The Zoppé Italian Family Circus takes family entertainment to new heights this year, performing matinée and evening shows from December 27 through January 8 under the intimate, one-ring tent in Chandler, AZ. Tickets are $15-$40.
The Zoppé Circus brings an all new show for its eighth year to Chandler. This fresh new show will host an amazing lineup of performers featuring La Tarumba Equestrians who fuse circus with theatre, music and the equestrian arts. Additionally, fifth-generation Circus performer Denisse Santos from Mexico brings an exciting flying trapeze show to the tent, while Ringmaster Raoul Gomiero from Italy pulls the audience into the emotions of the show for an exciting new wild ride. Liam Halstead will also wow the audience with his amazing juggling feats.
“The show changes every year,” explains Giovanni Zoppé, the sixth-generation circus performer who plays Nino the clown. “So no worries if you saw last year’s presentation.” Highlights of this year’s show include several performances by new guest artists which are featured below!
The Circus is a Zoppé Family Tradition!
The Zoppé Family Circus has an amazing, unique story. The Zoppè Family Circus emerged 174 years ago to become one of the legendary circuses in all of Europe. Like many good legends, it begins with a boy and a girl falling in love. In 1842, a young French street performer named Napoline Zoppè wandered into a plaza in Budapest, Hungary, looking for work. There, his eyes glanced upon a beautiful equestrian ballerina named Ermenegilda, who captured the hearts and minds of the crowd with her grace and showmanship. More importantly, this talented beauty captured Napoline’s heart.
However, since Napoline was a clown, Ermenegilda’s father saw him as beneath her and disapproved of their relationship. The two ran away to Venice, Italy, and founded the circus that still bears their name. Alberto Zoppè, Napoline’s great-grandson, inherited the circus almost 100 years later.
Alberto’s children, Giovanni, Tosca and Carla, along with their spouses, have all been active at one time or another in the family business. Giovanni revived the Zoppè Family Circus in America eight years ago and has since been building its reputation with audiences and critics as an enchanting exhibition of traditional European circus.
The Zoppé Family Circus is an annual event not to be missed, so get your tickets early!