Marvin Spindler was supposed to make his circus debut in the U.S. last week, but a Lufthansa Airlines strike left him and his crew stranded in Germany.
Such is the peril of putting on a family-run show in an unfamiliar city across the Atlantic, with props and materials arriving at various U.S. sea ports before eventually coming together at Stone Mountain Park, where Germany’s Great Bavarian Circus will finally make its U.S. debut March 21.
For Mr. Spindler, a clown in the show and a member of one of the oldest circus families in Germany, the hurdles are worth it to bring American audiences a taste of what’s being billed as “Oktoberfest under the big top” — fulfilling a long-held dream of his grandfather, Max Spindler.
“Now we are at work to make everything ready for the first show,” Mr. Spindler told Global Atlanta by phone. “It’s a long way to go, but we will do everything to be ready for the people of Atlanta.”
When guests arrive in the welcome tent Friday, they’ll be transported to the southern German state of Bavaria through music, clowns in lederhosen, and German delectables like bratwurst, pretzels and a selection of authentic beers, some from Germany and some brewed locally. Circus snacks like candy, popcorn and soft drinks will also be available.
Guests will then make their way toward the ring, where performers (most of them members of the Spindler family) will perform feats of juggling, animal acts and acrobatics on trapezes and trampolines, providing an old-fashioned experience that should induce nostalgia in those who have experienced a traditional circus.
“We have everything that a circus must have,” Mr. Spindler says.
Leigh Ketchum, who heads up Sarasota Box Office, the company handling the logistics, marketing and ticketing for the show, said the throwback…
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