"Circus Caps for Sale": The Sweetest Show in Town!

By C.J. Hirschfield

The delightful Circus Center is a San Francisco institution, bringing circus arts to our community so that everyone, great and small, can experience the innovation, creativity and wonder of circus. So step right up, ladies and gentlemen, because for the very first time, Children’s Fairyland is partnering with the Center to present “Circus Caps for Sale” under our very own Oakland big top.

And judging by the squeals of dozens of happy children who attended the first performance on the morning of July 7, we’re pretty sure we have a hit on our hands.

Our production of “Circus Caps,” based on the classic children’s books by Esphyr Slobodkina, features not only an array of accomplished performers but also the stage debut of Fairyland’s mini-horse, Pixie.

Fairyland's mini-horse, Pixie, takes a turn in the ring with trainer Corinna Rezzelle.

From Cut Paper to Fairyland Stage

By C.J. Hirschfield

So many classic, best-selling children’s books are illustrated with collage that you may assume the technique – sticking various materials such as photographs and pieces of paper or fabric onto a backing – has always been associated with children’s literature. What would The Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle), Tar Beach (Faith Ringgold), Swimmy (Leo Lionni) and The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats) be without their playful and vibrant collage illustrations?

In fact, though, the first American children’s book illustrated with collage, Caps for Sale, wasn’t published until 1940. The story of its author/illustrator, Esphyr Slobodkina, itself reads like a novel – and a version of the book is now being adapted into a magical, musical production exclusively for Children’s Fairyland. “Circus Caps for Sale,” our co-production with the talented folks at San Francisco’s Circus Center, opens in our Aesop’s Playhouse on July 7 and continues on weekends through July 29.