Tiny Performers To Entertain in Chicago Parks

Chicago IL
July 12, 2016

This summer, at least two of the performers in the Chicago Park District "Night Out in the Park" program will be rather difficult to see. That's because they will be insects. Trained insects. Fleas, to be exact.

The show, the Acme Miniature Flea Circus, is an authentic Victorian flea circus that features trained fleas Midge and Madge who perform spectacular circus stunts as seen before (and on top of) the crowned heads of Europe. Midge and Madge will entertain Chicagoans in four public parks this summer.

The show, the Acme Miniature Flea Circus, is an authentic Victorian flea circus that features trained fleas Midge and Madge who perform spectacular circus stunts as seen before (and on top of) the crowned heads of Europe.

Details magazine called the show "One of the top alternative circuses in the country." The New York Times said "The appeal is irresistible... Gertsacov is every bit the fantastical impresario, in his purple top hat and cash-register voice, introducing us to the wondrous insects itching (sorry) to perform"; And the Los Angeles Times says that "Professor Gertsacov holds the audience (and the stars of the show) in the palm of his hand."

According to Professor A.G. Gertsacov, ringmaster and proprietor of the Acme Miniature Circus, flea circuses were popular entertainments during Victorian times, but had nearly disappeared since the advent of television. The last popular American flea circus was Professor Heckler's of Time Square, which left New York in 1957. The rumor is that Heckler thought that the nude shows were giving his fleas a bad name.

There are now only a handful of flea circuses still performing throughout the world. Gertsacov's is arguably the most famous. The Rhode Island native (now based in Chicago, IL) and his amazing insect stars have performed throughout the country, and in Canada, Chile, and Brazil. When Times Square got cleaned up, he staged the historic and triumph return of the flea circus back to that storied area, performing less than two blocks from where Professor Heckler once had his fleas. Gertsacov has also been filmed for documentaries on the History Channel, the Travel Channel, and numerous news programs. He's even been a question on Jeopardy!

Professor Gertsacov will bring his minuscule marvels to perform in four Chicago parks this summer. He invites all curious parties to come and see the show that was deemed one of the World's Strangest Circuses by Travel & Leisure Magazine. But he asks that you leave your dogs and cats at home. Gertsacov quips, "I don't want anyone to steal the show."

Shows are at the following parks: Adams Park (1919 N. Seminary Ave), Gladstone Park (5421 N. Menard Ave), Oriole Park (5430 N. Alcott Ave), and Touhy Park (7348 N. Paulina Ave). See below for dates and times. Admission is free, but seating is limited, so please arrive early for best seats.

This program is presented as part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks with the support of Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Arts programming in neighborhoods across the city advances the goals of the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Cultural Plan.

For more information about your Chicago Park District, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 742-7529 or (312) 747-2001 (TTY).

City of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, Mayor
Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners
Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent & CEO

LISTING INFORMATION

WHAT: Free performances of the Acme Miniature Flea Circus

LOCATION/TIMES:

JULY 27 6 PM Touhy Park (7348 N. Paulina Ave)
AUGUST 4 6 PM Adams Park (1919 N. Seminary Ave)
AUGUST 10 6:30 PM Oriole Park (5430 N. Olcott Ave)
AUGUST 12 3:30 PM Gladstone Park (5421 N. Menard Ave)

COST: Free (seating limited, please arrive early)

MORE INFO: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 742-7529 or (312) 747-2001 (TTY).

MORE INFO: http://www.trainedfleas.com

For press information, photographs, or interviews, please contact Flea Master Professor A.G. Gertsacov at 401-351-2596 or visit the flea circus website: http://www.trainedfleas.com.