Jon and Laura Weiss fell in love and joined the circus. Now, they are bringing their show to Southern California.
Jon and Laura Weiss have always loved the circus. The couple from Long Island, New York, said they fell in love with Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus as teenagers before they joined the “Greatest Show on Earth.”
Three kids and years of entertainment performance under their belts, the Weisses are bringing “Natale,” a European holiday show filled with acrobatic performers and dancing animatronic animals to San Diego this week. The show follows Natale as she sets off on her journey to the North Pole and encounters enchanted creatures along the way.
The show utilizes technology and art in a way that’s never been used before in circus shows of years’ past, organizers said, but also brings families and loved ones together such as Jon and Laura Weiss.
The couple who have been married for 32 years have held all sorts of roles in popular circus acts that have travelled across the country. Jon used to be a human cannonball, a clown and an announcer, while Laura rode elephants and performed on the thrilling high wire.
Now, Jon is a manager behind “Natale” while Laura serves as works in product and art for the show.
“Circus has come a long way since I first joined,” Jon said. “Back then we had elephants, bears, tigers, lions, camels, horses, dogs and so many more animals that all worked and traveled with the show. Theses animals are no longer in circuses for many reasons, which benefit the business, yet at the same time takes away the awe of those beautiful animals right in front of you.”
Despite the elimination of live animals in circus shows, Jon said entertaining acts such as clowns, juggling and hand-balancing still live on in modern day displays.
But, what truly stands out about “Natale” is the one-of-a-kind holiday experience it brings, the couple said.
“‘Natale’ is an uplifting show that I would have loved to bring my family to,” said Laura, who noted the couple’s daughter is an artist in the show. “It’s entertaining to all ages.”
Created by Spainish company, La Fiesta Escénica, “Natale” performs at Liberty Station from Nov. 14 to Dec. 1. Adjacent to the circus, La Fiesta Shows will convert the South Promenade into a “Holiday Village” Polar Experience that will include train rides, a glacier-like climbing wall, a bounce house, as well as sponsors and numerous vendors selling holiday treats, merchandise, and food.
Tickets start at $29. For more information, www.lafiestashows.com.
