WACO, TX — While Cirque Italia was in route to Waco to perform, the Circus received news that their event would not be possible due to social gathering restrictions amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Now, they are camped out on the Brazos River, waiting for their chance to perform again.
If you’re used to living on the road, the idea of being forced to stay put can be a big change. Cirque Italia circus has their tour on hold.
For now, Waco is their home.
Cirque Italia’s U.S. tour came to an abrupt halt just days ago when the performers got the news that the show was off because of the spread of the coronavirus.
“We were fortunate enough to be coming to Waco where the city has been really supportive.. The property owners.. Everyone.. Its just really been overwhelming for us the support from the community... and so yea we are here... and we’re just trying to stay busy,” show manager and performer Morgaine Rosenthal said.
The group is used to seeing a new city every week. In fact, they’re on the road 40 weeks a year - so right now they are making the best of the break.
“The guys here are cleaning the tents. Trying to take advantage of all the time that we have. We practice.. Fix things in our RV’s and houses,” Hector Pazaran, Show Manager and Performer, said
While Cirque Italia’s headquarters are based in Sarasota, Florida - only Morgaine Rosenthal is actually from the United States. The staff comes from all over the world.
“We work together... we travel together all eleven and a half months of the year and so this in essence is my other family and so you know we stick together," Rosenthal said.
Performers and their families are trying to socially distance, even though they live RV next to RV. For now, all that’s left to do is wait.
“We want to do our best and get back to working and doing what we love and putting on a good show for the community,” Rosenthal said.
“To do what we are here to do... to make the people laugh and the people amazed. To at least make them forget for a little while.. 2 hours.. For whats happening outside and what just happened,” Pazaran said.
Brazos Parking owns the land and has graciously allowed the circus to stay here for an extended period of time while they begin to figure out a plan. Cirque Italia still hopes to pick their tour back up here in Waco.
But the date for that show is still unknown