Can't afford Cirque du Soleil? Head to Huntley for the Gamma Phi Circus
The Huntley Fine Arts Boosters are bringing the circus to the town this weekend, offering community members mesmerizing entertainment at a bargain price, while also trying to raise money for their programs.
The Illinois State University Gamma Phi Circus will entertain with two performances Saturday in the east gym at Huntley High School.
This will be the fourth time the circus - which is one of only two surviving collegiate circuses in the United States - comes to Huntley High School.
Organizer Kim Skaja said audiences have never been disappointed. In fact, she said, the show is great for toddlers, senior citizens and everyone in between, including teenagers.
Each show is a two-hour event, which includes unicycles, trapeze, clowning, high wire, juggling, hand balancing, tumbling and vaulting, high cradle, teeterboard, Spanish webs and more. All of the students in the circus are students or faculty members at ISU.
"Gamma Phi Circus gives us the opportunity to offer high quality, easily affordable family entertainment," Skaja said. "Walt Disney had a vision of creating entertainment the entire family could enjoy. No one can deny his dreams came true. We are attempting to meet the same goal on a far smaller scale.
"For one day, all ages can come together to laugh, shout and gasp in wonder as the Gamma Phi Circus performs one incredible feat after another.
"This is an event the whole family will talk about for many years to come," Skaja said.
Skaja first saw one of the circus' road shows in 2003 and was so impressed she wanted to bring them to Huntley to perform.
A small committee of volunteers worked to make it happen, and they first performed here in 2004.
"The performances were everything we hoped for and more," Skaja said. "The reception from the community was overwhelming and therefore, we brought them back.
"This will be the fourth time and probably the last because it is very difficult to find the volunteers we need to make it happen."
The event is mainly a fundraiser for the Huntley High School Fine Arts Boosters, which is a small community group that volunteers its time to support and enhance arts education in District 158.
The boosters, Skaja said, prefer to conduct fundraisers that also double as community service events.
"The group has provided funds for everything from basic items used in the classroom to scholarship money for individual lessons," Skaja said. "The Boosters also donated major equipment for the auditorium and performing groups in addition to providing assistance for art shows, marching bands, choirs and theatrical productions. We support all of arts programs at the high school and the speech team through grants."
While the costs of the programs and bringing the circus to town have both increased, Skaja said the event still will be a bargain for the community.
"Our costs increased significantly," Skaja said. "These prices are the same we charged in 2007. We believe it is important to make the event affordable for families."
Advance tickets are $7 for students and seniors, and $9 for adults. They are available at all District 158 schools or by contacting Skaja at kskaja158@foxvalley.net. Tickets at the door are $8 for students/seniors and $10 for adults.
The show includes a brief intermission. The boosters will have a concession stand with popcorn, hot dogs, candy, soda, water and other snacks available throughout the show.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Illinois State University's Gamma Phi Circus performs at Huntley High School</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Huntley High School's east gym, 13719 Harmony Road, Huntley</p> <p class="News"><b>How much?</b> Advance tickets are $7 for students and seniors, and $9 for adults; no charge for children 2 and younger. Purchase at any District 158 school, or e-mail <a href="mailto:kskaja158@foxvalley.net">kskaja158@foxvalley.net</a>. Tickets at the door are $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults.</p> <p class="News"><b>Call:</b> (847) 659-6634</p>