By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — This year’s 51st annual Anah Temple Shrine Circus, which kicks off its six-show run tomorrow night at The Forum in Presque Isle, will feature performing cats and dogs, aerial artistry and more.
“We have a quick-change act which is excellent,” said Jim Dwyer, one of the assistant circus chairmen for the Anah Shriners. “The two performers literally change their clothes so fast you don’t even realize they’re doing it. The costumes are bright and colorful and it’s an outstanding act.
“Brian Miser, the human arrow, is a performer who is actually on fire and launched using a huge crossbow. He literally flies across the arena from one end to the other. It’s quite spectacular,” he said. “There’s a dog act that’s very good, and with that, there’s a housecat act. Anyone who can train housecats to do anything is beyond amazing.”
The Anah Temple has once again contracted with the Royal Hanneford Circus of Sarasota, Fla., a professional touring circus.
This year’s circus production features Olga and Vladimir Smirnov, Russia’s premiere magical costume quick-change act; Susan Vidbel, aerial cloud swing sensation; Mike Ashton & Co., a foot juggling genius; Brian Miser, the human arrow; The Dancing Gauchos, from Las Vegas, an untamed array of Argentine fury; The Fernandez on the Whirling Wheel of Destiny; Mayya Panfilova and her performing housecats, Roger, comedy acrobat of the trampoline; unicycling champions, The Bertinis; Andriey’s Dogs, and the Anah Shrine Klowns.
“In addition, Charlie Van Buskirk, who is the ringmaster and has been the face of the Anah Shrine Circus for so many years, will be returning,” said Dwyer.
Shows will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, May 9 and 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 10. Advance tickets are $4 for children and $8 for adults, and $5 for children and $10 for adults at the door. Tickets are available at Subway and Burger King restaurants, Clukey’s Auto Supply in Caribou and from any Shriner.
