One Ring, Unplugged and Amazing

SAN DIEGO —  A trip to the Fern Street Circus is a trip back in time. Forget laser shows and fireworks, seals and dancing bears. This is a show without pyrotechnics, a show that works.

When it comes to circuses, San Diego institution Fern Street proves less is more.

The only “special” effects evident in this emerald stretch of Balboa Park were the products of human hands. The “animals” were performers in costumes; “giant monsters” bobbed their heads of papier-ma^che, sporting huge, fluffy outfits.

Judging by the wide eyes of the kids, the effect couldn’t have been more dazzling.

Kids appeared not to miss the hoopla of the big top; they marveled at a circus that goes for the up close and personal and connects in a way competitors don’t.

On a recent Saturday, the brightly clad performers wove their magic, clowning, tumbling and jumping--in one act--through hoops of fire.

Each year, Fern Street has a theme that loosely pulls together more than a dozen acts. This year, artistic director John Highkin, who directed the show, called it “A World of Wonder.” Inspired by Ben Okri’s “What the Tapster Saw,” the show takes the form of a tale about a man who falls asleep and discovers the Fern Street Circus as an otherworldly dream.

The story line, intriguing for adults who read the program, careened over heads of kids, who squirmed until the action began.

Fern Street veteran Ottavio Canestrelli was back with his acrobatic act, this time clowning with Columbina (Cheryl Lindley); they pulled chairs out from under each other, lunging and tumbling over tables, chasing each other with swords and battle axes and, ultimately, doing duo somersaulting.

Bill Dunnam also returned as strongman Igor Muktar, complete with leopard suit and bearish grunts, drawing the most applause when he fought--and lost--to a performer in a kangaroo suit, complete with baby in pouch. Kadye Diane was again the animal trainer in amusing sketches.

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Pop and Joyce Canestrelli did a trick whip act, in which, after some clowning, Pop used a whip to rip the newspaper Joyce Canestrelli held so breathtakingly close to her.

There were contortionists and trapeze artists; there was lots of flipping and sketches. Apprentice performers the Runyon brothers, trained by Pop Canestrelli, and young people from the Fern Street’s free after-school program demonstrated what training and heart can accomplish.

The finale was the Flying Wallendas, who drew gasps as Tino Wallenda stood on a chair balanced atop the high wire, without a net. He also stood on the wire with Aurelia Wallenda on his shoulders.

It was a welcome return for the circus, which had seemed much less sure of itself last year, in the midst of a funding crisis and questions about its mission. This year, it seems a comfortable blend, with the emphasis on wonder.

The magic is back.

* “Fern Street Circus: A World of Wonder,” Park Boulevard at President’s Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. 6 p.m. today, 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Ends Sunday. $3-$8. (619) 235-9756. Running time: 1 hour, 55 minutes.

A Fern Street Circus production, inspired by a short story by Ben Okri. Directed by John Highkin. Music: Pea Hicks. Choreography: Christina Jones-Stewart. Costumes: Cheryl Lindley. Production manager: Spike Sorrentino.