“Trial of the Century” to include all-new acts and cherished favorites

After an unprecedented hiatus due to the pandemic, feats of daring and wonder return to the Grand Center Arts District! Circus Flora’s 35^th season springs to life next week under the iconic Big Top. This year’s show, “The Trial of the Century,” runs October 7 through October 31.

Join Circus Flora and an amazing assemblage of acts from around the globe for storytelling like none other. This October, the Big Top becomes the courtroom, the acrobats become the evidence, and the audience members themselves become the jury. The show will bring together beloved acts that delight year in and year out, such as Circus Harmony’s St. Louis Arches and Yo-Yo the Clown. Plus, this season welcomes new faces to the ring, including comedic contortionist Jonathan Burns (whom some may recognize from America’s Got Talent or The Late Late Show with James Corden), the Savitsky Cats (also AGT alums!), the stunning trapeze act Duo Rose, hair-hanging aerialist Laura Lippert, and many more.

“For 35 years, the St. Louis community has shown such incredible support of Circus Flora,” said Managing Director Karen Shoulders. “While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our community, it has also demonstrated the great need for entertainment and the power of the arts, and we are so thankful to be back under the Big Top.”

One of just two European-style one-ring circuses in the nation, Circus Flora blends the focused energy of modern performance with the lyrical storytelling of traditional circus arts. This world-class troupe preserves classical notions while incorporating innovative techniques and original new artists.

“We love being a part of St. Louis families’ annual traditions, and we’ve missed our live audiences so much,” said Artistic Director Jack Marsh, who creates the show each season with Cecil MacKinnon. “We make the performance a different experience every year, so whether this is your first Circus Flora show or your thirty-fifth, you’ll see something new.”

“Trial of the Century” is an enthralling, immersive show. As Circus Flora’s storytellers will describe, malfeasance and misconduct have occurred in the circus tent. But all the witnesses saw something different, and all the evidence points to contradictory conclusions – so it’s up to audience members to determine what really happened!

Tickets for “Trial of the Century” begin at just $15, and Circus Flora will once again offer a Peanut-Free Preview (Thursday, October 7) and a Sensory-Friendly Performance (1pm Thursday, October 21). New this year are Schlafly Saturdays; each Saturday during the season, arrive an hour before showtime to sample Schlafly beers.