2013 has been a very busy year so far. I haven’t had a moment to blog! I guess it’s a good sign that I’ve been running all around the city and the country, not sitting for hours, staring at my computer screen and hoping to put words on a page (more on that soon). However, I am happy to now take a small breather and report back on my goings-on from the past 9 months.
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I spent the better part of the last few years remembering, re-living, and recording in order to write my memoir Never Quote the Weather to a Sea Lion (and other uncommon tales from the founder of the Big Apple Circus). I’ve been fortunate enough to share my life with a rotating cast of endearingly unique characters, all of whom have played an important role in making me who I am today. It was a nearly daunting task to sift through those years of memories, experiences, and life-altering moments, but a truly rewarding one. I can proudly say that this spring, I finally published my memoir. Phew!
Then, I set off on a whirlwind adventure of book launch parties, interviews, and readings to promote the book. This tour was nothing like my days under the big top, of course, but it kept me busy through the summer. First, and perhaps most notably, I presented a lecture entitled “The Dramaturgy of the Circus” at The Lotos Club’s Theater Roundtable. The Lotos Club is an historic private club in New York City which boasts many a famous former member (such as Mark Twain and several presidents, governors, mayors and princes). Although I have been an Honorary Member of this Club for years, I was especially honored to be presented by Gail Van Voorhis, the Moderator of the Roundtable for Lotos Club members and guests. It was definitely an evening for the archives.
Then in July, I was off to my Alma Mater, Dartmouth College, in the beautiful Granite State. I taught a class (“Ritual, Theater, Circus”) at the College’s Theater Department, and also celebrated my book with a reading and signing for students, alumni and professors. It’s always exciting to visit Dartmouth, but this trip was particularly special, as I was privileged to find myself on the other side of the podium, sharing my experiences and knowledge with the Dartmouth community, who were sitting where I myself once sat.
In August, it was back to New York City, where I was finally able to test the theory that I have a good radio voice. I was pleased to sit in the hot seat for and field questions from WBIX’s Stu Taylor, WNYC’s Leonard Lopate and WFUV’s George Bodarky, to name a few. You can always listen to the recordings of these interviews by clicking the links or going to my website’s Press page.
tickets are already on sale
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It’s now fall in our great city and I’m looking ahead to the 2013-14 season of Big Apple Circus. I was fortunate to watch a dress rehearsal for Luminocity, our newest show, which premieres in Dulles, Virginia on September 26. The performers are, as always, top-notch, and the final rehearsals are going very well. I can’t wait to see the show, inside that famous tent, when it comes to New York City’s Lincoln Center on October 25. Even after all these years, the excitement of the performance never wears off! In my next blog post, I’ll entice you all with a more thorough description of the show and its colorful characters. ‘Til next time!