Circus Vargas’ decorated ringmaster brings history, heart and humanity to the tent, captivating local audiences once again
FOLSOM — Before the jugglers, the acrobats, the trapeze artists, or even the first note of music, it is his voice that sets the tone. Johnathan Lee Iverson, standing center ring in his tailcoat, doesn’t just introduce Circus Vargas — he commands it. On Thursday night in Folsom, as the big top roared to life, Iverson reminded everyone why a ringmaster matters and why his story is as captivating as the feats he presents.
Known around the world as “the last ringmaster,” Iverson carries a title born of history and circumstance but fueled by his own artistry. He is more than a master of ceremonies. He is a storyteller, a guardian of tradition, and a living bridge between the circus’s golden past and its vibrant present. As the spotlight shifts across dancers, trapeze artists, jugglers, comedians, and musicians from around the world, it is Iverson who binds the spectacle together, his booming baritone pulling families through moments of suspense, laughter, and wonder. For audiences in Folsom, it was clear from the opening night that his voice has become as much a part of the show as the daring performers he introduces.
Iverson’s path to this life is as improbable and inspiring as the performances he presents. A native of New York City, he began his career with the Boys Choir of Harlem, a place where excellence was demanded at every turn. “Being selected to tour the great nation of Japan as a member of the Boys Choir of Harlem set the stage for everything,” he said. “I was 13 years old, it was the first time I traveled outside the United States and most importantly, I earned it. The Boys Choir of Harlem was no day at the beach. It was rigorous and demanding. ‘Only the pure in tone will survive’ was one of many mantras designed to spur us toward excellence that I would hear on a regular basis. Once I was selected for that tour, my life changed and the world seemed to open up.”
That foundation prepared him for a life on stage. Just a decade later, Iverson stepped into the ring at Madison Square Garden as the new ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. At only 23 years old and months removed from earning his degree in voice performance, he had reached the pinnacle of showmanship. “I couldn’t have felt more vindicated,” he recalled. “I had endured years of those who meant well questioning my ambition to be a professional vocalist. That night at MSG and many nights and moments thereafter silenced those who were concerned and the doubters. P.T. Barnum said it best: ‘Unless a man enters upon the vocation intended for him by nature, and best suited to his peculiar genius, he cannot succeed.’”
That triumph was only the beginning. Iverson became the youngest and first African American ringmaster in the circus’s 146-year history. When Ringling Bros. closed in 2017, he carried the bittersweet distinction of being its last. His career placed him in the company of luminaries such as Lena Horne, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Luciano Pavarotti, Roberta Flack, Plácido Domingo, and Tony Bennett. He performed before Nelson Mandela, Colin Powell, and four U.S. presidents. He was named one of Barbara Walters’ “10 Most Fascinating People.” He was even a Jeopardy! clue twice.
Despite his résumé, Iverson sees his role in humble but profound terms. “I am so grateful that it is my voice that gets to tell the story of the circus,” he said. For him, it is more than pageantry. “I am keenly aware of the responsibility entrusted to me, not only to honor the time, money, and imagination of our audience, but the respective artistry and legacy of each performer. I recognize more now than ever the power of the spoken word. I recognize more now than ever how vital circus is, especially in this day and age.”
He pauses before drawing a contrast. “There are ringleaders who have made it their mission to sow discord by denigrating differences. They call diversity a scourge and a threat. They speak to the basest recesses of human nature. They are intellectual cowards who regurgitate long debunked ideologies. That’s what ringleaders do. However, as a ringmaster I peddle joy via the circus. Circus is a celebration of living things, where diversity and more importantly inclusion are standard. It is the height of human artistry. The science of miracles. The theater of the impossible. We liberate children of all ages to believe they can fly, do daring things, even talk to animals, no matter who they are or where they’re from. As ringmaster, I revel in the knowledge that no one exits Circus Vargas the same as when they came in and it is always for the better.”
That mission carries him across the country nearly ten months of the year. “I was made for the road,” he said. “I love to travel. The American landscape is so beautiful. America the Beautiful really should be our official national anthem. I think we’d value our environment a great deal more than we have. California is an absolute jewel.”
He admits he is less adventurous than he once was. “I’m not as adventurous as I was when I was much younger, so you won’t see me out and about much, unless my wife insists. However, each city bears its own unique personality. Folsom is a mix of a metropolis and suburb. It’s a big city with southern hospitality is how I see it.”
Priscilla, his wife and former fellow performer, travels with him and works with the show. “My wife travels with me and works for the show. I very much enjoy her presence,” he said. “We’ve been overwhelmingly blessed to have the kind of careers that allow us to have a life. Circus is home.” Their children, Matthew and Lila, also grew up in the circus, performing during the family’s time with Ringling.
That sense of family extends to his Circus Vargas colleagues as well. “Circus Vargas is home,” he said. “The nature of the circus requires one and all to function and behave in a manner that allows for us to build, transport, and present our show. Which means we must function in the best interest of our neighbor. Even if we don’t actually like that neighbor, we understand, like all successful families, that we submit to the reality that dysfunction and chaos is one irreconcilable relationship away. Idleness is an anathema in the circus. Everyone has a function and in the case of Circus Vargas everyone has multiple functions.”
Away from the ring, Iverson enjoys simple pleasures. “I’m very much a homebody. I am very low maintenance. I don’t need much to unwind and recharge — a good bed, great food, and a binge worthy streaming series is perfect for me. However, I love a night out at the theater — Opera, Musicals, Plays, etc. Aside from that I’m a huge fight fan. If there’s an opportunity to see a boxing match, I’m in. I’d very much love to be an announcer for prize fights. I can also sing the national anthem if need be. I actually announced an amateur tournament. I had a great time.”
Even in those quiet moments, his philosophy remains centered on service. “A good ringmaster leads with an open heart,” he said. “This isn’t about being sentimental. It’s a matter of keeping oneself open to the audience one is tasked with serving. As long as I remember that I am serving and not just performing I am able to authentically take the journey with our audience.”
That commitment resonates in cities like Folsom, where he has developed a special fondness for the crowds. “The privilege of being able to share our brand of joy and it being well received,” he said. “Folsom is an awesome audience. They are so engaged and remarkably appreciative of what we do at Circus Vargas.”
In an age where children’s attention is often split between phones, tablets, and screens, Iverson isn’t worried. “Children have always had a multitude of distractions, they’re just happening at a more rapid pace now and are a bit more sophisticated,” he explained. “It’s our job to give them something worth being captivated by. The only difference between Circus Vargas and my time with Ringling Bros. is the size of the venue. Circus Vargas is far more intimate. The magic and wonder of what we do is in your lap. Ringling Bros. was like a spectacular dream, but in a venue that big so much can get lost. Circus Vargas is also brimming with heart. I think it is impossible not to feel engaged.”
He never dictates what audiences should take away from the show, but he sees the joy reflected in their faces. “I never have expectations for how the audience will receive and experience Circus Vargas. I am very confident that it will be positive and it almost always is. Most members of our audience, no matter their background or age, they all seem to be overwhelmed with happiness and flushed with elation. Whatever they take from us, I hope it is imprinted on their hearts and minds.”
As for how much longer he’ll continue, Iverson doesn’t set timelines. “I never planned this chapter of my life, so I can’t say,” he said. “I know I very much enjoy being the voice of such a storied institution like Circus Vargas and according to the feedback from our audiences, they very much enjoy my presence here. So, as long as I enjoy it and the public finds value in what I do, I’ll be around.”
Circus Vargas continues its run in Folsom through October 5, filling the tent with the laughter, gasps, and applause of families who, for a few hours, rediscover the magic of possibility. And as audiences file out, many carry the sound of Iverson’s voice with them, a reminder that the circus is more than spectacle — it is joy, community, and imagination come to life. On social media, he calls himself “the last ringmaster.” In the ring, he calls himself something else entirely — a servant to the audience. Either way, we can only hope he truly isn’t the last, because generations to come need more performers and role models like this special man.
Tickets for Circus Vargas in Folsom are on sale now with full showtimes listed at www.circusvargas.com. Prices range by seating location: VIP Experience seats are $85 to $75, Ringside Reserved are $70 to $60, Arena Front is $55 to $45, Arena Side is $45 to $35, and Back Arena seats are $35 to $25. Children under 2 are free if seated on a parent’s lap, children ages 2 to 10 qualify for child pricing, adults are 11 and older, and seniors 60 and older are eligible for discounts.
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