The Ancient Artistry of Chinese Acrobats Take the Historic Asolo Theater Stage This Summer

Sarasota, FL — April 30, 2008 —The wonder of China and thrilling Chinese acrobatics will take center stage at the Historic Asolo Theater as Circus Sarasota and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art present Majestic Ma Xi Tuan in one-hour family-friendly performances of the Chinese acrobatic troupe from June 25-July 24, 2008.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Historic Asolo Theater again this summer,” says Pedro Reis, founder and CEO of Circus Sarasota.  “This dynamic and colorful Chinese acrobatic circus show will prove to be a summer blockbuster for children and adults alike.”

Featuring performers from China, Majestic Ma Xi Tuan will showcase the skill and movement characteristic of traditional Chinese acrobatic artistry. Circus-lovers will enjoy a full-line up of acts including lion dancing, hoop diving, Chinese pole climbers and contortionists. 

The performance schedule for Majestic Ma Xi Tuan is as follows:

Daily Performances

Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

All tickets for daytime performances are $10 for children age 12 and under and $12 for adults.  Tickets for the 8 p.m. evening performances are $13 for adults and children.

Group rates are available and can be arranged in advance. All tickets can be purchased by calling the Historic Asolo Theater Box Office at 941.360.7399 or visit www.ringling.org.

Opening night is Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 7 p.m.  A special reception in the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion will follow the performance.  Tickets for opening night are available by calling the Historic Asolo Theater Box Office at 941.360.7399.

Treviso Restaurant at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will be open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. and for lunch Monday-Sunday from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. for patrons wishing to enjoy a meal before or after the show. 

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling’s historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Tibbals Learning Center, the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.  

A not-for-profit performing arts educational organization, Circus Sarasota is committed to broadening the artistic contribution of circus, while raising the level and perception of the American circus to that of the other fine arts.  Circus Sarasota follows its mission of enriching, educating and entertaining the community through a unique range of human services and educational programs, as well as bringing together music, dance, visual artistry and unparalleled drama in its performances.

General Admission includes the Ringling Museum of Art, special exhibitions, Ca' d’Zan Mansion, Circus Museum, and Mable’s historic Rose Garden, all on 66 acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Adults are $25; senior citizens (65 and over) are $20; children ages 6-17 are $5.  Free Admission for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult, museum members.  Advance tickets are available by calling 941.358.3180. Visit Ringling.org for more information.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation.  It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Ca' d’Zan, the Ringling historic mansion; the Circus Museums; the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
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