWO COCOS

Nicolai "Coco" Poliakoff, star of the Betram Mills Circus and father of Michael and Sascha. Michael left for the United States, first with the Mills Bros. Circus and then with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey before setting out on his own.

Sacha stayed in the UK and adopted his father's makeup and costume appearing as "Coco II" or "Sacha Coco".



Michael "Coco" Polikov, star of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and designer of the makeup and costume of the internationallly known fast food mascot Ronald McDonald. Michael came to America and began a clowning dynasty of his own as his son Graham and several other family members have appeared in the States as "Coco".