Jamesburg acts as host to an action packed circus this week.
By: Sharlee DiMenichi
Clad in a leopard-print loincloth, the muscular man used his fingertips to stroke the snout of the 300-pound alligator in the circus ring before him. He stared into the creature’s eyes, gave it a few more feather strokes, then grasped its monstrous muzzle, hoisted it from the ground and planted a smacking kiss on the reptile’s mouth.
Applause erupted from the crowd, which had sat in attentive silence as the performer prepared for the feat.
The "kiss of death" was one of many tricks to capture the attention of the audience at the Florida-based Alain Zerbini Circus in Jamesburg Wednesday night. The circus is affiliated with Vidbal’s Olde Tyme Circus.
Proceeds from the circus will help fund scholarships for seniors from Jamesburg at Monroe Township High School and good citizenship awards for eighth-graders at the Grace M. Breckwedel School, said Danny Kerwin, president of the Jamesburg Civic Association, which sponsored the circus.
Profits also will offset the cost of the 2003 Jamesburg-Monroe fireworks, Mr. Kerwin said.
From kissing fierce reptiles to flying through the air suspended from a pole to making an audience of hundreds laugh, the circus performers faced unusually trying circumstances with poise. The one-ring show featured one clown, an 8-year-old who combined vaudeville slapstick with modern music and squirted water out of his hat as he cried when a co-star broke his radio.
The clown, Julian Zerbini, said he feels at home before a crowd, having performed in the circus since he was 2 years old.
"Once I’m out there, I just gotta do what I gotta do and have fun," said Julian, who is home schooled as the circus tours.
In spite of his comfort in the limelight, Julian said, he recalled one upsetting experience while performing. When he was 3, Julian accidentally hurt his hand on the sharp part on the tail end of a Burmese python and ran out of the ring crying, he said. "That was my most embarrassing moment," Julian said.
Julian’s act created an embarrassing moment for at least one spectator. He chose Elizabeth Massey of Jamesburg to accompany him in doing the macarena in the ring.
"It was a little bit embarrassing but it was lots of fun," Ms. Massey said.
Julian’s hijinks Wednesday earned him a place in the heart of one first-time circus-goer.
"I like the best the joker," said Shruti Daga of Jamesburg, a wide-eyed 3-year-old with high-set ponytails sprouting from her head.
Other performers were as calm as Julian about the daunting aspects of their acts.
Alexandra Garreta, a 25-year circus veteran who spoke while Julian translated her Spanish, said she concentrated completely while hanging by her feet and spinning rapidly from the top of a metal pole balanced on a man’s shoulder.
"Attention, too much attention," Ms. Garreta said, explaining why she cannot spare space in her mind for any fear of falling.
At least one audience member was wowed by Ms. Garreta’s apparent ability to defy gravity.
"I like how she got up in the air," said Ashley Ashford, 12, of Jamesburg.
Some in the audience seemed to catch the performers’ spirit by attempting animal feats too frightening for those of lesser mettle. Circus presenter Philip Anthony said the snakes and all other animals in the show are regularly examined by veterinarians, staff of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and representatives of the Humane Society.
One 8-year-old spectator had his picture taken while draped with a Burmese python. Edgar Diaz of Jamesburg said he found the snake slimy and was slightly scared but enjoyed the photo session nonetheless.
Mr. Kerwin got even cozier with a snake as thick as his arm, when he stood in the center of the ring and placed the spotted reptile’s head in his mouth.
"It tastes like chicken," Mr. Kerwin said.