Traveling show began dazzling Folsom fans Thursday with many more shows to come until Sept. 8
The lights dimmed, and faces quickly lit up with excitement on Thursday as many in Folsom packed into the large big top tent at East Bidwell and Oak Avenue to take in the first of several performances by Circus Vargas, which has set up camp in the city through Sept. 8 to continue delivering its shows that are beyond compare and guaranteed to excite and delight audiences of all ages.
The newest edition of Circus Vargas’ traveling extravaganza features a large cast of international aerialists, acrobats, comedians, and more! Among this group of world-renowned performers is classically trained opera singer, actor, and emcee Johnathan Lee Iverson, who takes the spotlight from the moment each show begins.
Iverson leads the stellar Circus Vargas production as its ringmaster and performance director. Quite tall and impressive in stature, Iverson acts as “Jubilé’s” ambassador of sorts, accompanying the audience through their global Circus Vargas experience. His deep, distinguished tone and melodious voice add to the entire ambiance of the performances, elevating the production to another level.
As the week long stop in Folsom got underway Thursday, Iverson’s excitement and enthusiasm about his position as the ringmaster for Circus Vargas’ latest production are apparent to all. While it’s new themed show for him, and the cast, it’s safe to say this is not his first rodeo when it comes to entertaining and captivating audiences, as he is very much an accomplished and history-making showman.
A native of New York, Iverson has graced some of the most coveted stages and arenas around the world with some very big names. As a member of The Boys Choir of Harlem, he shared the spotlight with luminaries such as Lena Horne, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Luciano Pavarotti, Roberta Flack, Plácido Domingo, and Tony Bennett. He’s also kept company with statesmen such as the late South African President Nelson Mandela, Secretary of State General Colin Powell, and four U.S. presidents, including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
Iverson also has the distinction of being the youngest and first African American ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, a role he enjoyed serving until its closing in 2017. He joined the famed tour in 1998 when he was just 22 years old, making him the last ringmaster in the 146-year history of “The Greatest Show on Earth.” He is renowned in the entertainment industry for his powerful voice and superstar presence and was even named one of Barbara Walters’ “10 Most Fascinating People.” It doesn’t stop there—Iverson has even been a question topic on the famed game show “Jeopardy!” two different times.
Showmanship isn’t contained to just Iverson in his own family. During his time with Barnum and Bailey, he met and married his wife Priscilla who was also a performer. The couple;’s two children, Matthew and Lila also performed
Iverson leads the newest amazing international cast in what is being cited as the “latest and greatest edition of Circus Vargas’ all-new high-energy, action-packed extravaganza,” which continues with multiple shows in Folsom through Sunday, Sept. 8. The traveling show is set up just off Oak Avenue Parkway at Lakeside Church.
The traveling production showcases diverse cultures and nationalities coming together to entertain, laugh, and celebrate as one. Organizers promise a showcase of some of the world’s finest circus acrobatics and aerial artistry. At two hours in length, each show is sure to captivate audiences of all ages with an adventure that will create great family memories right in their own community.
The circus is owned and managed by the husband-and-wife team of Katya Arata Quiroga and Nelson Quiroga, who took over in 2005 and have a love and passion for entertainment as much as its ringleader and many stars. The couple’s three daughters are also featured performers in the show.
Ticket prices range from $85 for VIP experiences to $25 for the Back Arena. Ringside Reserved seats are priced between $70 and $60, while Arena Front tickets are available for $55 to $45. Arena Side seats range from $45 to $35. Children aged 2 to 10 can purchase discounted tickets, and those under 2 are admitted free on an adult’s lap. Senior tickets are also available. The circus will host both daytime and evening performances. For showtimes and ticket information, visit www.circusvargas.com.
