By Norman Barnhart

Clowns, circus performers or anyone who loves the circus needs to grab this new book by Ron Severini.

This fun read is filled with many wonderful Jackpots. In circus lingo a “jackpot” is a story or funny moment from backstage, on stage or the days on the road in the circus.  It is a Jackpot because if you are greatly rewarded when you hear the story like a little leprechaun find in a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  The ending of each story can be anything from poignant to hilarious so there is much value in these gems.

This book gives you an all access pass to the circus and see it through the eyes of a clown.  You will meet many amazing people and have a ringside seat to observe their  fascinating situations. You really had to be there, and thankfully Ron was there and recorded many crazy and funny moments that could only happen in the Big Top world.

One of my favorites is about the time in Hollywood when many stars came out to the Greatest Show on Earth. Jimmy Stewart was a huge circus fan and was among the glamorous spectacle.  Mr. Stewart is immaculate in his suit even though it is 80 degrees that night.  Ron in clown notices that the famous actor’s fly is open and discreetly finds a fun way to mention it to Mr. Stewart. The clown stands so the star can step behind him and see that the wardrobe situation is remedied and then turns to Ron with a comical quip – well you got to read the book!

One of my favorites is about the human cannonball Zeno! The circus owner was paying the acts at the end of the season alphabetically and when he got to Zeno the boss said, “It was a hard year, I’ve run out of luck and I’m out of money.” and Zeno replied, “well next year I’m coming back as the Amazing Adam.”

Some of the stories are short and quick reads while others are long and very sweet like the Ron’s remembrance of Otto Griebling.  Ron played cards with Otto many times on the long train rides and he shares the very touching last days of Otto’s life and the piling of a dozen clowns into a taxi to go visit Otto in the hospital between the second and third show in NYC.  Please enjoy that story shared in this issue of Clowning Around as a gift from Ron Severini.

You’ll enjoy this book overflowing with Jackpots about ringmasters, advance men, showgirls, acrobats and crazy situations such the one about the happiest man that Ron ever met.

Another great tale is the time the 40 Car circus train stopped in Nevada. Ron recalls how wonderful it was to see the animals get off the train and go down to a lake and frolic and play in the water. Ron wrote, “it was absolutely amazing sight to see.”

In this 442 page book you’ll delight in fascinating stories about the winter quarters, a wedding on the circus and what it is like to work with the performing bears. And of course there are the stories about clowns! Lots of tales of the circus life of clowns.

Laugh at funny stories and situations Ron experienced with other clowns on the road with the circus or at the famous clown college. You will enjoy a front row seat to get up close with many famous clowns including Lou Jacobs, Otto Griebling, Mark Anthony, Emmett Kelly, Steve Smith and many, many more. Can you understand why you need this fascinating book? (And why I love it and highly recommend it?)

Read about the day Ron first stepped into the clown alley and how he recalls the words of advice given by an old gentleman guy who was leaving, hunched over two canes slowly moving to go get a seat and watch the show.  He was a beloved clown on the circus for many years – Bumpsy.  Ron was the new guy taking his place. In a nutshell that advice was to take care of yourself… your body is your instrument so don’t beat it up with lots of pratfalls, etc. That advice Ron took to heart and you can read Bumpsy’s sound advice to clowns verbatim in this fine collection of circus lore. (Watch for an article about Bumpsy – this almost forgotten gentleman Circus clown in the next issue.)

It is a fun read – filled with amazing people, places and situations. The book has many color pictures that enhance the appeal. You will be touched – you will smile, you will laugh out loud, you will shed a tear and you will wish there was more!

You do not want to miss this wonderful book filled with true tales from the greatest show on earth told from the view of a clown. you can find it at Ron Severini‘s website. See more at  TheSeveriniCompany.com

“RINGLING REMEMBERED … Through the Eyes of a Circus Clown”

Order one at Amazon.com