These kids are just clowning around!
The kids of the Ridge Creative Center staged a circus production for their friends, family, and fellow Ridgites at Redeemer St. John’s Lutheran Church on 83rd Street on Aug. 24. The two-show production was inspired by the Ringling Brothers Circus and was, according to the ringmaster, a roaring success — and not just because of the lion.
“The parents had a great time, and we got so many compliments,” said Victoria Hofmo, the creator of the show and executive director of the Ridge Creative Center. “It made everybody happy. I’m just really proud of the kids.”
The 13 performers, ranging in age from 4-and-a-half- to 13-years-old, took on the roles of monkeys, lions, clowns, tightrope walkers, snakes, French poodles, magicians, and bearded ladies, among others. They were coached by four staff members, including Hofmo, throughout the summer.
“I thought they really had fun,” said Ken Okabayashi, whose son Xavier took the part of a lion, and daughter Audrey performed as a tightrope walker. “They really got to pretend play very well, and I thought they took cues very well. It was a very fun show to watch.”
Okabayashi said his children are eager to stage an encore performance.
“They’ll do it again,” he said. “They couldn’t wait to go back.”
