Antique Italian Family Circus Comes To WHB - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 1369255

Antique Italian Family Circus Comes To WHB

icon 2 Photos

authorHeather Girgenti on Jul 25, 2011

The circus is coming to town this weekend!

The Zoppé Family Circus, presented by the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, will begin on Friday, July 29, at 7 p.m., and will continue on Saturday, July 30, and Sunday, July 31, at 3 p.m. For the performances, the Westhampton Beach Village Green on Main Street will house a one-ring circus tent bursting with clowns, acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship and canine capers.

According to Giovanni Zoppé, who performs as Nino the Clown, the circus will entertain the whole family with various stunts and performances.

“The best part about the circus, is being able to give our art to people,” Mr. Zoppé said during a recent phone interview. “They can forget about life for a few hours and forget about all their troubles.”

The Zoppé Family Circus is an antique family circus that began in 1842 when Mr. Zoppé’s ancestors—a French clown and a Hungarian ballerina—met, fell in love and started a circus together, according to Mr. Zoppé. Since then the entire Zoppé family has become involved. Mr. Zoppé began performing when he was 1 year old and his 21-month-old son is already following in his footsteps, appearing in every show, he said.

“This circus is special because it follows a story line,” he explained. “There’s a reason why things happen when they do.”

This is circus’s first time in Westhampton and Mr. Zoppé said the entire troupe is very excited.

“Our circus isn’t just for children, it’s for everyone,” he said. “It’s a truly magical experience.”

Tickets for the

Z

oppé Family Circus are $25 and $50. There are also VIP Ringmaster Packages available that include four adult tickets and 10 children’s tickets for ages 12 and under. The VIP package includes reserved ringside seating at the performance of your choice; a half-day circus skills workshop under the “Big Top” with circus stars on Saturday, July 30, for children age 6 and up; complimentary ringmaster passes for all food and beverage concessions; reserved parking; post-circus reception and a group photo with circus stars. The VIP Ringmaster Packages are limited and cost $2,500. For tickets or more information, call 288-1500 or visit whbpac.org.

You May Also Like:

Joan Baum Discusses 'Bambi's' Hidden Meaning

​This year marks the 80 since the ending of World War II and the liberation of Europe’s concentration camps. And 80 years since the little known Austro-Hungarian writer and critic Felix Salten died. Salten, born Siegmund Salzmann in Pest, Hungary, was the author of “Bambi: The Story of a Life in the Forest,” a tale first published in German in 1923, from which one of the most remarkable cinematic events of all time was made by Walt Disney in 1942. The beloved movie that has engaged youngsters and adults for decades, however, is far from the unsentimental allegory intended by ... 12 Mar 2025 by Staff Writer

Special Opening Events for ‘Eternal Testament at The Church’

In grand commemoration of The Church’s opening of its new exhibition “Eternal Testament” on Saturday, March 22, co-curators Jeremy Dennis and Meranda Roberts have created an electric series of events that will inspire, delight and inform all on the topic of the show. The run down is: 5 to 6 p.m. — Panel Discussion With Jeremy Dennis, Meranda Roberts & Denise Silva Dennis Join the show’s two co-curators on the lower studio level of The Church for a conversation with artist Denise Silva Dennis (Jeremy Dennis’s mother). The trio will dive deeper into some of the themes, intentions and inspirations ... by Staff Writer

Solar: The Cha Ching Factor

“When there’s a huge solar energy spill, it’s just called a ‘nice day’” — Anonymous ... by Jenny Noble

Marc Camoletti's Fast-Paced Farce 'Boeing Boeing' Lands at Hampton Theatre Company

The Hampton Theatre Company continues its milestone 40th season with Marc Camoletti’s high-flying comedy “Boeing ... 10 Mar 2025 by Leah Chiappino

Parrish Art Museum's 2025 Exhibition Lineup

The Parrish Art Museum has announced its 2025 schedule, featuring solo exhibitions by internationally renowned ... by Staff Writer

Get Your Slavic Groove Going

On Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m., Hamptons Jazz Fest presents Slavic Soul Party! at ... by Staff Writer

‘Tight Lines’ Highlights Artists Who Are Inspired by the Sea

The Grenning Gallery’s new exhibition “Tight Lines,” is a group show of contemporary paintings inspired ... by Staff Writer

First Literature Project Exhibition Opens at Ma’s House

Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio will present an opening reception for First Literature Project, ... by Staff Writer

Jimmy Stewart and His Sister, Mary, Are Focus of a Film and Art Happening at Sag Harbor Cinema

Sag Harbor Cinema will screen Frank Borzage’s 1940 film “The Mortal Storm” on Saturday, March ... by Staff Writer

‘Eternal Testament’ Honors Native Artists at The Church

“Eternal Testament,” an exhibition curated by Jeremy Dennis and Meranda Roberts, Ph.D., opens at The Church on Saturday, March 22, with a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition remains on view through May 21. It reaffirms that Sag Harbor, including the “church” in which it appears, occupies the traditional homelands of the Montaukett and Shinnecock Nations. By featuring works by Native artists regionally and from across the country that incorporate wit, irreverence and playfulness — tools for survival and healing — the exhibition asserts Indigenous presence and sovereignty as artists reclaim space, “temporarily transforming a site of forced ... 8 Mar 2025 by Staff Writer