By Connie Shaver

Kick up your heels and lasso up a posse of friends, Circus Juventas, North America’s largest youth circus, proudly presents 20 performances of their all-new production Showdown. With a rip-roarin’ cast of characters, it’s the most foot-stompin’ hair-raisin’ high-ridin’ spectacle East—and West—of the mighty Mississippi.

The Wild West adventure gallops into non-stop action, starting with a dramatic introduction in the depths of a gold mine, followed by somersaulting outlaws, lasso-twirling cowboys, aerial spinning Dance Hall belles, contorting card players, and the most rootinist-tootinest group of ornery prospectors ever to set foot in a saloon. Be amazed by the fearless feats of aerialists on a wagon wheel chandelier, a blazing spiral wheel of fire, a tension-filled 7-man pyramid on the high wire (Circus Juventas is only the third youth circus in history to perform this feat) and the most calamitous bank heist shootout /parkour extravaganza on the wildly popular wall trampoline ever staged under a big top. Patrons will again be gripping their seats as performers show their skills on the thrilling Wheel of Steel, the only one found in the amateur circus world.

Circus Juventas performers take to the air in the big summer show Showdown August 2 – 19, 2012. Photo by Bill Raab

The 18th annual summer extravaganza will be performed August 2–19 in its award-winning, air-conditioned Big Top at 1270 Montreal Avenue in Saint Paul. Tickets for Showdown performances are on sale now available through Ticketworks at www.ticketworks.com or 612-343-3390 or by calling the Circus Juventas box office at 651-699-8229. All seats are reserved.