LISA DENTON: Barry, I had a dream about you the other night. Apparently, we had agreed to be in a fashion show for charity, and we were both horrified to discover when we got there that we were supposed to model swimwear. To escape, you climbed up into the rigging above the stage, but your particular hiding place turned out to be the main event. You wound up seated on a trapeze (I’m not making this up), and you got to swing out over the audience when your turn came.
I bring this up because the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is bringing its Barnum Bash to McKenzie Arena on Thursday, and that would give you four days to practice your moves with actual experts.
BARRY COURTER: You’ve been eating raw onions before bedtime again, haven’t you? Which is more troubling: us in swimwear or me on a trapeze? In any case, I’ve been perfecting my circus act for years.
Have I ever told you my earliest memory of the circus? My dad took me, and I got one of those balloons on a stick. It made it all the way home and then popped as I got out of the car. Despite that traumatic experience — I might have cried a little bit — I’ve always liked the circus. So much to see, and the elephants amaze me every time I see them.
LISA: This one, of course, is the grand master of circuses. The Barnum Bash is a new show that introduces the Ringlettes, described in press material as “the stylish hosts of the swankiest circus party in town.” It’s their job to entertain during the preshow party, which is included in the ticket price. It’s a chance to mingle with some of the acts and animals and learn circus skills, like balancing and juggling — maybe trapeze for you. You were so adept at it in my dream, I’m certain you would have a knack for it.