An equestrian circus billed as the largest of its kind in North America is bringing its big top to Del Mar.
Cirque Ma'Ceo, a touring production that blends Cossack trick riding, bareback acrobatics and liberty horsemanship, opens a nearly four-week run at the Del Mar Horsepark on Friday, Oct. 30, first reported by The Coast News. The run continues through Sunday, Nov. 22. It is the show's first local stop.
The production is the creation of Olissio Zoppe, a ninth-generation circus performer whose family tradition dates to 1842. Zoppe began performing at age four and went on to ride with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus before launching Cirque Ma'Ceo about nine years ago.
"We really try to stay away from a pure circus," Cirque Ma'Ceo representative Jacob Winge told The Coast News. "You think of clowns, equestrian arts were the earliest forms of circuses."
About a dozen performers take the ring inside a custom-designed Italian big top tent with intimate red lighting and Spanish guitar music, according to the production's website. The horses include Friesians, Andalusians, Belgian drafts, mustangs and a miniature horse. In liberty riding segments, horses perform without halters or other equipment.
The horses are the stars.
Famed liberty rider Sylvia Zerbini has joined the tour for select dates, though it is not yet confirmed which Del Mar shows she will appear in, according to The Coast News. Zerbini, also a ninth-generation circus artist, previously performed with Ringling Bros. and the touring show Cavalia.
The Sarasota, Florida-based company tours from late January through November each year, Winge said.
Performances at the Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 El Camino Real, are scheduled Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., according to Theater.Guide. Third-party listings show tickets starting at $56 for opening weekend and $65 for later dates. Tickets and full schedule details are available at cirquemaceo.com.
Coming up in Del Mar and Solana Beach
- Friday, Oct. 30: Cirque Ma'Ceo opening night, 7 p.m., Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 El Camino Real. Tickets at cirquemaceo.com.
- Through Nov. 22: Cirque Ma'Ceo performances continue Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Del Mar Horsepark.
