Circus Vargas comes to San Diego, just minutes from Coronado!

Tonight was opening night for Circus Vargas, an intimate one-ring show, that will be playing under their bright blue big top tent in Balboa Park for the next ten days. You can spot the iconic circus tent right off the 5 freeway, right before the ramp for the SR 163 through Balboa Park. You may recognize the sight from the recent film, “Water for Elephants”, where the show was featured as the modern day circus at the beginning and end of the motion picture. Circus Vargas will be in the San Diego area through March 26th, and will hold additional performances in El Cajon, Mira Mesa, and Vista.

This year’s 2-hour show features singing ringmaster Kevin Venardos as the master of ceremonies, comedian and daredevil Jon Weiss, the Tabares family performing on the flying trapeze, the Garcia Family on motorcycles in the Globe of Death, the Zinduna Brothers and their feats of agility and strength, and many other talented performers including a hula-hoop artist and juggler. Not in the show tonight, but coming soon, will be a tightrope act and trampoline act. Circus Vargas has been providing family entertainment since 1969, and is now owned and operated by Nelson and Katya Quiroga of Tabares Entertainment, Inc. The new 2012 production is completely animal free, and is held beneath a beautiful, hand-made circus tent from Milan, Italy that comfortably seats 1,500 spectators.

Be sure to arrive early to your performance of choice, and experience the half-hour preview show that is hosted by talented performers Jon and Laura Weiss. During this time, children of all ages can step into the circus ring and learn how to hula-hoop, juggle scarves, and balance feathers. Dance music keeps everyone bopping and the party spirit is infectious, even for those in the audience observing from afar. This is also a perfect time for photos of your family as they experience a crash course in circus skills!

I spoke with the fascinating Jon Weiss after this evening’s performance. Originally from Long Island, NY, Weiss is a comedian, daredevil, and host in this year’s show. When asked about the show returning to San Diego, he said: “Whenever I come here (San Diego) it reminds me of when I joined the circus in 1982. It brings me back to my first years in the circus. I’m just as enthusiastic as my first day. I have a chance to create laughter.” His family loves their annual stay in San Diego. Some of their favorite activities are whale watching and touring the harbor, visiting Sea World, shopping at Kobey’s Swap Meet, and enjoying a meal in Old Town. This year, they look forward to visiting Coronado for the first time, and also touring the North Island Navy Base.

Once the main show begins, the fun continues, and the time flies by! With a circus background myself, I can be a tough judge when it comes to reviewing circuses, but Circus Vargas far exceeded all my expectations and was a truly magical show. I’d highly recommend this circus to anyone looking for a fun, high energy event, full of laughs and thrills, and everything in between. It’s the perfect day, or night, out for the whole family, a unique date idea, and a photographer’s dream with hundreds of colorful images to view and capture (Just remember, there is no flash photography allowed during the performance.).

At intermission, I asked fellow audience member, Justin of San Diego, what he thought of the performance so far, and he proclaimed: “It’s an amazing show!” accompanied by a great, big smile.

My experience at the opening night performance was wonderful: the staff was friendly, the arena area and equipment was clean and well cared for, the music and lights enhanced every aspect of the show, the performers were talented and a joy to watch, and of course, the popcorn, cotton candy, and hot dogs were plentiful!

To learn more about Circus Vargas, view the upcoming show schedule, and purchase tickets, please visit the official Circus Vargas website.