The concept of a circus has changed quite a bit since what is believed to be its inception in Rome, where, among other fare such as chariot races, animal duels and equestrian performances, athletes would fight to the death for their freedom. Having evolved in England into full-on equestrian shows, including clown acts inbetween events, and then coming to America using a full menagerie of exotic animals, the decrying of animal abuse soon began to put a dent into the bottom line of circuses using animals, and attendance declined. However, some circuses have adapted, such as family-run Circus Vargas.
Founded by Clifford Vargas in the mid-60s, and taken over by longtime managers Roland Kaiser and Joseph Muscarello in 1989 after Vargas’ death, it is now owned by the Tabares family of Argentina, which has been with the circus for more than 20 years. Called the “Flying Tabares,” trapeze artists Nelson and Alberto Tabares are fourth-generation circus performers.
Now, there are more than 20 Tabares family members in Circus Vargas-a true family operation.
The only animals used in Circus Vargas is in one act with cats and dogs in which the trainer gets the animals to do some entertaining feats, and for a few minutes a 60-pound albino Burmese python is taken around for audience members to ooh and aah over.
The human performers are a delight, especially the singular clown who, on opening night Friday in Canoga Park at the Westfield Topanga Plaza, led the audience in a clapping contest with a whistle. Pitching one side of the audience against the other by directing clapping rhythms, any time one side got it wrong he would shake his head, waving off the losing side, to everyone’s laughter. Another funny act involved the clown interrupting host Jon Weiss (of CBS’ “Amazing Race”) by playing loud music from a boom box and dancing, while encouraging the audience to stamp or clap. He would then encourage the audience to boo Weiss, who would turn off the music and shoo the clown offstage. Weiss’ talent-balancing items like an audience member’s boot on his nose to a huge 10-foot ladder on his chin-was quite admirable.
Other delightful acts include juggling by the Esquedas family, the Marinelli Trampoline Troupe, the trapeze act, of course, by the Tabares and one that drew quite a few gasps, a balancing act called the Rolla Bolla routine performed by Eros Espana. On a platform about seven feet high, the performer stacks round cylinders of different size on top of each other and then balances himself on top of the cylinders while standing on a hard plastic board, on which he rocks back and forth. While two cylinders are imaginably difficult, how about five! He actually only managed a few seconds balance on his first try on the five, but then the performer gamely tried it again, and wowed the audience.
After the performance, the whole cast lines up outside the entrance to say goodbye to audience members, including Nelson Tabare’s father and his father-in-law. (Nelson’s wife, trapeze artist Katya Arata, is a seventh generation circus performer.)
What is most enjoyable about Circus Vargas is that it retains the feel of old time big top circuses, both with its traveling tent venue and performances, and also with the personal touches, such as performers interacting with audience members during intermission and at the end.
Performances run through Dec. 15 at Westfield Topanga Plaza, off Topanga Canyon Boulevard near Victory Boulevard. Ticket prices range from $15 to $40 (ringside seats). More information and tickets can be obtained by calling 877.468.386 or online at circusvargas.org