The Greatest Show on Earth!

LA’s Own Cirque Berzerk

Erects Big Top Circus Tent to Premiere “Beneath”

For Four Nights this Summer in Downtown LA

At Los Angeles State Historic Park

July 24 – 27, 2008

LOS ANGELES, CA – At first glance it may look like something from Cirque Du Soleil but don’t be fooled, Los Angeles’ only established circus troupe, Cirque Berzerk, promises something completely different when they launch their original show, "Beneath" on Thursday, July 24, 2008. "Beneath" is a new twist on the ageless story of Orpheus, featuring breathtaking fire stunts, aerial acrobatics, stunning contortionists, live vocals, and an original score from the cast of Cirque Berzerk.  The show, complete with the troupe’s own big top circus tent, runs for four nights from July 24th through Sunday, July 27th with nightly performances beginning at 8:00 p.m.  Come early to enjoy picnicking “Hollywood Bowl” style before the show starting at 6:00 p.m.  The event of the summer will take place at the Los Angeles State Historic Park located at 1245 North Spring Street, Los Angeles CA 90012. Tickets are available starting May 20th at www.cirqueberzerk.com and are priced between $35 and $60.

Alternate forms of transportation are encouraged.  The circus is offering a free clown bicycle valet and a 10 percent discount for those arriving via bicycle. Additionally, the discount will also apply for those showing a Metro pass or bus/rail ticket.  Metro is one of the event sponsors ( www.metro.net).

Armed with a cast of 30 hardcore circus performers, Cirque Berzerk rises from the gray urban sprawl of Los Angeles like an army of color and glitter to dazzle spectators with an original urban-underground inspired performance. The show is loosely based on the story of Orpheus, taking the audience on a wild ride into the beckoning mythos of a fiery underworld filled with raunchy cabaret, punk-rock clowns, impossible contortion and astounding aerial acrobatics.

Cirque Berzerk has performed various vignette type of shows since 2005, ranging from private events at the Ritz Carlton Beverly Hills all the way to performing on the bill with popular alternative band The Killers for Carmen Elektra’s New Year’s Eve Bash on the Paramount Studios lot. The show on July 24th will mark the inaugural full-length performance.

“We knew from the start that we had something special,” states Cirque Berzerk co-founder Suzanne Bernel. “Our more regular dinner-style showcases and private events were always extremely successful, but something was missing. We had a great show with a talented cast and fantastic original music -- but if we were truly going to blossom as a circus act, we had to find the right venue. We held fundraisers and saved every penny we earned as a group to buy our very own big top circus tent.”

For Beneath’s run participants and fellow revelers are encouraged to arrive early and dine picnic-style around the big top. A beautifully decorated beer and wine garden will open at 6:00 p.m. to all of-age participants and the circus troupe’s many performing friends will be on hand to set the mood with stilt walking, clowns, live music and other performance artists.

“We’re thrilled to be making our full-length public debut in downtown Los Angeles,” continued Bernel. “Having performed indie shows for a number of years downtown, it feels like home to most of our performers. We look forward to the beginning of a summertime tradition.”

The venue, formerly known as “The Cornfield” is the last vast open space in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Spanning 32 acres, it sets adjacent to Chinatown and is easily accessible by bus, rail, car or bicycle. Recently, the Not a Cornfield project transformed the area from what was historically a brown patch of Earth into a blooming mecca of springtime flora. The big top tent will sit in the heart of the park, which will provide ample space for anyone wishing to picnic.

About Cirque Berzerk:
Heralding dozens of various performers, Cirque Berzerk has been performing since 2005.  Spearheaded by husband and wife team Kevin Bourque and Suzanne Bernel, Cirque Berzerk is a tight-knit family of performers who have banded together to put their unique spin on the face of contemporary circus theater.  They have performed for various types of events and clients including Carmen Elektra’s New Year’s Eve Bash at Paramount Studios, Best Buy, PlayStation3 Computer Entertainment System and a host of private shows at locations ranging from nightclubs to the Ritz Carlton. The troupe’s signature style blends hardcore circus choreography with the glamorous themes of cabaret and vaudeville. Stunts include aerial performance, contortion, various stunts involving fire and incredible stilt action. More information on Cirque Berzerk is found at www.cirquebezerk.com.