Felicity Hesed Is a Star (Literally) in Fairyland's New Show for Young Children

By C.J. Hirschfield

Felicity Hesed is special. Her idea of a good time is performing complex acts on a trapeze while bantering with an audience. “It is unusual,” she admits.

Felicity is a seasoned clown, aerialist and actor—and a co-star of Children’s Fairyland’s newest Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) production of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” running April 6 to May 26 at the park. 

Felicity Hesed, right, with Valerie Compton and a star-nibbling sheep in "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"

We first met Felicity last year when she performed in “Circus Caps for Sale,” the popular summer show that we produced in partnership with the San Francisco Circus Center. Her talent, along with her humor and ability to connect with audience members of all ages, impressed us mightily. We’re happy that she quite her day job to focus on performing just in time for our newest show for our youngest audience.

Felicity performing on the trapeze in last summer's "Circus Caps for Sale"

We weren’t surprised to learn that Felicity used to teach preschool and has a master’s degree in teaching. TVY’s focus on the 6-month-to-4-year-old crowd feels very comfortable to her, even more so since she is the mom of two boys, ages 6 and 8.

Based on the beloved lullaby, “Twinkle, Twinkle” encourages children to explore and learn with all of their senses through storytelling that incorporates familiar music and characters—and Felicity performing in a circle in the sky. She’s literally a star.

Her co-star, Valerie Compton, plays a child getting ready for bed who reaches out to her imaginary friend (Felicity). Kids will be invited to talk to the actors, join them in song and dance, and touch or use various objects. Colorful props abound.

Felicity says the show is a perfect match for her skills. She’s performed with the Bay Area’s Pickle Family Circus and Teatro ZinZanni and is a regular performer at the Circus Center Cabaret; she says clowning allows her to combine her love of both circus and theater. She was featured as a leading artist in her field in the San Francisco Aerial Arts Festival, and recently returned from China, where she was a special guest performer in the Tenth National Golden Chrysanthemum Competition for Acrobatics and International Humor Art Week. 

“It will be fun to put all of these skills together,” Felicity told me, adding: “I particularly love the interaction.” TVY shows have small audiences—30 or fewer—and are held in a cozy space where everyone can participate in the special experience.

Visit the Fairyland website for more information and to buy tickets. We offer discounts for Fairyland members and for groups of 10 or more. 

Felicity will also be premiering a solo show, “Cara Vita: a Clown Concerto” as part of the San Francisco International Arts Festival at the end of May. For information, go to the festival’s website.

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C.J. Hirschfield has served for 17 years as executive director of Children’s Fairyland, where she is charged with the overall operation of the nation’s oldest storybook theme park.