Photo courtesy of Club Congress The Orts theater of Dance is one of only four in the world to use "flying mobiles" in its productions. The flying dance company will be performing at Circus Congress this Friday as part of the club's three-ring show.

Club Congress transforms into mini-bigtop for this Friday's show

The historic Club Congress has been host to any number of clowns and freaks over the years, but this time they were invited.

On Friday night, Club Congress will pitch a big top in the lobby, assemble trapeze artists at the staircase, and hire a clown and a bearded lady to tend what was once the cyber bar, as Circus Congress comes alive.

The circus theme grew out of the acts themselves, said Curtis McCrary, club manager and entertainment director of Club Congress. McCrary may have worked harder than P.T. Barnum to get the show together.

Acting as ringmasters to Circus Congress are local yokels Bebe and Serge, whose odd vocal styles are sometimes described as indescribable.

"We have been called 'surrealist karaoke,'" said Bebe.

Somewhat reminiscent of Milli Vanilli, but without the negative connotations, Bebe and Serge prerecord themselves singing and performing to the music on the night of the show, she said. For Circus Congress, the duo is preparing a Sonny-and-Cher-type variety show, in addition to some stand-up routines, and a collaboration with musician Gary Bear.

Serge also promises some surprises.

"We will also train cats to do simple tasks like open mail, for the anthrax conscious, if people bring their own cats," he said.

As long as the audience is perplexed, Serge believes their act to be a success.

"My favorite compliment was after the Radio Limbo show and (a fan) said, 'I love what you guys do. What is it?'" Serge said.

Joining Bebe and Serge for a few numbers is Bear - Tucson's favorite troubadour.

"We are doing a little skit to act out the characters from one of my songs and lead into more music," Bear said. "The songs are hero/villain type stories. I will perform an eclectic collection of original songs as well."

Like Bebe and Serge's art form, Bear's musical style somewhat resists definition.

"It is folkish with rock influences," Bear said.

Turn your attention to the ceiling as the Orts Theater of Dance brings its signature "flying mobiles" to the production. One of only four dance companies in the world to use these single point trapezes in their dance productions, Orts promises to delight children of all ages.

"They are bringing in (trapeze) equipment for part of their performance in the lobby," McCrary said. "There will also be a sort of go-go cage in the club."

The Orts company is flexible both in body and in assembly.

According to Orts' Web site, orts.org, "the company, its technical personnel, musicians and performing artists welcome the opportunity to work with sponsors in creating performances for specific areas or events."

As for the resident circus aficionado and his view of the Circus Congress, McCrary sees a great opportunity to combine such extremely different acts.

"Orts sees themselves as high art, and Bebe and Serge are sort of low brow and silly," McCrary said. "They together make a circus theme."

The three rings of Circus Congress light up the night beginning at 9 p.m. Friday. Circus Congress is located in Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Admission is $4 for the 21-and-over show. For more information, call 622-8848.