By Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
It was the Sunday before elections, and like many other political candidates, Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham was feeling stressed.
So his wife, Devon, suggested the couple go see Cirque Italia Act XII at the Museum of Science and Industry, in Tampa.
“She brought me kicking and screaming,” Higginbotham said. “But I was at the edge of my seat the whole time.”
Not your traditional circus, Cirque Italia combines modern production values with an array of unique performers that include contortionists, acrobatic aerialists and even a quirky clown named Coco.
After seeing the show, Higginbotham called to arrange a meeting with the owner, Manuel Rebecchi.
Higginbotham wanted to promote the show to his district, which covers the eastern half of Hillsborough County, including Plant City.
“Since I focus so much on international relations and economic development, I wanted to connect with them,” Higginbotham said. “It really is a gem right here in our backyard.”
He invited circus members to his election party and a commission luncheon later in November. There several performers gave the commission a personal preview of the show.
“The commissioners are still talking about it,” Andy Taylor, Higginbotham’s former aide, said.
The show began as a prior arrangement between the Venice Arts Foundation and the Cirque Italia company. Cirque Italia put together Cirque Aquatic in Venice, Fla., to save an old Ringling facility.
Cirque Aquatic earned its name from a unique water feature Rebecchi invented. Under the circular stage is a 35,000-gallon tank of water. The stage lifts up to create a fountain and rain effect. This feature is also part of Cirque Italia Act XII.
“There is magic to a human being performing around water,” Milan-born Rebecchi said. “It’s similar to the Trevi fountain in Italy. People come from all over to see it.”
“The acts are dangerous, but it makes it more dangerous with water,” Producer and COO Chante Demoustes said.
Rebecchi and his friend, who was a plumber in Italy, put together the design for the fountain, which has its own filter, water system and pumps. It takes four days to set up.
“It’s not you’re typical circus,” Demoustes said. “It’s not a Cirque du Soleil. Not a Ringling. What they’re about to see has never been done before.”
Rebecchi grew up around the circus. His aunt, Moira Orfei, owned the third largest circus in Europe. Today, he hopes to continue that tradition with Cirque Italia.
“I want to take the Peter Pan out of everyone,” Rebecchi said. “I enjoy watching people of all ages watch the show. I want to set their Peter Pans free.”
For more photos, see our photo gallery.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
Cirque Italia Act XII
SHOWTIMES: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays; 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays
WHERE: MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
TICKETS: $10 to $40
WEBSITE: cirqueitalia.com