ZOMBIES, MONSTERS & MORE
‘Paranormal Cirque II’ is a different type of circus
Steven Copeland heard the saying, “Maybe you should join a circus,” when he was growing up. He took that to heart and did.
Copeland is one of more than a dozen performers that make up “Paranormal Cirque II.”
The traveling show, put on by Cirque Italia, will make its home in Albuquerque beginning Thursday, Feb. 1, and running through Feb. 11, at Cottonwood Mall.
Copeland and Ryan Combs are the hosts of “Paranormal Cirque,” which is a different type of big top.
“Paranormal Cirque II” is a two-hour show that mixes traditional circus, theater and cabaret with improvised comedy and a not-so-subtle horror theme that’s packed with zombies, monsters and all other sorts of talented creatures.
Copeland and Combs made their debut with the traveling show in 2022 – in Albuquerque.
“Albuquerque was our first stop with ‘Paranormal Cirque’ and that’s where we first opened the show,” Copeland says. “The show has definitely grown a lot in the two years. We try to stay current with what we do. We pay attention to what movies are popular in the horror genre. We study different haunted attractions to get ideas for things.”
Copeland says there is some pressure because it’s just him and Combs for a lot of the show.
“We put pressure on ourselves because each piece is packed with talent that we have to be just as good, if not better,” he says. “What’s great is the show is constantly changing and that gives us an opportunity to improve what we do.”
“Paranormal Cirque” is one of the touring entertainment shows owned by Cirque Italia.
The company was founded by Manuel Rebecchi, the nephew of Moira Orfei, a famed Italian circus performer.
The other show currently touring under the Cirque Italia banner is “Water Circus,” which features circus acts performed in an environment of thousands of gallons of water that rains from the ceiling and rises from the stage in fountains.
Copeland says the goal is to provide audiences some good entertainment.
Copeland and Combs interact with audience members and some are even taken on stage.
“We want to empower people,” he says. “It’s important for people not only to have a good time, but also have some scares as well.”
Copeland says with “Paranormal Cirque II,” no one under the age of 13 is permitted and minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult since there is foul language and some sexual humor.
“We have new elements to the show,” Copeland says. “There is a sword swallower who is just amazing. We also have a woman who shoots a bow and arrow with her feet. If you’ve seen the show before, that’s completely different. This is a new version of the show with all new elements to it.”
Copeland also says there will be a haunted house an hour before the show.
“This is an opportunity for those who really love getting scared,” he says. “It’s definitely an experience.”