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There has not been a flea circus on Times Square since 1957, when Professor Leroy Heckler packed up his world famous show and left his 42nd Street home at Hubert's Dime Museum, ending a flea circus dynasty of over 30 years of 10-shows-a-day in that location. "Professor Heckler left because he said the nude shows were giving his fleas a bad name. Now that Times Square has been cleaned up, I thought it was only proper to bring the fleas back." says Professor A.G. Gertsacov, ringmaster and proprietor of the Acme Miniature Circus, an authentic Victorian style flea circus that features Midge and Madge, trained fleas. Gertsacov's educated insect stars pull chariots, dance on a tightwire, and perform other circus-like stunts. While he does not reveal his method of training (a proprietary secret, he explains), he |
assures the civic minded that he uses only methods of positive reinforcement to teach the insects their routines." This is a humane show. I treat the fleas as if they are my own flesh and blood," Gertsacov says. "And in some ways, they are." Gertsacov will bring his miniscule marvels to perform less than two blocks from the original site of Hubert's, at the newly minted Palace of Variety, a theatre and museum in freshly renovated Times Square. Shows begin on Saturday, September 21, and will continue Saturdays and Sundays at 12 and 1 pm through December. If demand warrants, additional performances will be added. According to Gertsacov, there are only a small handful of flea circuses still performing throughout the world. The Rhode Island native and his amazing insect stars have performed throughout the Americas. He was recently |
filmed for an upcoming documentary on the History Channel. Details Magazine called the show "One of the top alternative circuses in the country." The Minneapolis Star-Tribune proclaimed it "A Wacky Witty Creature Feature." Digitalcity.com said "Too perversely fascinating to miss." And the Los Angeles Times said that "Professor Gertsacov holds the audience (and the stars of the show) in the palm of his hand." Professor Gertsacov invites all curious parties to come and see what some people have termed "The Most Miniscule Show on Earth." But he asks that you leave your dogs and cats at home. Gertsacov quips, "I don't want anyone to steal the show." |
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