It’s a rare treat when Phoenix gets a family-friendly Broadway production that is also focused on Christmas and the holidays. So, when the Madison Center for the Arts announced that it was bringing “Santa’s Circus” to town, it was truly a reason to celebrate. The show incorporates all facets of Christmas and the joy and majesty of the season. Even better, it includes world-class circus performers, many of whom were members of the famed Cirque du Soleil.
Francisco Santos, founder and director, created “Santa’s Circus” in 2015. “This is my seventh year doing this show on tour, but I’m the eight generation of my family in the circus,” Santos explains. “My family started in 1706 in the industry. I was also in Cirque du Soleil for almost 20 years on and off, and then I decided to run away with my own circus.” Hailing from Spain, previous generations of circus performers in his family did complex and daring high-wire stunts and acrobatics and were well-known for clowning.
“‘Santa’s Circus’ is a very special show,” Santos says. “I decided to do a circus show for Christmas with my daughter so we could both perform.” His daughter, Luna, began performing in “Santa’s Circus” when she was only four years old. That experience ushered in the ninth generation of Santos circus performance.
“People can expect a magical world. ‘Santa’s Circus’ is a story that happens to a little girl at a train station. She’s a girl who doesn’t believe in Christmas. She goes to sleep in a train station and wakes up the next day in the North Pole in Christmas Village with the elves, and they take her on a journey. At the end of the journey, she gets to meet Santa.”
There are 20 performers in “Santa’s Circus.” Specific acts include unicycle, aerial silks, comedy, high wire and a variety of acrobatics. “It’s a very interactive show; kids come on stage, and we’ll play with the audience,” Santos says.
It is recommended that everyone come early to the show to take advantage of some special experiences. Enhancing the unique opportunity to see a Broadway show, children will also get to meet and greet their favorite Christmas characters, write their very own letter to Santa with the help of Mrs. Claus and get some candy. Kids can also get their picture taken with the jolly old elf himself when the show is over.
Tickets for “Santa’s Circus” are $35-$65, and the show runs Dec. 2-5. Madison Center for the Arts is located at 5601 N. 16th Street, Phoenix. Visit themadison.org for more information and tickets.
