April 8-14, 2004

mixpicks

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus

by Steve Cohen

The circus world is highly traditional, full of rituals. The closing lines of the ringmaster, for example, are repeated verbatim every year: "May all your days be circus days." It is big news, therefore, when the circus breaks one of its customs. This year, for the first time in its 134-year history a woman will co-host Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, opening here Wednesday.

Danette Sheppard, billed as featured vocalist, will divide emcee duties with the ringmaster, and her songs will tie in with each of the acts. The circus has an orchestra larger than most Broadway shows; this show has an original score by Craig Safan and arrangements by Michael Gibson.

Sheppard, who began singing at the Memorial Baptist Church in Harlem at the age of 14, started her professional singing career at age 32 after working as an office manager in New York City. Three years later she landed the role of circus diva with one audition. "There are no words to describe it. Not in my wildest imagination did I think I'd be performing with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey," says Sheppard. Since making her professional debut in 2000, Sheppard has appeared on tour in Jesus Christ Superstar and Smokey Joe's Cafe.

"The circus has something for everyone: old, young, rich, poor, black, white," says the self-described belter. "I try to incorporate my entire range into most every song. It makes it more fun and interesting."

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, April 14-25, $12-$75, Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., 215-336-2000.

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