Circus 1903 is an contemporary circus that originated as a touring show, that takes you back to the turn of the century (last century !) when the circus would travel on the road from town to town. In 2017 Circus 1903 moved to the Paris Theater at the Paris Las Vegas hotel and casino , to perform to all ages. The title itself time-stamps this show, “Circus 1903 — The Golden Age of Circus”.
“Circus 1903” arrives from Simon Painter and Tim Lawson for The Works Entertainment and Magic Space Entertainment, the producers of “The Illusionists,” with its rotation of six to eight magicians and billed as the largest magic show produced worldwide. Among the company’s other titles: “Le Grand Cirque,” “Le Noir” and “Cirque Adrenaline,” productions covering more than 300 cities and 30 countries. 
Circus 1903 promotes its wide appeal over multiple generations, replete with traditional circus acts, including what is billed as “a cunning ringmaster” (aren’t they all?) named Willy Whipsnade.
The production’s lineup of acts features knife throwers, strong men, live musicians, a high-wire act and — most impressively — a giant elephant (Queenie) and her baby (Peanut) created by Mervyn Millar and Tracy Waller of Significant Object, puppeteers of the Broadway show “War Horse.” The elephant characters in “Circus 1903” are reportedly so close to lifelike that children invited to pet them during the show brace with real trepidation. But the show’s heart, its emotional connection, has been felt, as Whipsnade (who has been played by actor David Williamson) describes each act in human terms. Also boosting the show, a score played by live musicians and composed by Evan Jolly, who has worked on many of Painter and Lawson’s touring productions. 
“Circus 1903” has sold out performances in Australia. Painter, serving as creative producer of Works Entertainment, said in a statement : “We are thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to present our acclaimed, spectacular production in such a perfect theater at Paris Las Vegas. We are grateful to our local partners for their invaluable support and look forward to being part of the entertainment tapestry at Caesars Entertainment for years to come.”
Paris Theater has been dark since “Jersey Boys” closed last September. Among the shows staged in that venue: “Notre Dame de Paris,” “We Will Rock You,” “The Producers” and Barry Manilow’s residency production. The venue has a 1,200-seat capacity in a property ripe for a high-quality show — especially one that fits its retro-Parisian theme.
“We and our co-promoters are thrilled to welcome ‘Circus 1903’ to its new home in the Paris Theater,” David Hoenemeyer, regional president of Paris Las Vegas, said in a statement. “Paris Las Vegas has long history of hosting world-class entertainment lineup and we look forward to offering another topnotch, enthralling show to our guests.”
To start of this show – also in Las Vegas : Labor Day Weekend in Las Vegas at the fabulous Caesars Palace Pool for a Limbo Contest. This portion of the show was filmed live earlier today from Caesars Palace Pool , and The Circus 1903 stage show was from last night. Happy Labor Day weekend !
