Circus Flora’s Speakeasy Floradora

Circus Flora performers and supporters gathered under the big top adjacent to Powell Hall for the gala event of summer, Flora Dora, Saturday, May 30, 2015. Circus Flora represents a rare gem for St. Louis, one of three professional resident circuses in the nation. The 2015 edition of revelry included incredible performances not seen during the main season, as well as a gourmet, sit-down dinner catered by Butler’s Pantry.

Every Circus Flora takes guests on a journey, and this year proved no exception. Excitement mounted when guests a “Speakeasy” at “One Summer on Second Street” and discovered themselves in the Jazz Age. They witnessed stilt walking flappers and a circus version of the Broadway hit 42nd Street. Along with an original storyline and score from in-house band, Wack-A-Doo, Circus Flora brought new talent into the ring. Performers launched themselves through the set on a trampoline wall, and The Daring Jones Duo hung high above the audience, twisting and twirling on their trapeze. Favorite acts such as the Flying Wallendas and the St. Louis Arches from Circus Harmony also returned.

The evening began at 6:30 PM with guests’ stepping inside a Speakeasy welcomed by characters from the 1920’s and a bootlegger or two. Password in hand, guests had exclusive access to dining with the circus stars. After the feast, guests went to the big top for a live auction, featuring a travel adventure, “San Diego in the Summer”, plus once-in-a-lifetime circus experiences such as walking on the high wire with the Flying Wallendas, the chance to shine in the circus, A Taste of Jazz, and a painting created live by Jennifer Hayes. Then came the special one-night-only circus performance, followed by dancing, center ring, with the performers to music by DJ Nune (Lamar Harris). The night abounded with magic, prompting you to reflect on your own childhood dreams of escaping to the circus.

Jill McGuire, one of the Chairs of the 2015 Gala, commented “Flora Dora is an incredibly unique opportunity to benefit a wonderful organization and have fun at the same time. You have a front row seat for amazing performances, while helping fund some truly wonderful community programs.” Event Chair Darryl Sagel continued, “St. Louis is fortunate to be one of a small handful of cities in the country with its own theatrical circus – and one that people of all ages can enjoy together. The Gala is the organization’s big fundraising event of the year, and a chance for the community to show its support for this St. Louis tradition.”

Net proceeds benefit Circus Flora’s artistic and outreach programs, including the year-round Clowns on Call program in two area hospitals; Share the Circus ticket donation program; and “Tumbling & Teamwork” circus training assisting youth with learning and socialization challenges.

Individual, full access tickets cost $250; tables of 10 started at $2,500. “Late Night” performance only tickets went for $75 tickets. “One Summer on 2^nd Street” is presented through the generous sponsorship of Edward Jones and Ameren. The show will run through June 28^th, 2015.

About Circus Flora

Founded in St. Louis in 1987, Circus Flora, a nonprofit performing arts organization, is dedicated to sharing their unique blend of storytelling, theatre and circus arts with audiences of all ages. Circus Flora raises its big top every summer in the arts district at Grand Center. In addition to its main season production, Circus Flora collaborates with a variety of organizations and businesses throughout the year to bring the circus arts to ever-broader audiences. Through the year-round Clowns on Call program, thousands of young patients at two St. Louis Hospitals enjoy a moment of delight and respite that supports positive health care outcomes.