Circus Vazquez’s roots date to 1969 when Circo Hermanos Vazquez began in Mexico City, and the company still finds new places to perform.
Now based in Texas, Circus Vazquez’s Chicago-area tour wraps with a debut at Orland Square in Orland Park from July 11 to 16. Performances are at 7 p.m. weekdays; 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and noon, 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday in an air-conditioned tent.
“The circus has been coming here for over 20 years or so. The first time we arrived here we actually played in Cicero,” said Jose Alberto Vazquez, a fourth-generation Vazquez family member, who added that what began as a monthlong Chicagoland stay two decades ago grew to two months.
Circus Vazquez’s 100-person operation opened May 24 in the city’s Little Village neighborhood, continued in June at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg and is completing a run from June 28 to July 7 at Yorktown Center, 203 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard.
Co-founded by Jose Alberto Vazquez’s grandfather Jose Guillermo Vazquez, what is billed as America’s largest family-owned big top circus is run by Jose Alberto Vazquez’s father, Jose Vazquez, who used to do a bar act, and uncles Memo Vazquez, Jesus Vazquez, Ramon Vazquez and Aldo Vazquez.
“My grandfather always cared about making a quality show with people that come from all around so that when the audience would come and see the show, they would see a high-class circus show. To continue with this is a big responsibility,” said Jose Alberto Vazquez, who lives in Texas.
“To make sure the people get what they paid for and they leave the circus with a smile on their face is a big responsibility. I enjoy it.”
Jose Alberto Vazquez’s juggling act includes clubs, volleyballs, regular balls and flying hats.
His cousins Jan and Carolina Vazquez, perform a rolla bolla act showing off the siblings’ balancing skills.
“Everyone comes from different parts of the world. Not only that, but we always care about bringing in high-quality acts that have been performing in different parts of the world in different circus festivals,” said Jose Alberto Vazquez, 34, who began juggling professionally at age 13.
“The circus festivals are like the Olympics for us. We have people that have won and achieved different prizes so every time people come to see the show, they are going to see basically the best in their craft. Every act is different. Every act gives you a different feeling.”
Circus Vazquez’s approximately 30 performers include Russia’s Boris Nikishkin, a clown, comedian and acrobat making his American debut; Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe, presenting dance and acrobatics; and Colombia’s Duo Vanegas navigating the rotating Wheel of Wonder to heights of more than 30 feet.
Other acts include Africa’s Bone Breakers; Liazeed Angels featuring Russian artistic gymnast Natalia Kapitonova; Brazil’s Duo Marruffo displaying hand balancing and strength; and the Circus Vazquez Band.
“It’s a family experience,” said Jose Alberto Vazquez, whose mother Tosca Vazquez used to do a wire act.
“We have people that have been coming to the circus since they were little since their parents used to bring them. Now they’re bringing their kids to the circus.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Circus Vazquez
When: July 11-16
Where: Orland Square, 288 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park
Tickets: $25-$85; free ages younger than 2
Information: 956-461-2332; circusvazquez.com