Antique Italian Family Circus Comes To WHB

The circus is coming to town this weekend!

The Zoppé Family Circus, presented by the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, will begin on Friday, July 29, at 7 p.m., and will continue on Saturday, July 30, and Sunday, July 31, at 3 p.m. For the performances, the Westhampton Beach Village Green on Main Street will house a one-ring circus tent bursting with clowns, acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship and canine capers.

According to Giovanni Zoppé, who performs as Nino the Clown, the circus will entertain the whole family with various stunts and performances.

“The best part about the circus, is being able to give our art to people,” Mr. Zoppé said during a recent phone interview. “They can forget about life for a few hours and forget about all their troubles.”

The Zoppé Family Circus is an antique family circus that began in 1842 when Mr. Zoppé’s ancestors—a French clown and a Hungarian ballerina—met, fell in love and started a circus together, according to Mr. Zoppé. Since then the entire Zoppé family has become involved. Mr. Zoppé began performing when he was 1 year old and his 21-month-old son is already following in his footsteps, appearing in every show, he said.

“This circus is special because it follows a story line,” he explained. “There’s a reason why things happen when they do.”

This is circus’s first time in Westhampton and Mr. Zoppé said the entire troupe is very excited.

“Our circus isn’t just for children, it’s for everyone,” he said. “It’s a truly magical experience.”

Tickets for the

Z

oppé Family Circus are $25 and $50. There are also VIP Ringmaster Packages available that include four adult tickets and 10 children’s tickets for ages 12 and under. The VIP package includes reserved ringside seating at the performance of your choice; a half-day circus skills workshop under the “Big Top” with circus stars on Saturday, July 30, for children age 6 and up; complimentary ringmaster passes for all food and beverage concessions; reserved parking; post-circus reception and a group photo with circus stars. The VIP Ringmaster Packages are limited and cost $2,500. For tickets or more information, call 288-1500 or visit whbpac.org.